Is Pearsall Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pearsall
Pearsall, Texas, located in Frio County, is a city with a population of approximately 9,045 residents as of 2024 (Data USA). The city is experiencing growth, with its population increasing by 12.88% since 2020 (Data USA). Pearsall offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability (ERI Economic Research Institute). The community is characterized by a strong Hispanic population, with over 89% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino (Data USA, Census Dots).
The climate in Pearsall is typical of South Texas, featuring hot and humid summers with generally mild to cool winters (Wikipedia). The average high temperatures in the summer can reach up to 97°F, while winter lows can dip to around 44°F in January (myPerfectWeather). Annual precipitation averages about 24 inches, with May typically seeing the most rainfall (myPerfectWeather).
Is it Safe to Live in Pearsall?
Pearsall’s crime rate presents a complex picture. While some reports indicate a crime rate that is lower than the national average, others suggest it is considerably higher than average for similarly sized communities (AreaVibes, CrimeGrade.org). The city’s overall crime rate is reported to be 47.1% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). However, another analysis indicates a crime rate of 47.16 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average (CrimeGrade.org).
Violent crime in Pearsall is reported to be 28.9% lower than the national average, with 23 reported violent crimes in a recent year (AreaVibes). Property crime in Pearsall is reported at 866 per 100,000 residents, which is 50.8% lower than the U.S. average (AreaVibes). Despite these lower figures in some categories, Pearsall ranks in the 11th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 11% of U.S. cities (CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the west part of the city to be the safest area (CrimeGrade.org).
Housing Costs and Living Expenses
The cost of living in Pearsall is notably lower than the national average. One report indicates it is 18% less expensive than the national average and 11% less expensive than the average city in Texas (ERI Economic Research Institute). Another source states that Pearsall’s cost of living is 15% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This affordability is largely driven by significantly lower housing costs.
The median property value in Pearsall was approximately $106,700 in 2024 (Data USA). Housing costs in Pearsall are reported to be 44.8% below the national average (AreaVibes). The median home price is also reported as $190,000 (Homes.com), with smaller houses ranging from $70,000 to $160,000 and larger properties between $190,000 and $300,000 (Homes.com). The median monthly rent is around $824 (Kurby AI), though other sources cite a median rent price of $948 (Niche).
Job Market and Economy
Pearsall’s economy is influenced by its presence in the oil and gas industry, alongside other sectors (Homes.com). While specific unemployment rate data is not consistently available across sources, one report indicates an unemployment rate of 8% (ERI Economic Research Institute). The median household income in Pearsall was approximately $49,198 in 2024 (Data USA). However, a different source cites a median household income of $41,761 (Kurby AI), and another reports a median income of $29,894 (Data Commons).
The job market in Pearsall is described as having a stable local economy, particularly from an investment perspective, despite a lower median household income than the national figure (Kurby AI). The city is considered ideally suited for first-time homebuyers, retirees, or those seeking an affordable escape from larger urban centers (Kurby AI). Major employers in Pearsall are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results.
Demographics and Community
Pearsall is a city with a predominantly Hispanic population, with approximately 89.1% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino as of recent estimates (Census Dots, Data USA). The White population constitutes about 5.5%, and the Black population is around 3.9% (Census Dots). The city’s population was estimated at 9,045 in 2024, showing a significant increase from the 7,325 recorded in the 2020 Census (Census Dots, Data USA).
The median age in Pearsall is 31.4 years (Data USA). The homeownership rate is approximately 54.6% (Data USA), which is lower than the national average. The average commute time for residents is about 18.6 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (Data USA). Most households in Pearsall do not report speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language (Data USA).
Education in Pearsall
The Pearsall Independent School District serves the city’s educational needs. The district received a “D” rating from the Texas Education Agency, indicating performance that needs improvement (Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). This rating is based on student achievement, school progress, and the closing of achievement gaps for disadvantaged students (Texas Tribune Schools Explorer).
Pearsall High School also received a “D” rating, with specific concerns in student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps for economically disadvantaged students (Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). Pearsall Intermediate School and Pearsall Junior High School are also part of the district, with Pearsall Junior High School receiving a C- rating (Niche, NeighborhoodScout). According to state test scores, approximately 28% of students in the Pearsall Independent School District are proficient in math and 33% in reading (Niche).
Climate and Weather
Pearsall experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters (Wikipedia). The hottest month is typically August, with average high temperatures around 96-98°F and lows of 74°F (myPerfectWeather). The coldest month is January, with average lows of 44°F and highs of 65°F (myPerfectWeather).
The city sees an average annual precipitation of about 24 inches (myPerfectWeather). May is generally the wettest month, with an average of 8.5 days experiencing rain (myPerfectWeather). The period from April to November can be quite muggy, with July having the most muggy days (myPerfectWeather).
Pros and Cons of Living in Pearsall
Pearsall offers a significantly lower cost of living, particularly in housing, making it an affordable place to reside (ERI Economic Research Institute, AreaVibes). The community is also characterized by a strong sense of small-town life, where relationships can be built (Niche). Its location near Interstate 35 provides convenient access to larger cities like San Antonio and Laredo (Homes.com).
However, Pearsall faces challenges with its crime rates, which some analyses indicate are higher than average for comparable cities (CrimeGrade.org). The educational system has received lower ratings, with the school district and high school both receiving “D” grades (Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). Additionally, the city is car-dependent, with a very low walkability score (Kurby AI).