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US City Data

Elsa, TX

Population 5,688 · Texas

Population
5,688
Median Income
$55,519
Median Home Value
$90,600
Median Rent
$676/mo

About Elsa, TX

Elsa is a small town located in Texas with a population of 5,688 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,519 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.2 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 Elsa features a median home value of $90,600, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elsa one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $676, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,998 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (1,398 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (444 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.

Economy & Employment

The local economy in Elsa shows an unemployment rate of 0.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elsa have an average one-way commute time of 16.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.

Education & Demographics

12.2% of Elsa 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 97.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 15.5% of the population being foreign-born.

How Elsa Ranks in Texas

Best Job Markets
#10
of 50 cities · 0.4%

Cost of Living in Elsa, TX

Compared to national averages, Elsa has a median household income of $55,519 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $90,600, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $676 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Elsa's income is 24% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 57% below the state median of $211,769.

Income vs National
$55,519
National: $75,149
Texas: $72,726
Home Value vs National
$90,600
National: $244,900
Texas: $211,769
Rent vs National
$676
National: $1,163
Texas: $1,150
Unemployment vs National
0.4%
National: 3.7%
Texas: 6.9%

Why Live in Elsa, TX?

Elsa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $90,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $676/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.6 minutes.

Potential considerations include median household income ($55,519) that falls below the national average. However, Elsa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.

Elsa has a population of 5,688 with a median age of 31.2 years. Compare Elsa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.

Similar Cities Near Elsa

Cities in Texas with a similar population size.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome Value
Kermit5,681$90,181$119,300Compare
Hutchins5,713$45,250$95,500Compare
Yoakum5,649$49,950$134,100Compare
Livingston5,728$52,385$158,100Compare
Lavon5,624$132,778$386,600Compare
Bowie5,617$57,299$182,400Compare
San Leon5,764$76,573$166,700Compare
McGregor5,608$60,889$146,000Compare

Demographics

31.2
Median Age
2,764
Male
2,924
Female
15.5%
Foreign Born

Racial & Ethnic Composition

White97.2Hispanic/Latino0Black0Asian2.8Two or More0

Economy & Education

0.4%
Unemployment Rate
18.8%
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Bachelor's Degree+
16.6 min
Avg Commute

Housing

1,998
Total Housing Units
1,398
Owner Occupied
444
Renter Occupied

Other Cities in Texas

Chula Vista Cdp Cameron County TexasChula Vista Cdp Maverick County TexasChula Vista Cdp Zavala County TexasHilltop Cdp Frio County TexasHilltop Cdp Starr County TexasLakeside Town San Patricio County Texas

Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.

Compare Elsa With Other Cities

Elsa vs Chula Vista Cdp Cameron County TexasElsa vs Chula Vista Cdp Maverick County TexasElsa vs Chula Vista Cdp Zavala County TexasElsa vs Hilltop Cdp Frio County Texas

Frequently Asked Questions about Elsa

What is the population of Elsa, TX?

The population of Elsa, TX is 5,688 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Texas.

What is the median household income in Elsa?

The median household income in Elsa, TX is $55,519 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.

What is the median home value in Elsa?

The median home value in Elsa, TX is $90,600, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.

What is the average rent in Elsa?

The median monthly rent in Elsa, TX is $676, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.

What is the unemployment rate in Elsa?

The unemployment rate in Elsa, TX is 0.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.

Is Elsa, TX a good place to live?

Elsa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,688 and a median age of 31.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.

How educated is Elsa, TX?

12.2% of residents in Elsa 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 Elsa?

Key cost-of-living indicators for Elsa, TX: median home value is $90,600 (63% below national), median rent is $676/month, and median household income is $55,519. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.

What is the poverty rate in Elsa?

The poverty rate in Elsa, TX is 18.8%, 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 Elsa, TX?

Elsa's population is 97.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 15.5% of residents are foreign-born.

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