Selma began as a stagecoach stop in the mid-1800s and has grown into a city with a small-town vibe with easy access to the big city. Many families love living in Selma TX for the family-friendly atmosphere. Selma has its own horse racing track at Retama Park and offers many activities for locals and visitors during the year. Its parks feature scenic paths to jog on, recreational activities, and plenty of green space. Because of its proximity to Joint Base San Antonio, there are plenty of military personnel living in Selma TX.
Selma is known for its affordable cost of living, with median earnings $97,153, and a strong sense of community, which is fostered by annual community events, local sports leagues, and friendly neighbors. The Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District is an above-average school system serving most of the community, making Selma a great place to live for families.
You’ll also find fun outdoor activities like the Selma Stage Stop Market Days, which is like their version of a farmers market. There's a small-town charm and family-friendly atmosphere when living in Selma TX.
Where Is Selma, TX?
Selma is split up into three counties. It's located in Bexar, Comal, and Guadalupe counties. The city is part of the San Antonio metropolitan area. I-35 runs through Selma, providing easy access to San Antonio. How far is Selma Texas from San Antonio? It is located about 18 miles northeast of San Antonio and 60 miles from Austin. Selma TX to Houston TX is 187 miles.
Map of Selma, TX
Selma TX Population and Demographics
The Selma population is 10,952. Selma was probably founded by German pioneers, who claimed a number of settlements in the area along the Cibolo Creek. In the mid to late 1800s, an influx of German and Polish immigrants contributed to a rapid increase in Selma’s population. However, the population declined in the early 1900s. Today, those living in Selma TX have made it a thriving community and still retain its German and Polish heritage.
Selma Racial and Ethnic Demographics:
- White: 45.4%
- Black or African American: 23.9%
- Native American and Alaskan Native: 0.8%
- Asian: 2.2%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.2%
- Two or more other races: 21.2%
- Hispanic or Latino: 30.9%
- White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 38.7%
Overview of Selma's demographics:
- Population density: 2,210.48 per square mile
- Median age: 33.9
- Sex ratio: 49.9% Males, 50.1% Females
- Median household income: $97,153
- Educational attainment: 94.0% high school degree or higher, 41.1% bachelor's degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 7.2%
- Veteran population: 1,040
Selma is a safe place to live, and the Selma Police Department, with its 39 sworn officers, is dedicated to providing excellent public service and law enforcement to the community to keep Selma a safe place to live, work, and play. Selma averages 2,771 crimes per 100,000 people, 21% higher than the national average. However, the violent crime rate in Selma is 33% lower than the national average. There are 244 violent crimes per 100,000 people in Selma.
Selma TX Cost of Living
The cost of living in Selma is 4% higher than the US average. Housing, particularly single family homes, is typically the most expensive piece of the cost of living in Selma. Housing costs are 25% higher than the national average.
The median sale price of a home in Selma is $365,000. The average square foot cost of the Selma TX homes currently for sale is $172. Check out some of the many current Selma TX homes for sale. If you’re looking to rent in Selma, apartments for rent in Selma TX cost about $1,370 for a 874-square-foot apartment, according to RentCafe.
By comparison, the average rent in San Antonio is $1,279 a month. On Rent Cafe, you can find a current list of available apartments for rent in Selma TX.
Typical Selma Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $19.00
- Domestic beer: $6.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.77
- Dozen eggs: $3.65
- 1 pound of chicken: $4.57
- Average Selma monthly utility bill: $198.58
Source: Numbeo, San Antonio Metro
The Best Neighborhoods in Selma
When it comes to living in Selma TX, you need good neighborhoods to choose from. Selma’s neighborhoods are known for being safe, with good schools and tree-lined streets, as well as having lots of nearby amenities. Some of the top neighborhoods in Selma include:
If those living in Selma TX are looking for a master-planned, family-friendly community development with new construction affordable homes, Retama Springs is it. It is also home to new homes in Selma TX. The neighborhood is zoned to the highly-rated Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD (SCUCISD). Retama Park and Crescent Bend Nature Park are close by.
Selma Park Estates
This is an established neighborhood offering a range of home styles, including country ranch and contemporary. Selma Park Estates is a tight-knit community located near the Selma Civic Center and Live Oak City Park. Those living in Selma TX in this neighborhood are served by SCUCISD.
A sought-after neighborhood due to its proximity to Olympia Hills Golf Club, views of the course, and well-maintained yards. Olympia Elementary, part of SCUCISD, is located in the community. Steele High is minutes away, making Olympia a good choice for families.
Selma TX Weather & Climate
Selma has a subtropical climate that makes for hot summers and mild winters thanks to its humid subtropical climate. The average temperature during summer is around 95°F, and temperatures can climb into the triple digits. In winter, temperatures rarely drop below 40°F. Selma gets a fairly even amount of rain throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of 34 inches.
Living in Selma TX means you will experience occasional thunderstorms, typically during the summer months. Humidity levels are generally high and can reach 90% in the summer. Residents should use caution when outside during the heat of the day. On average, there are 223 sunny days per year in Selma.
Most residents will participate in outdoor activities no matter the time of the year, thanks to its warmth! If you want beautiful weather that isn't too hot or too cold, visiting in October through January is great!
Things to Do in Selma TX
Selma offers a variety of entertainment options for adults, children, and families. In addition, you can find convenient local shopping at The Forum at Olympia Parkway, Rolling Oaks Mall, and Forum Crossing. There’s also the Costco Selma TX location for grocery shopping. Here are some of the top things to do near Selma:
Retama Park is a horse racing venue and much more. Along with exciting live horse racing, the park hosts events, family fun, concerts, and more. Live Quarter Horse races run during the summer months of June through August. You’ll have to visit this when living in Selma TX.
1 Retama Pkwy, Selma, TX 78154, (210) 651-7000
The Blue Bonnet Palace features a dance hall with a spacious dance floor and two full bars. This popular venue features a live DJ on Fridays and Saturdays and live bands on the outdoor stage during warmer months.
17630 Lookout Rd, Selma, TX 78154, (210) 651-6702
Northview Park covers a half-acre and is a great place for families to have fun. With a playground, grassy area, soccer field, and splash pad, residents and kids will have plenty of fun things to do. The splash pad features water jets, water bursting from a towering 23-foot-tall spider, and the thrilling Superwave. The 16 water features are grouped into levels for toddlers, families, and teens.
100 Randolph Plaza Dr, Universal City, TX 78148, (210) 658-5364
Additional Attractions Near Selma, TX:
If you’re still looking for interesting and fun things to do, Selma has several parks that are maintained thanks to Bexar County's recreation department. Davenport Park, covering 1.7 acres of natural beauty, is a great place for walking, running, and exercising along well-maintained pathways. Stage Stop Park features a playground, basketball courts, trails, a splashpad, and open green space, where you can have fun or relax and enjoy the outdoors.
John S. Harrison Park spans 12.2 acres in the heart of the city, with well-maintained, scenic trails. Selma also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including Movie-in-the-Park, Halloween at the fire station, Santa at the Stage Stop, and National Night Out.
Restaurants in Selma TX
Selma offers many options when it comes to dining. Barbeque is king in Texas, but you can also find Asian, Italian, Mexican, American fare, and more when living in Selma TX. Here are some of the popular dining establishments in Selma:
375 Social Kitchen is a fusion restaurant offering the best of Korean and Southern cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 375 Social Kitchen serves up fusion specialties such as Korean wonton nachos and tempura-style Bang-Bang Shrimp. Breakfast is all about the American South, with eggs, biscuits, and sausage gravy. It's truly a favorite amongst people living in Selma TX!
8124 Agora Pkwy #200, Selma, TX 78154, (210) 999-5429
The Cookshack serves up award-winning chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken tenders, applewood smoked ribs, chicken tacos, and more. Choose the heat level of your meal, from not hot to AMF (Adios My Friend). For dessert, nothing comes close to their made-from-scratch ice cream sandwiches.
8211 Agora Pkwy #112, Selma, TX 78154, (210) 888-0444
la Madeleine is a French café serving authentic French cuisine. They use only fresh ingredients, and their recipes have been passed down from one generation to the next. The menu features a variety of crepes, creamy soups, and classic French entrees such as beef & parmesan potatoes and chicken cordon bleu baked pasta. It’s a must-try when living in Selma TX!
8134 Agora Pkwy #100, Selma, TX 78154, (210) 306-2922
Jobs in Selma TX
Selma has a stable job market and a strong median income of $47,188. Selma TX jobs have opportunities in its largest industries, including health care, transportation & warehousing, retail trade, and advanced manufacturing. Selma’s proximity to San Antonio offers additional employment possibilities, and most people are heading to an office location near Downtown San Antonio. The town is becoming popular amongst young professionals living in Selma TX who want a sparse suburban feel with access to Downtown San Antonio.
A major employer near Selma is USAA, which is headquartered in the San Antonio area. USAA is the largest private company in San Antonio, employing about 17,000 locally and 37,000 nationally. USAA provides insurance and banking products to members of the military, veterans, and their families. Other major employers include H-E-B, CHRISTUS Health, and Lockheed Martin. Look at the jobs new businesses are putting out on Indeed.
Schools in Selma TX
Selma is served by three different school districts for their public schools. Depending on where you live, those living in Selma TX could be in a number of different elementary, middle schools, or high schools.
The portion in Bexar County is zoned to the Judson Independent School District (JISD). Schools serving Selma include Selma Elementary, Cibolo Creek Middle, Judson High, and Wagner High.
Residents in Comal County are zoned to the Comal Independent School District (CISD), including Garden Ridge Elementary, Danville Middle, and Davenport High.
Students in Guadalupe County attend school in the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUC ISD). Your schools, for example, might include Paschal Elementary, Schertz Elementary, Wilder Intermediate, Corbett Junior High, and Samuel Clemens High.
Selma offers great options if you’re looking for private schools in the area. Some of the more popular schools near Selma include Saint Mary’s Hall, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School, and Keystone School.
If you are interested in post-secondary education near Selma, some excellent choices include Texas A&M University-San Antonio, Texas Lutheran University, Webster University, and Northeast Lakeview College.
The Schertz Public Library is a great place to spend a day. You can check out a new book, movie, CD, DVD, and much more. Check out their events calendar for weekly activities for children, families, teens, and adults.
Selma TX Statistics & Information
- Selma TX county: Bexar, Guadalupe, and Comal County
- Selma area: 5.04 square miles
- Selma TX zip code: 78154
- Selma area codes: 210, 726
- Selmalevation: 758 feet
- Selma Time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC -5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Selma: San Antonio International Airport
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