South Padre Island, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,891
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,472/yr
14.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,534
-5.3% year-over-year change

South Padre Island population

How many people live in South Padre Island

South Padre Island is home to 2,891 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.1% of South Padre Island locals are male, and 44.9% are female.

Total population
2,891
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.1%
1,593
Female
44.9%
1,298
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,593 55.1% -1.0%
Female 1,298 44.9% 4.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in South Padre Island is 61, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.3% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 7.4% of the population, while another 32.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 40% are 65 or older.

Median age
60.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.3%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
7.4%
45 to 64
32.8%
Over 65
40%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 269 9.3% 19.0%
15 to 24 304 10.5% -9.0%
25 to 44 213 7.4% 31.5%
45 to 64 948 32.8% -19.5%
Over 65 1,157 40% 21.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In South Padre Island, 83% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 74.3% of locals are Caucasian, 7.4% are African American and 3.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.3%
Non-citizens
7.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,399 83% -0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 268 9.3% -0.7%
Non-citizens 224 7.8% 38.3%
Racial breakdown
White
74.3%
Black or African American
7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
6.2%
Value Percent
White 2,149 74.3%
Black or African American 213 7.4%
Asian 106 3.7%
Two or more races 244 8.4%
Other 179 6.2%

Households in South Padre Island

A peek inside South Padre Island households

South Padre Island has 1,598 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.2% are families, while the remaining 47.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,598
5.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
764
Family households
834
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 764 47.8% 28.8%
Family households 834 52.2% -9.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in South Padre Island

The housing landscape of South Padre Island

South Padre Island's housing consists of 5,534 units, with 12.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
5,534
-5.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 697 12.6%
1 unit, attached 146 2.6%
2 units 308 5.6%
3 or 4 units 318 5.8%
5 to 9 units 149 2.7%
10 to 19 units 295 5.3%
20 to 49 units 1,287 23.3%
50 or more units 2,334 42.2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in South Padre Island

In South Padre Island, the median construction year is 1984. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 173 3.1% 21.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 276 5% 184.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,433 25.9% 0.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,392 43.2% -12.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 176 3.2% -51.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 688 12.4% -11.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 396 7.2% 24.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

South Padre Island occupancy rates

Out of the 1,598 occupied housing units in South Padre Island, 69.8% are owner-occupied, while 30.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 71.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,598
5.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
483
Owner occupied
1,115
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 483 30.2% -5.5%
Owner occupied 1,115 69.8% 11.5%
Unoccupied housing units
71.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

South Padre Island housing costs

Housing costs in South Padre Island come to a median of $1,550 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,521.

Median housing costs per month
$1,550/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in South Padre Island
$1,521/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in South Padre Island

South Padre Island education at a glance

About 15.8% of the population in South Padre Island went to high school, while 14.4% pursued college studies. Another 10.6% earned an associate degree and 29.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 25.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 99 3.8% 0.0%
High school diploma 412 15.8% 7.8%
College diploma 377 14.4% -36.5%
Associate degree 276 10.6% 133.9%
Bachelor's degree 774 29.6% 21.9%
Graduate degree 677 25.9% -4.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in South Padre Island

How much people earn in South Padre Island

The average annual household income in South Padre Island was $140,873 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,472, reflecting a +14.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in South Padre Island
$140,873/year
8.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in South Padre Island
$70,472/year
14.4% year-over-year change

South Padre Island income by age

In South Padre Island, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $88,057. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $95,042 overall. Overall, 85.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $88,057 44.0%
45 - 64 $95,042 15.9%
Over 65 $64,262 7.7%
Above poverty level
2,409
Below poverty level
415
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,409 85.3% -0.2%
Below poverty level 415 14.7% 14.6%

Average renter income in South Padre Island

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in South Padre Island, their median household income was $57,036 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$57,036
Rent-to-income ratio
32%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in South Padre Island

Workforce and job types in South Padre Island

The job market in South Padre Island is powered by 1,185 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 95.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 4.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.6% run their own businesses, 71% are employed by private companies, and 5.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,185
-14.6% year-over-year change
White collar
1,134
Blue collar
51
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,134 95.7% -13.9%
Blue collar 51 4.3% -28.2%
Employer type
Self employees
17.6%
Private companies
71%
Governmental workers
5.6%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 208 17.6% 6.1%
Private companies 841 71% -18.0%
Governmental workers 66 5.6% -13.2%
Not for profit companies 70 5.9% -22.2%
Unemployment rate
5.6%
-27.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in South Padre Island stands at 5.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in South Padre Island

How people get around in South Padre Island

Commuting methods vary: 34.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 25.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 411 34.7% -52.5%
Bus or trolleybus 34 2.9% 70.0%
Bicycle 40 3.4% -18.4%
Walk 306 25.8% 61.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in South Padre Island by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
78597 2,935 1,642 $68,421 $138,325

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FAQs about South Padre Island demographics 

What is the total population of South Padre Island?

South Padre Island has a total population of 2,891 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in South Padre Island?

The gender ratio in South Padre Island is as follows:
  • 55.1% males (1,593 residents)
  • 44.9% females (1,298 residents)

What is the median age in South Padre Island?

The median age in South Padre Island is 60.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in South Padre Island?

The age distribution in South Padre Island is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.3% (269 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (304 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 7.4% (213 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 32.8% (948 residents)
  • Over 65: 40% (1,157 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of South Padre Island?

The racial and ethnic makeup of South Padre Island is as follows:
  • White: 74.3% (2,149 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.4% (213 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 3.7% (106 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (244 residents)
  • Other: 6.2% (179 residents)

What percentage of the population in South Padre Island are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 83% of the population in South Padre Island.

How many housing units are there in South Padre Island?

There are 5,534 housing units in South Padre Island, reflecting a -5.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in South Padre Island and what is the average household size?

South Padre Island has a total of 1,598 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in South Padre Island?

South Padre Island has a median household income of $70,472, representing a +14.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for South Padre Island?

The employment rate is 94.4% in South Padre Island, with a workforce of 1,185 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95.7% (1,134 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 4.3% (51 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.6% (208 residents)
  • Private companies: 71% (841 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 5.6% (66 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (70 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025