El Paso, TX
Population 678,147 · Texas
About El Paso, TX
El Paso is a major city located in Texas with a population of 678,147 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,734 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in El Paso features a median home value of $171,700, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions El Paso in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,041, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 262,899 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (145,953 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (96,529 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Paso shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in El Paso have an average one-way commute time of 23.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.5% of El Paso residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 76.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 3.9% Asian residents, with 22.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How El Paso Ranks in Texas
Cost of Living in El Paso, TX
Compared to national averages, El Paso has a median household income of $58,734 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $171,700, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,041 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, El Paso's income is 19% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 19% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in El Paso, TX?
El Paso offers affordable housing with a median home value of $171,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,041/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,734) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, El Paso provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
El Paso has a population of 678,147 with a median age of 34.1 years. Compare El Paso with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near El Paso
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth | 941,311 | $76,602 | $277,300 | Compare |
| Arlington | 394,769 | $73,519 | $276,400 | Compare |
| Austin | 967,862 | $91,461 | $512,700 | Compare |
| Corpus Christi | 317,383 | $66,325 | $197,100 | Compare |
| Plano | 287,339 | $108,649 | $440,600 | Compare |
| Lubbock | 261,078 | $60,487 | $197,900 | Compare |
| Laredo | 255,949 | $63,264 | $182,400 | Compare |
| Irving | 255,036 | $79,641 | $287,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare El Paso With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Paso
What is the population of El Paso, TX?
The population of El Paso, TX is 678,147 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Texas.
What is the median household income in El Paso?
The median household income in El Paso, TX is $58,734 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Paso?
The median home value in El Paso, TX is $171,700, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Paso?
The median monthly rent in El Paso, TX is $1,041, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Paso?
The unemployment rate in El Paso, TX is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is El Paso, TX a good place to live?
El Paso offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 678,147 and a median age of 34.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is El Paso, TX?
27.5% of residents in El Paso aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in El Paso?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Paso, TX: median home value is $171,700 (30% below national), median rent is $1,041/month, and median household income is $58,734. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in El Paso?
The poverty rate in El Paso, TX is 18.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is El Paso, TX?
El Paso's population is 76.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 3.9% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 22.3% of residents are foreign-born.