Is San Angelo Safe, Pros and cons of living in San Angelo
San Angelo, Texas, offers a unique blend of West Texas charm and practicality, making it a compelling option for those seeking a new place to call home. This city in the Concho Valley provides a moderate cost of living, a stable job market, and a community-focused atmosphere. As you consider a move to San Angelo, understanding its various facets—from safety and economy to climate and education—is crucial for making an informed decision.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of San Angelo, covering essential aspects that potential residents often inquire about. By examining crime rates, economic indicators, housing costs, and demographic trends, we can paint a clear picture of what life is like in this West Texas city.
Is it Safe to Live in San Angelo?
San Angelo presents a moderate safety profile, with overall crime incidents placing it in Tier 2: Low on the Base Operations risk scale (as reported by Base Operations). In 2025, the city recorded 6,425 total incidents, with property crime constituting the largest portion at 59.3% (3,809 incidents) (as reported by Base Operations). Violent crime accounted for 27.8% of incidents, totaling 1,784 (as reported by Base Operations).
The violent crime rate in San Angelo is approximately 4.595 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While the city is generally considered safe, with many residents viewing the southwest part as the safest, crime rates can vary by neighborhood (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The San Angelo Police Department has noted an increase in burglaries, particularly targeting residential properties (as reported by Base Operations).
Cost of Living and Housing
San Angelo offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The overall cost of living is approximately 2.0% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by Apartments.com). Housing costs are a significant factor, with general housing expenses being about 3.4% less expensive than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).
The median sale price of a home in San Angelo was approximately $254,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). For renters, the median rent for all property types was around $1,375 in March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). A one-bedroom apartment averages about $900, while a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,125 (as reported by Zumper).
Major Employers and Job Market
San Angelo’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers, including Ethicon, Hirschfeld Industries, and Lone Star Beef Processing (as reported by TxEDC). The city has seen significant growth in its manufacturing and food processing sectors (as reported by TxEDC).
The unemployment rate in San Angelo was 3.5% as of September 2024, which is below the Texas state average (as reported by Texas Workforce Commission). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates an unemployment rate of 3.50% in San Angelo, TX (MSA) as of October 2025, which is lower than the long-term average (as reported by FRED).
Climate and Environment
San Angelo experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The summer season, typically from late May to mid-September, features average daily high temperatures exceeding 89°F, with July being the hottest month, reaching highs around 95°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Winters are short, cold, dry, and windy, with average daily high temperatures below 67°F from late November to mid-February, and January having the coldest temperatures with an average low of 36°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The city receives a moderate amount of rainfall, with historical data showing annual averages that can fluctuate. For example, July 2000 was noted as the fourth warmest and third driest July on record for the region (as reported by National Weather Service).
Education and Schools
San Angelo Independent School District serves the city’s educational needs. In terms of rankings, the San Angelo Independent School District holds a B rating overall (as reported by Niche). It is ranked among the top school districts in Texas for diversity and athletics (as reported by Niche).
Within the district, schools like Santa Rita Elementary and Ft. Concho Elementary have received positive marks (as reported by Niche). For higher education, Angelo State University is a prominent institution in San Angelo, contributing to the educated talent pool available in the region (as reported by TxEDC).
Demographics and Community
San Angelo’s population is approximately 99,674 as of the most current US Census data, making it the 44th most populated city in Texas (as reported by CUBIT). The racial composition includes White residents at 48.3%, Hispanic residents at 42.9%, and Black residents at 4.0% (as reported by CUBIT).
The median age of residents in San Angelo is 35.5 years (as reported by CUBIT). The median household income was reported as $65,864 in 2024, with a poverty rate of 7.8% (as reported by CUBIT).