Welcome to our deep dive into the 2023 statistics and facts about El Paso, Texas! Nestled at the far western edge of the Lone Star state, El Paso holds a unique position as a vibrant frontier city, boasting a rich blend of Texan and Mexican culture. Known for its breathtaking views of the Franklin Mountains and the iconic Rio Grande, El Paso has more to offer than just beautiful landscapes. With its ever-growing population and dynamic economy, El Paso has established itself as a key hub in Texas and the southern U.S.
Our comprehensive guide will shed light on everything you need to know about this fascinating city, from its historical roots to its current demographics, economic health, educational system, and lifestyle amenities. Whether you’re a long-time resident, a potential visitor, or a curious reader, we hope this snapshot of El Paso’s current state in 2023 will provide you with valuable insights. So, let’s saddle up and explore what makes El Paso a gem of the Southwest!
History of El Paso
- El Paso, Spanish for “The Pass”, was founded in 1659 by Fray Garcia de San Francisco, a Spanish missionary.
- The city was incorporated in 1873, right at the peak of the Texas oil boom.
- Notable historical events in El Paso include the Salt War of San Elizario in 1877, a violent dispute over salt deposits, and the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s which brought significant growth and development.
- In 1911, the first military flight took place in El Paso, marking an important event in the city’s close relationship with the armed forces.
- El Paso played a significant role during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) as it served as a strategic location for military intelligence and a refuge for those fleeing from the violence.
- El Paso’s population has been steadily growing since its founding. In 1950, the city’s population was around 130,000.
- By the year 2000, the population had risen to nearly 563,000, and as of the 2020 Census, it was just over 682,000.
- As of 2023, estimates put the population of El Paso at approximately 710,000, showing a consistent trend of growth.
- El Paso is the 22nd largest city in the U.S. by population and the 6th largest in Texas.
- The city is known for its significant Hispanic population, with over 80% of its residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, according to the latest Census data.
- It’s also home to Fort Bliss, one of the largest military complexes of the U.S. Army.
2023 Population & demographics
- As of 2023, the estimated population of El Paso is around 710,000, making it the 22nd largest city in the U.S. and the 6th largest in Texas.
- The city has seen a steady growth rate of approximately 1.2% per year over the past few years.
- El Paso is known for its rich ethnic and cultural diversity, with its unique blend of Texan and Mexican cultures.
- As per the latest Census data, over 80% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, making it one of the largest majority-Hispanic cities in the U.S.
- The remaining population is primarily composed of Non-Hispanic Whites (11%), African Americans (3.5%), Asians (1%), and others (4.5%).
- The most commonly spoken language in El Paso is Spanish, with over 70% of the population reporting it as their first language. English is the second most common language.
- The age breakdown in El Paso is as follows: under 18 (28.4%), 18-24 (10.7%), 25-44 (26.5%), 45-64 (21.9%), and 65 and above (12.5%).
- The median age in El Paso is approximately 33 years, slightly lower than the national median age, indicating a relatively young population.
- Interestingly, nearly 40% of the population is under the age of 25, making El Paso a city brimming with young energy.
El Paso Economy
- As of 2023, El Paso’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is approximately $30 billion, reflecting steady growth in the local economy.
- The economic growth rate in El Paso has been averaging around 2.5% per year over the past few years, slightly higher than the national average.
- El Paso’s economy is diversified with key industries spanning healthcare, education, military, trade and manufacturing.
- The leading industry by jobs is healthcare and social assistance, employing around 15% of the city’s workforce.
- Education services and retail trade follow close behind, each accounting for around 13% of total employment.
- Manufacturing, particularly in the area of medical equipment and supplies, plays a vital role in El Paso’s economy, contributing significantly to its GDP.
- Emerging sectors in El Paso include technology and renewable energy, both showing promising growth and job creation potential.
- As of 2023, El Paso’s unemployment rate stands at around 4.2%, slightly lower than the national average, indicating a healthy job market.
- The city has experienced a job growth rate of approximately 1.8% in the past year, showing a strong recovery from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local Education
- El Paso’s education system is served by several public school districts, the largest of which is the El Paso Independent School District, followed by Ysleta, Socorro, and others.
- The city boasts about 200 elementary schools, 60 middle schools, and 40 high schools, serving a diverse and growing student population.
- El Paso also houses several institutions of higher education, including the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso Community College (EPCC), and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso.
- The student to teacher ratio in El Paso’s public schools averages around 15:1, allowing for a more personalized learning experience.
- The literacy rate in El Paso is approximately 82%, with continued efforts in place to increase literacy through adult education programs.
- UTEP is one of the top universities in the city, known for its research, business, engineering, and nursing programs. It has a student population of over 20,000.
- EPCC serves over 30,000 students and is recognized for its strong role in community and technical education.
- The high school graduation rate in El Paso is about 88%, higher than the national average, and the graduation rate at UTEP is around 40%.
Housing and Real estate
- As of 2023, the average home price in El Paso is approximately $185,000, making it more affordable than many other major Texas cities.
- The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in El Paso is around $750 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages about $900 per month.
- El Paso has experienced a housing growth rate of approximately 1.5% annually over the past few years, indicating a steady demand for housing.
- The real estate market in El Paso has been showing a trend towards more new construction, particularly in the suburban areas, to accommodate the city’s growing population.
- El Paso is also seeing a trend of increasing home values, with home prices rising about 5% in the past year.
- Despite the increase in prices, El Paso continues to be considered a buyer’s market due to its relative affordability compared to the rest of the country.
Local Infrastructure
- El Paso boasts a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including a comprehensive network of highways, an international airport, and a public transit system.
- Major highways in El Paso include Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 54, which facilitate a significant amount of commercial and passenger traffic.
- El Paso International Airport serves approximately 3 million passengers annually, offering non-stop flights to major U.S. cities.
- The city’s public transit system, Sun Metro, operates more than 50 bus routes, and has been recognized for its innovation and service quality.
- On the utilities front, El Paso Electric is the primary provider of electricity and uses a mix of natural gas, nuclear energy, and renewable sources to generate power.
- The city is also making strides towards sustainability, with about 8% of its energy consumption coming from renewable sources.
- El Paso residents have access to high-speed internet, with average speeds well above the national average. The coverage is extensive, reaching nearly 98% of the city.
- Cellular network coverage in El Paso is also excellent, with the city served by all major network providers. It’s not uncommon to have 4G LTE service throughout most of the city.