Santa Rosa, Starr County, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,717
7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$33,882/yr
13.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,171
-1.7% year-over-year change

Santa Rosa population

How many people live in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa is home to 3,717 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.7% of Santa Rosa locals are male, and 47.3% are female.

Total population
3,717
7.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.7%
1,958
Female
47.3%
1,759
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,958 52.7% 5.7%
Female 1,759 47.3% 8.5%
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 Santa Rosa is 25, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.7% are children under 15, then 25% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.8% of the population, while another 19.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 6.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
25
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.7%
15 to 24
25%
25 to 44
22.8%
45 to 64
19.8%
Over 65
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 954 25.7% 1.6%
15 to 24 931 25% 27.9%
25 to 44 846 22.8% 0.1%
45 to 64 735 19.8% 12.6%
Over 65 251 6.8% -18.8%
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 Santa Rosa, 88.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 52.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
7.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,290 88.5% 9.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 164 4.4% -18.0%
Non-citizens 263 7.1% -1.9%
Racial breakdown
White
42.4%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
52.5%
Other
5.1%
Value Percent
White 1,577 42.4%
Two or more races 1,950 52.5%
Other 190 5.1%

Households in Santa Rosa

A peek inside Santa Rosa households

Santa Rosa has 1,011 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 77% are families, while the remaining 23% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,011
-0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
233
Family households
778
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 233 23% -21.3%
Family households 778 77% 7.8%
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 Santa Rosa

The housing landscape of Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa's housing consists of 1,171 units, with 82.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,171
-1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 971 82.9%
1 unit, attached 24 2%
2 units 58 5%
3 or 4 units 13 1.1%
20 to 49 units 22 1.9%
50 or more units 8 0.7%
Mobile home 58 5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 17 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
8
-11.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Santa Rosa

In Santa Rosa, the median construction year is 1992. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 43 3.7% 104.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 114 9.7% -45.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 273 23.3% -2.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 124 10.6% 12.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 328 28% -2.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 123 10.5% -21.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 158 13.5% 122.5%
Built in 2020 or later 8 0.7% -11.1%
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.

Santa Rosa occupancy rates

Out of the 1,011 occupied housing units in Santa Rosa, 50.5% are owner-occupied, while 49.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,011
-0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
500
Owner occupied
511
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 500 49.5% 9.2%
Owner occupied 511 50.5% -8.8%
Unoccupied housing units
13.7%
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.

Santa Rosa housing costs

Housing costs in Santa Rosa come to a median of $727 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $919.

Median housing costs per month
$727/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 Santa Rosa
$919/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 Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa education at a glance

About 56% of the population in Santa Rosa went to high school, while 20.4% pursued college studies. Another 4.8% earned an associate degree and 5.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 246 9.6% -5.4%
High school diploma 1,429 56% 5.2%
College diploma 521 20.4% 18.7%
Associate degree 122 4.8% 16.2%
Bachelor's degree 131 5.1% 9.2%
Graduate degree 101 4% 106.1%
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 Santa Rosa

How much people earn in Santa Rosa

The average annual household income in Santa Rosa was $48,817 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $33,882, reflecting a +13.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Santa Rosa
$48,817/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Santa Rosa
$33,882/year
13.7% year-over-year change

Santa Rosa income by age

In Santa Rosa, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $49,423. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $33,690 overall. Overall, 60.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $49,423 -2.0%
45 - 64 $33,690 N/A
Over 65 $25,259 7.7%
Above poverty level
2,241
Below poverty level
1,460
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,241 60.6% 13.8%
Below poverty level 1,460 39.4% -2.0%

Employment in Santa Rosa

Workforce and job types in Santa Rosa

The job market in Santa Rosa is powered by 1,320 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.6% run their own businesses, 72.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,320
12.2% year-over-year change
White collar
924
Blue collar
396
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 924 70% 3.8%
Blue collar 396 30% 38.0%
Employer type
Self employees
13.6%
Private companies
72.8%
Governmental workers
13.6%
Not for profit companies
0%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 179 13.6% 1.1%
Private companies 961 72.8% 20.3%
Governmental workers 180 13.6% -10.4%
Unemployment rate
11.8%
42.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Santa Rosa stands at 11.8%, 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 Santa Rosa

How people get around in Santa Rosa

Commuting methods vary: 97.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.9% 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 1,105 97.1% 6.2%
Walk 33 2.9% N/A
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.

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FAQs about Santa Rosa demographics 

What is the total population of Santa Rosa?

Santa Rosa has a total population of 3,717 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 +7.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Santa Rosa?

The gender ratio in Santa Rosa is as follows:
  • 52.7% males (1,958 residents)
  • 47.3% females (1,759 residents)

What is the median age in Santa Rosa?

The median age in Santa Rosa is 25.

What is the age distribution of the population in Santa Rosa?

The age distribution in Santa Rosa is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.7% (954 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 25% (931 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.8% (846 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.8% (735 residents)
  • Over 65: 6.8% (251 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Rosa?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Rosa is as follows:
  • White: 42.4% (1,577 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% ( residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 52.5% (1,950 residents)
  • Other: 5.1% (190 residents)

What percentage of the population in Santa Rosa are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.5% of the population in Santa Rosa.

How many housing units are there in Santa Rosa?

There are 1,171 housing units in Santa Rosa, reflecting a -1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Santa Rosa and what is the average household size?

Santa Rosa has a total of 1,011 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Santa Rosa?

Santa Rosa has a median household income of $33,882, representing a +13.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Santa Rosa?

The employment rate is 88.2% in Santa Rosa, with a workforce of 1,320 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70% (924 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30% (396 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.6% (179 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.8% (961 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.6% (180 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0% ( 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