Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Crime
Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.
Schools
The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.
Located in the state of Texas, South Padre Island is a smaller city with a population of 2,899 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (85% White). Given that fact, South Padre Island could be considered less diverse than other cities. Based on an average age of 59, South Padre Island appears to be well-suited for seniors or retirees as the average age is well above the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in South Padre Island will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in South Padre Island, Texas could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in South Padre Island and in the areas around South Padre Island is a much easier task.
The livability score in South Padre Island is 64/100 and the city is ranked in the 54th percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. South Padre Island scores well for cost of living (A+), employment (B-) and housing (B) There are some categories that South Padre Island does not rank well for, including: education (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In South Padre Island, the unemployment rate stands at 1.7%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, South Padre Island has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.
Assuming that South Padre Island meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in South Padre Island. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in South Padre Island are simply unattainable. The median home price for South Padre Island homes is $744,635, which is 190% higher than the Texas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in South Padre Island, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 8.5, which is 165.6% higher than the Texas average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | South Padre Island | Texas | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 61.4% | 80.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.7% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 3.9% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 15.2% | 1.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 15.8% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Texas
Most Dangerous States In The US
These are the largest cities in Texas
See the best places to live in South Padre Island