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City Report · TX

South Padre Island

Pop. 2,891·2nd most expensive in Texas·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$4,212/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
+90.8%
vs US Median
+$2,247
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
South Padre Island · $4,212
More expensive than 98% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
72% of income
EXPENSIVE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $4,212/mo, rent takes about 72% of the local median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$168,000/yr
Local median income
$70,472/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using South Padre Island's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: May 18, 2026

Annual cost
$50,544/yr
At $4,212/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 0.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, +90.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

South Padre Island, TX is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 52.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
2,891
Median income
$70,472
Median age
60.8
Renters
30.2%
Age distribution
15.2%
29.7%
40%
Under 189.5%
18–3415.2%
35–545.6%
55–6429.7%
65+40%
Gender
55.1%
44.9%
Male55.1%
Female44.9%
Race & ethnicity
74.3%
13.6%
White74.3%
Black7.4%
Hispanic13.6%
Asian3.7%
Other1.1%
Education (25+)
13.2%
27.7%
52.7%
No HS diploma6.3%
HS diploma13.2%
Some college27.7%
Bachelor's+52.7%
Housing tenure
69.8%
30.2%
Owner69.8%
Renter30.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How South Padre Island, TX has changed in 5 years

Income
$60,688 → $70,472
up 16.1%
Population
2,138 → 2,891
up 35.2%
Renter share
33.9% → 30.2%
-3.7 pts
Bachelor's+
55% → 52.7%
-2.3 pts
Median age
58.5 → 60.8
+2.3 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in South Padre Island, TX now reports about $70,472, up from $60,688 in 2021. The population has grown by 35.2% since 2021, moving from about 2,138 residents to roughly 2,891. Renters now make up 30.2% of households, compared with 33.9% five years ago. College-educated residents now make up 52.7% of adults here, versus 55% in 2021.

Community

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View South Padre Island rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in South Padre Island on your salary?

At $4,212/mo, how South Padre Island rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

Local insights

Tips for renters in South Padre Island

About renting in South Padre Island, TX

Last updated: May 18, 2026

The median rent in South Padre Island is $4,212/mo as of May 2026.

At 72% of local median household income ($70,472/yr), South Padre Island ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is South Padre Island an affordable city for renters?

South Padre Island is considered expensive for renters. At $4,212/mo, rent takes approximately 72% of the local median household income ($70,472/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. South Padre Island significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in South Padre Island?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $168,000/year (~$81/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $4,212/mo in South Padre Island. The local median household income is $70,472/yr, meaning the typical South Padre Island household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in South Padre Island?

Rent in South Padre Island has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of May 2026.

How does South Padre Island rent compare to other cities in Texas?

South Padre Island is one of the pricier cities in Texas for rent, ranking #2 out of 264 tracked cities at $4,212/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than South Padre Island?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than South Padre Island ($4,212/mo): Harlingen ($1,135/mo), Brownsville ($1,569/mo), Rancho Viejo ($1,600/mo).

What percentage of South Padre Island residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 30.2% of South Padre Island households are renters, while 69.8% are owner-occupied. South Padre Island leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does South Padre Island rent compare to the national average?

South Padre Island's median rent of $4,212/mo is $2,247 (114%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Texas, it ranks #2 out of 264 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
72%
EXPENSIVE

At $4,212/mo, rent takes ~72% of South Padre Island's median household income ($70,472/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

South Padre Island 72%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
Run the South Padre Island affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Public schools near South Padre Island, TX

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