El Refugio, TX
Population 686 · Texas
About El Refugio, TX
El Refugio is a small community located in Texas with a population of 686 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,042 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22 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 Refugio features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes El Refugio one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 194 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (121 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (52 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Refugio shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 36.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in El Refugio have an average one-way commute time of 15.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
4.4% of El Refugio residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 98.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 17.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in El Refugio, TX
Compared to national averages, El Refugio has a median household income of $51,042 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, El Refugio's income is 30% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 100% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in El Refugio, TX?
El Refugio offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,042) that falls below the national average. However, El Refugio’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
El Refugio has a population of 686 with a median age of 22 years. Compare El Refugio with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near El Refugio
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
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 Refugio With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Refugio
What is the population of El Refugio, TX?
The population of El Refugio, TX is 686 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Texas.
What is the median household income in El Refugio?
The median household income in El Refugio, TX is $51,042 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Refugio?
The median home value in El Refugio, TX is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Refugio?
The median monthly rent in El Refugio, TX is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Refugio?
The unemployment rate in El Refugio, TX is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is El Refugio, TX a good place to live?
El Refugio offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 686 and a median age of 22, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is El Refugio, TX?
4.4% of residents in El Refugio 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 Refugio?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Refugio, TX: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $51,042. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in El Refugio?
The poverty rate in El Refugio, TX is 36.6%, 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 Refugio, TX?
El Refugio's population is 98.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 17.9% of residents are foreign-born.