Is Falfurrias Safe, Pros and cons of living in Falfurrias
Falfurrias, Texas, situated in Brooks County, is a small city with a population of approximately 4,646 residents as of 2024 (Data USA). The city has experienced a population decrease, with a projected population of 4,208 in 2026, reflecting an annual decline rate (Data USA). Falfurrias is characterized by its close-knit community and a slower pace of life, deeply rooted in South Texas traditions (Kurby AI).
This community offers a unique proposition for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle, with a median home value significantly lower than the national average (Kurby AI). The town’s safety and community spirit make it an attractive option for families, retirees, or anyone looking to escape the fast-paced urban environment (Kurby AI).
Is it Safe to Live in Falfurrias?
Falfurrias presents a complex picture regarding safety, with differing reports on its crime rates. One assessment indicates that Falfurrias has a total crime rate that is 58% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents, with an average of 0.11 daily crimes (AreaVibes). This evaluation suggests Falfurrias experiences fewer violent incidents and property offenses compared to national statistics.
Conversely, another source states that Falfurrias has a crime rate of 84.30 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average, placing it in the 2nd percentile for safety (meaning it is safer than only 2% of U.S. cities) (AreaVibes, SafestPlaces). This analysis also notes that the cost of crime per resident is approximately $1,005 annually, which is higher than both the national and Texas state averages (SafestPlaces). Residents generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime in that area compared to the east neighborhoods (SafestPlaces).
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent crimes in Falfurrias are reported to be lower than the national average by approximately 30% (AreaVibes). Specifically, there were about 11 violent crimes reported, equating to 252 per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). This translates to a 1 in 398 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime annually in Falfurrias (AreaVibes).
However, a different perspective indicates a crime safety grade of B+ with the overall crime rate being 43% below the national average, and a 1 in 400 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (DoorProfit). This source also notes that murder rates are 41% below average, and assault and robbery rates are also low (DoorProfit).
Property Crime Statistics
Property crimes in Falfurrias are reported to be lower than the national average by about 63.6% (AreaVibes). The city recorded approximately 28 property crimes, which amounts to 641 per 100,000 people (AreaVibes). This results in a 1 in 156 chance of becoming a victim of property crime annually (AreaVibes).
Another report suggests a property crime rate that is 28% lower than the national average, with a 1 in 76 chance of becoming a victim annually (DoorProfit). The breakdown of property crime rates indicates that burglary is 33% below the national average, larceny/theft is 35% below, and vehicle theft is 30% below the national average (DoorProfit).
Pros and Cons of Living in Falfurrias
Falfurrias offers a significantly lower cost of living, which is a major draw for many. This affordability extends to everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare expenses (AreaVibes, Kurby AI). The median home value is substantially below the national average, making homeownership more accessible (Kurby AI).
The community is known for its close-knit nature and slower pace of life, which can be appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle (Kurby AI). Additionally, the crime rate is reported to be lower than the national average, contributing to a perception of safety for residents (AreaVibes, DoorProfit).
Economic Opportunities and Challenges
The job market in Falfurrias presents a mixed outlook. Employment in the city declined by 31.4% from 2023 to 2024, with a significant decrease in the number of employees (Data USA). The most common employment sectors are Educational Services, Construction, and Public Administration (Data USA).
The average annual salary in Falfurrias is reported to be around $36,000, with an hourly rate of $17.31 (Zippia). However, other sources place the average annual salary closer to $44,668 as of April 2026, with a range typically between $31,500 and $55,750 (ZipRecruiter). The city also has a poverty rate of 19.93%, which is higher than the national average (Data USA).
Housing Market Insights
Falfurrias boasts a highly affordable housing market. The median home value is around $79,900 as of 2024 (Data USA), while other reports cite a median home value of $67,300 (Kurby AI). This is considerably lower than the national average, making it an attractive market for potential homeowners and investors (Kurby AI, Data USA).
The homeownership rate in Falfurrias is approximately 39% (Data USA). Rental prices are also notably low, with the average rent being around $400 per month, which is significantly below the national average (Zillow, Trulia). This affordability in housing is a key characteristic of the Falfurrias real estate landscape.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Falfurrias is substantially lower than both the national and state averages. Expenses for everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare are all below the national benchmark (AreaVibes, Salary.com). This makes Falfurrias one of the more affordable cities in the United States.
For a single person, monthly living expenses are estimated to be around $2,090, and for a family of four, approximately $4,677 (Salary.com). This economic advantage is a significant factor for individuals and families considering a move to the area.
Housing and Utilities
Housing costs are a primary driver of Falfurrias’ affordability, being significantly lower than the national average (Salary.com, AreaVibes). While specific average rent figures vary, they consistently remain well below national trends (Zillow, Trulia). Utility costs also contribute to the lower cost of living, being approximately 11.9% lower than the national average (Salary.com).
The median home value, though experiencing some fluctuation, remains remarkably low, offering accessible homeownership opportunities (Data USA, Kurby AI, Zillow). This affordability in housing is a cornerstone of Falfurrias’ economic appeal.
Transportation and Food Expenses
Transportation expenses in Falfurrias are also below the national average, contributing to the overall affordability of the city (Salary.com). Most residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 15.4 minutes (Data USA).
Food expenses are also more budget-friendly in Falfurrias, running about 5.8% below the national average for monthly food costs (Salary.com). These savings on essential daily expenses further enhance the cost-effectiveness of living in Falfurrias.
Demographics
Falfurrias has a population of approximately 4,646 residents as of 2024 (Data USA). The demographic makeup is predominantly Hispanic, with over 90% of the population identifying as such (Data USA, Point2Homes). White residents constitute a smaller percentage, around 7.1% (Data USA).
The median age in Falfurrias is 36.7 years, with a slightly higher median age for females (37.7 years) compared to males (30.9 years) (Data USA). The population is comprised of 98.7% U.S. citizens (Data USA).
Age and Gender Distribution
The age distribution shows a broad range of residents, with 22.2% under 15 years old and 18.3% aged 65 or older (Point2Homes). Adults between 25 and 44 make up the largest segment at 28.2% (Point2Homes). The gender distribution is relatively balanced, with 48.8% males and 51.2% females (Point2Homes).
The median age of 36.7 years suggests a community with a mix of younger families and older residents (Data USA, Point2Homes). This demographic profile contributes to the town’s overall community atmosphere.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
Falfurrias is characterized by its significant ethnic diversity, primarily driven by its large Hispanic population (Data USA, Point2Homes). Over 90% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino (Data USA, Point2Homes). Other racial groups, such as White and those identifying with Two or More Races, are present in smaller percentages (Data USA, Point2Homes).
The population includes a small percentage of foreign-born residents, around 4.41% as of 2024 (Data USA). The majority of households report speaking English as their primary language at home (Data USA).
Climate
Falfurrias experiences a climate with long, hot summers and short, cool winters, with the weather being partly cloudy year-round (WeatherWx, Climate-Data.org). Temperatures typically range from 49°F to 97°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 35°F or exceeding 102°F (WeatherWx).
The average annual precipitation is around 28 inches, with September being the wettest month, receiving an average of 3.0 inches of rain (WeatherWx). The drier season spans from October to May (WeatherWx).
Temperatures
The hot season in Falfurrias lasts approximately four months, from late May to late September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 91°F (WeatherWx). August is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 96°F and lows of 74°F (WeatherWx, Climate-Data.org).
Conversely, the cool season lasts about 2.6 months, from late November to mid-February. January is the coldest month, with average highs around 70°F and lows of 49°F (WeatherWx, Climate-Data.org).
Rainfall Patterns
Falfurrias receives a moderate amount of rainfall annually, averaging about 28 inches (WeatherWx, Climate-Data.org). The city experiences seasonal variations in precipitation, with September having the highest average monthly rainfall of approximately 5 inches (WeatherWx).
The number of wet days varies throughout the year, with the wetter season extending from early May to mid-October. December typically sees the fewest rainy days, with an average of about 3.6 days receiving at least 0.04 inches of precipitation (WeatherWx).
Education
The Falfurrias area is served by the Brooks County Independent School District (BCISD) (Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). The district includes several public schools, such as Falfurrias High School, Falfurrias Junior High School, and Falfurrias Elementary School (Texas Tribune Schools Explorer, Homes.com).
Public schools in Falfurrias have an average math proficiency score of 28% and a reading proficiency score of 39%. These scores are below the Texas state averages (Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). The student-teacher ratio in Falfurrias Elementary School is 17:1 (Niche).
School Performance
School performance ratings in Falfurrias, as provided by the Texas Education Agency, indicate areas for improvement. Falfurrias Elementary School received a “D” rating, with specific categories like Student Achievement and Closing the Gaps also receiving low marks (Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). Falfurrias High School has a Niche grade of B- and a GreatSchools Rating of 2 out of 10 (Homes.com).
The graduation rate at Falfurrias High School is 82%, with an average GPA of 3.51 (Homes.com). Standardized test scores, such as SAT and ACT, are also available for the high school (Homes.com).
Student Demographics
The student population in Falfurrias is overwhelmingly Hispanic, with over 97% of students in the school district identifying as such (Texas Tribune Schools Explorer, Homes.com). A significant portion of the student body, around 78.4%, is also classified as economically disadvantaged (Texas Tribune Schools Explorer).
This demographic profile highlights the need for targeted support and resources within the local educational system. The high percentage of Hispanic and economically disadvantaged students is a notable characteristic of the Falfurrias school district (Texas Tribune Schools Explorer).
Major Employers
The employment landscape in Falfurrias is shaped by several key industries and companies. Educational Services, Construction, and Public Administration are among the largest employment sectors in the city (Data USA). These sectors provide a significant number of jobs for the local workforce.
Retail giants like Walmart and HEB have a presence in Falfurrias, offering a range of employment opportunities. Additionally, fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, and Burger King are also notable employers in the area (Indeed).
Key Industries
The primary industries that employ residents of Falfurrias include Educational Services, Construction, and Public Administration (Data USA). These sectors are crucial to the local economy, providing stable employment for a portion of the population.
Other significant industries include those in the retail sector, with major chains like Walmart and HEB being prominent employers (Indeed). The food service industry also plays a role, with numerous fast-food establishments providing jobs (Indeed).
Notable Companies
Several companies stand out as major employers in Falfurrias. Walmart and HEB are significant retail employers, offering a wide array of positions (Indeed). In the food service industry, McDonald’s, Dairy Queen, and Burger King are key establishments (Indeed).
Other companies that contribute to the local job market include O’Reilly Auto Parts and Pizza Hut (Indeed). The presence of these diverse businesses offers various employment options for Falfurrias residents.