Pharr, TX
Population 79,809 · Texas
About Pharr, TX
Pharr is a mid-sized city located in Texas with a population of 79,809 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,884 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.5 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 Pharr features a median home value of $111,500, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Pharr one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $990, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 26,519 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (13,644 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (9,591 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pharr 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 29.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pharr have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.5% of Pharr 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 91.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 29.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pharr Ranks in Texas
Cost of Living in Pharr, TX
Compared to national averages, Pharr has a median household income of $49,884 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,500, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $990 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Pharr's income is 31% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 47% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Pharr, TX?
Pharr offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $990/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,884) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Pharr provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Pharr has a population of 79,809 with a median age of 29.5 years. Compare Pharr with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Pharr
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown | 78,803 | $91,857 | $398,600 | Compare |
| Flower Mound | 77,886 | $157,737 | $514,100 | Compare |
| Cedar Park | 77,474 | $123,972 | $474,800 | Compare |
| Longview | 82,765 | $62,488 | $182,700 | Compare |
| Mansfield | 75,398 | $116,590 | $380,000 | Compare |
| Missouri City | 75,234 | $96,746 | $281,600 | Compare |
| Baytown | 84,538 | $61,699 | $187,900 | Compare |
| Bryan | 86,169 | $56,861 | $210,600 | 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 Pharr With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pharr
What is the population of Pharr, TX?
The population of Pharr, TX is 79,809 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Texas.
What is the median household income in Pharr?
The median household income in Pharr, TX is $49,884 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pharr?
The median home value in Pharr, TX is $111,500, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pharr?
The median monthly rent in Pharr, TX is $990, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pharr?
The unemployment rate in Pharr, 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 Pharr, TX a good place to live?
Pharr offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 79,809 and a median age of 29.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Pharr, TX?
17.5% of residents in Pharr 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 Pharr?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pharr, TX: median home value is $111,500 (54% below national), median rent is $990/month, and median household income is $49,884. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pharr?
The poverty rate in Pharr, TX is 29.8%, 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 Pharr, TX?
Pharr's population is 91.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 29.0% of residents are foreign-born.