Rio Grande City, TX
Population 15,258 · Texas
About Rio Grande City, TX
Rio Grande City is a mid-sized city located in Texas with a population of 15,258 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,369 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.5 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 Rio Grande City features a median home value of $113,400, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rio Grande City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $742, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,187 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (3,077 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (1,348 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rio Grande City shows an unemployment rate of 9.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 33.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rio Grande City have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.1% of Rio Grande City 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 91.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 5.2% Asian residents, with 23.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rio Grande City, TX
Compared to national averages, Rio Grande City has a median household income of $41,369 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $113,400, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $742 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Rio Grande City's income is 43% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 46% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Rio Grande City, TX?
Rio Grande City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $113,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $742/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,369) that falls below the national average. However, Rio Grande City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rio Grande City has a population of 15,258 with a median age of 28.5 years. Compare Rio Grande City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Rio Grande City
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uvalde | 15,344 | $50,967 | $131,600 | Compare |
| Mineral Wells | 15,130 | $54,210 | $146,100 | Compare |
| Canyon | 15,398 | $68,233 | $218,300 | Compare |
| Aldine | 15,434 | $40,916 | $104,600 | Compare |
| Buda | 15,487 | $111,179 | $410,100 | Compare |
| West University Place | 14,907 | $250,001 | $1,406,600 | Compare |
| Hereford | 14,874 | $51,799 | $109,100 | Compare |
| Palmview | 15,650 | $46,274 | $109,400 | 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 Rio Grande City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rio Grande City
What is the population of Rio Grande City, TX?
The population of Rio Grande City, TX is 15,258 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 Rio Grande City?
The median household income in Rio Grande City, TX is $41,369 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rio Grande City?
The median home value in Rio Grande City, TX is $113,400, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rio Grande City?
The median monthly rent in Rio Grande City, TX is $742, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rio Grande City?
The unemployment rate in Rio Grande City, TX is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rio Grande City, TX a good place to live?
Rio Grande City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,258 and a median age of 28.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Rio Grande City, TX?
18.1% of residents in Rio Grande City 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 Rio Grande City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rio Grande City, TX: median home value is $113,400 (54% below national), median rent is $742/month, and median household income is $41,369. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rio Grande City?
The poverty rate in Rio Grande City, TX is 33.9%, 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 Rio Grande City, TX?
Rio Grande City's population is 91.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 5.2% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 23.3% of residents are foreign-born.