South Padre Island, TX
Population 2,852 · Texas
About South Padre Island, TX
South Padre Island is a small town located in Texas with a population of 2,852 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,578 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 59 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Padre Island features a median home value of $498,800, which is 104% above the national median of $244,900. This places South Padre Island in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,421, 22% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,843 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (1,000 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (511 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Padre Island shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Padre Island have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
52.5% of South Padre Island residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 13.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 13.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Padre Island, TX
Compared to national averages, South Padre Island has a median household income of $61,578 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $498,800, which is 104% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,421 is 22% above the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, South Padre Island's income is 15% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 136% above the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in South Padre Island, TX?
South Padre Island offers a well-educated community where 52.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,578) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $498,800. However, South Padre Island’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Padre Island has a population of 2,852 with a median age of 59 years. Compare South Padre Island with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near South Padre Island
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taft | 2,847 | $67,431 | $124,200 | Compare |
| Midway South | 2,858 | $76,768 | $107,700 | Compare |
| Brazoria | 2,859 | $51,354 | $168,800 | Compare |
| Shady Shores | 2,860 | $158,333 | $461,100 | Compare |
| Seagraves | 2,842 | $51,189 | $59,700 | Compare |
| Clarksville | 2,864 | $26,364 | $50,100 | Compare |
| St. Hedwig | 2,839 | $117,617 | $290,800 | Compare |
| La Paloma | 2,836 | $60,333 | $79,500 | 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 South Padre Island With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Padre Island
What is the population of South Padre Island, TX?
The population of South Padre Island, TX is 2,852 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 South Padre Island?
The median household income in South Padre Island, TX is $61,578 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Padre Island?
The median home value in South Padre Island, TX is $498,800, which is 104% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Padre Island?
The median monthly rent in South Padre Island, TX is $1,421, which is 22% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Padre Island?
The unemployment rate in South Padre Island, TX is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Padre Island, TX a good place to live?
South Padre Island offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,852 and a median age of 59, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is South Padre Island, TX?
52.5% of residents in South Padre Island aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in South Padre Island?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Padre Island, TX: median home value is $498,800 (104% above national), median rent is $1,421/month, and median household income is $61,578. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in South Padre Island?
The poverty rate in South Padre Island, TX is 13.9%, 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 South Padre Island, TX?
South Padre Island's population is 13.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 5.6% two or more races. 13.1% of residents are foreign-born.