
Are you thinking about moving to Weslaco? Known for its agriculture, international economy, and outdoor attractions, Weslaco, Texas, is a great place to live for families and retirees alike! This thriving agricultural community in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley is named after the W.E. Stewart Land Company. It's the birthplace of the 1015 Onion, a sweet, disease-resistant variety developed at the Texas A&M Weslaco Station. This achievement is celebrated every year at the spring Onion Fest.
Weslaco offers great schools, diverse job opportunities, and affordable living. Here's what you should know about living in Weslaco TX.
Yes, Weslaco is a great place to live if you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly city with a warm climate and a strong sense of community. Located in the Rio Grande Valley, the city is conveniently close to both McAllen and the U.S.-Mexico border. Living in Weslaco TX offers a low cost of living, great quality of life, and good schools.
Weslaco, Texas, is located in Hidalgo County in the southernmost region of the state, known as the Rio Grande Valley. It sits along U.S. Highway 83, about 15 miles east of McAllen and 20 miles northwest of the U.S.-Mexico border at Progreso.
The city is part of a cluster of growing communities in the Valley and is situated between McAllen and Harlingen. Other nearby cities include Edinburg, Pharr, and Mission, all of which are part of the larger McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metropolitan area.
Geographically, Weslaco is in a flat, subtropical region with fertile land, making agriculture an important part of its economy. It is also near major natural attractions such as the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, a well-known birdwatching and ecotourism destination.
Chapas Moving Service proudly serves Weslaco and the greater Rio Grande Valley from our McAllen location. Call our Weslaco movers at (956) 686-3247 for a free moving quote today.
It’s 45 miles from Weslaco TX to Brownsville along I-2 and US-83. It’s about a 45-minute drive.
It’s 20 miles from Weslaco to Harlingen, Texas, along I-2 to the west. It’s about a 25-minute drive.
The Weslaco population is 41,103 according to the 2020 census, but the estimated population as of 2025 is 44,203. The city has a density of 2,496.3 people per square mile. Compared to the McAllen metro area, people living in Weslaco TX are more likely to be born in the United States, twice as likely to be veterans, and 1.5 times more likely to have moved in the past year.
Additional demographics of people living in Weslaco TX:
Source: Census Reporter
The Weslaco TX crime rate is 3,916 incidents per 100,000 people based on the latest FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This is 61% more crime than the Texas average and 85% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is roughly 30% above the national average, but the city had zero murders reported in 2024.
| Weslaco Crime Rate Comparison Per 100,000 People | |||
| Weslaco | Texas | National | |
| Overall crime rate | 3,916 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Violent crime rate | 467 | 389 | 359 |
| Homicide rate | 0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Property crime rate | 3,449 | 2,041 | 1,760 |
While living in Weslaco TX, you will be served by the Weslaco Police Department.
The violent crime rate in Weslaco is moderately higher than the national average, but the city recorded zero murders in 2024. This category includes homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Hence, it means living in Weslaco TX is very safe.
Most crime in the city is property crime, which is almost twice the national average. Larceny-theft makes up the bulk of these incidents, followed by motor vehicle theft and burglary.
The cost of living in Weslaco TX is 15-20% lower than the national average. It's part of the McAllen area, which is ranked as the city with the lowest cost of living in the United States.
If you're planning to rent while living in Weslaco TX, you'll pay an average rent of just $964 according to RentCafe, while the median price for a house in Weslaco is $238,877. You can explore homes for sale in Weslaco to see just how far your budget stretches in the city.
Weslaco, Texas, has several great neighborhoods that offer a mix of affordability, safety, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet, family-friendly community or a vibrant area close to shopping and entertainment, Weslaco has options for everyone.
Ready to explore great neighborhoods before moving to Weslaco? Here are some of the best places to live in the city for families and singles.
Downtown Weslaco is a lively area with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. It’s known for its local shops, restaurants, and community events. Living here puts you close to entertainment, making it a great spot for young professionals and those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
This gated golf course community is one of Weslaco’s most desirable neighborhoods. It features beautiful homes, well-maintained streets, and access to the Tierra Santa Golf Club. It’s perfect for families, retirees, and anyone looking for a peaceful, upscale environment.
Located on the western side of Weslaco, Westgate is a suburban neighborhood with a mix of newer and well-established homes. It’s known for good schools, parks, and easy access to shopping centers.
This neighborhood offers newer homes with modern designs at affordable prices. It’s a great option for first-time homebuyers or families looking for a safe and friendly community.
A quiet residential area, Villa Verde offers spacious homes and larger lots. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it a great choice for families or retirees who want a suburban feel.
Weslaco, Texas, has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa), meaning hot, humid summers and mild winters. While living in Weslaco TX, you'll experience warm weather most of the year, with little temperature variation.
While living in Weslaco TX, you'll enjoy outdoor recreation, beautiful parks, local history, and family-friendly attractions. From exploring beautiful wildlife refuges to enjoying a round of golf, here are some of the best things to do in Weslaco TX.
This state park and wildlife refuge is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Located in the World Birding Center network, it offers miles of trails, wetlands, and diverse wildlife. Birdwatchers can spot rare species, and visitors can enjoy hiking, guided tours, and scenic views.
Estero Llano Grande State Park, 3301 S International Blvd FM 1015, Weslaco, TX 78596 (956) 565-3919
Learn about the rich history of Weslaco at this local museum, which showcases exhibits on the city’s agricultural past, cultural heritage, and early settlers. It’s a great stop for history lovers and families looking for an educational experience.
Weslaco Museum, 500 S Texas Blvd, Weslaco, TX 78596 (956) 968-9142
One of the most popular parks in Weslaco, Gibson Park, features a large playground and the Valley Nature Center. The six-acre nature preserve has gardens, walking paths, and wildlife exhibits.
Gibson Park, 301 S Border Ave, Weslaco, TX 78596 (956) 447-3407
For golf enthusiasts, Tierra Santa offers a well-maintained 18-hole course, a driving range, and a relaxing clubhouse. It’s one of the best places in Weslaco to enjoy a round of golf with friends or family.
Tierra Santa Golf Club, 1901 Club De Amistad, Weslaco, TX 78596 (956) 973-1811
While living in Weslaco TX, you will enjoy authentic Mexican food, Tex-Mex, and a diverse range of cuisine. Here are just a few of the best restaurants in Weslaco to check out.
Among locals, Casa De Marisco is one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Weslaco, known for its homestyle seafood dishes and shareable appetizers.
Casa De Marisco, 502 W Pike Blvd, Weslaco, TX 78596 (956) 968-1777
A local favorite since 1966, this old-school Italian restaurant serves up classics like chicken parmesan and lasagna.
Cortino's, 3812 Business Hwy 83 E, Weslaco, TX 78596 (956) 565-2309
This affordable, laid-back eatery is known for its fantastic burgers, including chili cheeseburgers, plus Tex-Mex dishes.
Rustic Ranch Restaurant, 1015 S International Blvd, Weslaco, TX 78596 (956) 520-8783
Ready to explore career opportunities before moving to Weslaco? The region has several employment centers with major industries such as healthcare, education, food and beverage production, distribution and logistics, and agriculture. The region is also experiencing growth in tech jobs and startup businesses. U.S.- Mexico international trade plays a major role in the Weslaco economy through the Weslaco–Progreso International Bridge.
Top employers in the Weslaco area include:
Ready to find employment opportunities ahead of living in Weslaco TX? You can get started by searching for jobs in Weslaco on Indeed.
Three school districts serve families living in Weslaco TX:
Weslaco ISD has 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, and four high schools, including Weslaco High School, Weslaco East High School, and South Palm Gardens High (10-12). There are two charter schools in the city too.
While living in Weslaco TX, families can also choose from several private schools such as Mid-Valley Christian School and San Martin de Porres Catholic School.
Interested in higher education after moving to Weslaco? You'll find several options:
Weslaco is best known as the birthplace of the 1015 Onion, which is a sweet, disease-resistant variety developed at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center. It is also a major Rio Grande Valley birding and ecotourism hub thanks to the World Birding Center. The city of Weslaco is also the U.S. anchor of the Weslaco–Progreso International Bridge and a long-running agricultural and citrus-shipping center for the Valley.
The median income per household in Weslaco is $59,551, according to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. That's lower than the Texas state median, which is in line with the broader Rio Grande Valley and helps support the area's low cost of living.
No, snow in Weslaco is essentially nonexistent. The city sits at the southern tip of Texas in a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters where high temperatures are typically in the 70s and lows in the 50s. Measurable snowfall happens only during extremely rare cold snaps and is generally a once-in-a-decade event at most.
The closest beach to Weslaco is South Padre Island, which is about 58 miles east via I-2 and US-77. It is roughly a 1-hour and 10-minute drive. That makes day trips and weekend beach getaways an easy option for Weslaco residents.
Is moving to Weslaco in your future? Chapas Moving Service is ready to help with full-service moving solutions throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Call our Weslaco movers today at (956) 686-3247 to get started with a free moving estimate and the superior customer support you deserve.