Is Cabo Rojo Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cabo Rojo

Cabo Rojo, a municipality on the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a relaxed Caribbean lifestyle. Known for its stunning beaches, diverse ecosystems, and the iconic Los Morrillos Lighthouse, it attracts visitors and potential residents alike. As with any relocation decision, understanding the local environment, economic landscape, and community is crucial.

This guide delves into the specifics of living in Cabo Rojo, covering aspects from safety and cost of living to employment opportunities and climate. Whether you’re drawn to its picturesque coastline or its rich cultural heritage, this information aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering making Cabo Rojo their home.

Is it Safe to Live in Cabo Rojo?

The overall crime rate in Cabo Rojo is a significant concern, with an F grade indicating that crime rates are much higher than the average US city (according to CrimeGrade). Cabo Rojo ranks in the 5th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 5% of cities nationwide, but less safe than 95% (as reported by CrimeGrade). The crime rate stands at 60.05 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade).

Your chance of being a victim of crime in Cabo Rojo varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 14 in the southwest to 1 in 18 in the east (as reported by CrimeGrade). The northwest parts of Cabo Rojo experience the most crime incidents, approximately 362 per year, while the northeast has the fewest, around 106 crimes annually (as reported by CrimeGrade). The total projected cost of crime in Cabo Rojo for 2025 is estimated at $33,503,955, translating to about $959 per resident (as reported by CrimeGrade).

What is the Cost of Living in Cabo Rojo?

The cost of living in Cabo Rojo is approximately 4% less than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This makes it more affordable than the average city in Puerto Rico as well. These figures are based on an assumed annual salary of $72,000 and a two-bedroom apartment.

Housing costs in Cabo Rojo are more affordable than the US average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Transportation costs are also more affordable compared to the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). However, food costs in Cabo Rojo are less affordable than the US average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).

Housing Costs

The median listing price for a home in Cabo Rojo County is approximately $360,000 (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). The median rental price in Cabo Rojo County is around $1,600 per month (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). Year-over-year, the median sale price in Cabo Rojo County has decreased by 7.71% (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).

In the 00623 zip code, the median listing price for a home is $350,000 (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). The median rental price in this zip code is $1,500 per month (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). Homes for sale in Cabo Rojo County have seen a median listing price decrease of 7.71% year-over-year, while median rents have decreased by 11.11% (as reported by Realtor.com® Research).

Average Salary and Income

The average salary in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico is $39,358 per year, which equates to an hourly rate of approximately $19 (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Cabo Rojo was $26,408 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This is about one-third of the median household income in the United States ($80,734) (as reported by Data USA).

The per capita income in Cabo Rojo is $17,031 (as reported by Census Reporter). This figure is slightly lower than the per capita income in Puerto Rico ($17,981) and about two-fifths of the US national average ($44,673) (as reported by Census Reporter). A significant portion of households, 75%, earn under $50,000 annually (as reported by Census Reporter).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Cabo Rojo Municipio was 7.4% as of February 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). In earlier data from 1990 to 2010, the unemployment rate fluctuated, with figures like 17.82% in 1990 and 17.00% in 1991 (as reported by Justia).

For the year 2023, 8.8% of individuals who worked full-time year-round still lived below the poverty level (as reported by Centro de Datos de Familias). Among young people aged 16 to 19, 15.6% were not enrolled in school in 2023, and of this group, 30.2% were unemployed (as reported by Centro de Datos de Familias).

What is the Job Market Like in Cabo Rojo?

The economy of Cabo Rojo Municipio employs approximately 16,800 people as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). From 2023 to 2024, employment grew by 3.76%. The most common industries for employment in Cabo Rojo include Retail Trade (2,621 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,098 people), and Manufacturing (2,060 people) (as reported by Data USA).

The primary job groups for residents are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (2,556 people), Sales & Related Occupations (2,067 people), and Production Occupations (1,512 people) (as reported by Data USA). The highest-paying industries in Cabo Rojo are Information ($38,684), Finance & Insurance ($32,016), and Utilities ($31,563) (as reported by Data USA).

Major Employers

Propster International Inc. is a notable employer in Cabo Rojo, operating within the Manufacturing sector, specifically in Cut and Sew Apparel Contractors (as listed by Leading Employers). Other significant industries in the area include Public Administration and Accommodation and Food Services.

While specific lists of all major employers can vary, the presence of manufacturing, retail, and service-based industries indicates a diverse, albeit localized, employment landscape. The broader San German-Cabo Rojo, PR economy is tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, providing broader employment data for the region.

What is the Climate in Cabo Rojo?

Cabo Rojo experiences a hot, oppressive, and partly cloudy climate throughout the year (as reported by Wikipedia). The temperature typically ranges from 70°F to 88°F and rarely drops below 67°F or exceeds 90°F (as reported by Wikipedia).

The length of the day in Cabo Rojo varies over the course of the year. For example, on February 23, 2026, the sunrise was at 6:51 AM and sunset at 6:33 PM (as reported by NOAA). The average temperature on this date was 23.8°C (74.84°F), with no precipitation recorded (as reported by NOAA).

Temperature and Rainfall

The temperature in Cabo Rojo does not vary significantly throughout the year, making it consistently warm (as reported by Wikipedia). The best times of year for outdoor tourist activities, based on a tourism score favoring clear, rainless days with temperatures between 65°F and 80°F, are from late December to late March, with a peak in early February (as reported by Wikipedia).

In March, the average daytime temperature is around 82°F, dropping to 73°F at night. During this month, Cabo Rojo typically receives about 1.43 inches of rain over approximately four rainy days, with humidity around 74% (as reported by Weather Spark). The best months to visit for holiday or travel are January and February, with temperatures around 82°F and an average of over 271 hours of sunshine per month (as reported by Weather Spark).

What are the Demographics of Cabo Rojo?

Cabo Rojo Municipio has a population of 46,876 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The municipality is the 15th largest in Puerto Rico (as reported by World Population Review). The population has seen a slight decrease, with an estimated population of 45,724 in 2026, reflecting a -0.68% growth rate over the past year (as reported by World Population Review).

The median age in Cabo Rojo is 47.1 years (as reported by Data Commons), which is higher than the median age in Puerto Rico (44.8) and significantly higher than the US national median age (38.9) (as reported by Census Reporter). The population is predominantly Hispanic, with 99.6% identifying as such (as reported by Data USA).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The overwhelming majority of Cabo Rojo’s population identifies as Hispanic, making up 99.6% of residents (as reported by Data USA). Among the Hispanic population, White (Hispanic) is the largest ethnic group, followed by Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Hispanic), and Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) (as reported by Data USA).

Data from Census Reporter indicates that 99% of the population is Hispanic, with other race categories making up a very small percentage. This strong Hispanic identity is a defining characteristic of the municipality’s demographic makeup.

What are the School Ratings in Cabo Rojo?

Niche.com provides ratings and statistics for public and private schools in Cabo Rojo Municipio. The platform offers insights into school performance based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and reviews from students and parents (as reported by Niche). These rankings are calculated using data from the U.S. Department of Education.

The “Best Schools” rankings for 2026 in Cabo Rojo Municipio are available, allowing users to explore schools based on various factors. Information on student-teacher ratios, overall grades, and specific school performance is provided. For instance, Severo E. Colberg Ramirez has 262 students with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1 (as reported by Niche).

Public School Performance

Several public schools are listed for Cabo Rojo Municipio, including Ines Maria Mendoza De Munoz Marin, Escuela Segunda Unidad Antonio Acaron Correa, and Severo E. Colberg Ramirez (as listed by Niche). Niche provides overall grades and statistics for these schools, aiding in comparisons.

For example, Mildred Arroyo Cardoza (Segunda Unidad Bo Puerto Real) has a student-teacher ratio of 8:1 (as reported by Niche). Escuela Segunda Unidad Carmen Vignals Rosario has 215 students with a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 (as reported by Niche). These figures offer a glimpse into the learning environment within the public school system.

Pros and Cons of Living in Cabo Rojo

Cabo Rojo offers a compelling lifestyle with its beautiful natural surroundings and a generally lower cost of living compared to the mainland United States (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The warm climate and numerous beaches provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and a relaxed pace of life.

However, the higher crime rates are a significant drawback to consider (as reported by CrimeGrade). While the cost of living is lower, some essential goods, like food, are more expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The job market, while present, may offer lower average salaries compared to the US mainland (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

Economic Considerations

The median household income in Cabo Rojo is substantially lower than in the United States (as reported by Census Reporter), and the average salary is also considerably less (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). While the cost of living is lower, this disparity in income and salary may impact financial well-being for some residents.

The unemployment rate, while fluctuating, remains a factor to consider in the local job market. Major employers are present, particularly in manufacturing and retail, but opportunities for high-paying jobs may be more limited compared to larger economic centers.

Lifestyle and Environment

The climate in Cabo Rojo is tropical, characterized by warm temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons (as reported by Wikipedia). This environment is ideal for those who enjoy a warm climate and outdoor activities, with numerous beaches and natural reserves offering recreational opportunities.

The strong sense of community, largely driven by its predominantly Hispanic population, contributes to a unique cultural experience. However, the higher crime rates necessitate a heightened awareness of personal safety and security.