2027 MNM LIVABILITY INDEX

Laredo

Texas (TX)

Best for: Trade/logistics households and families who value affordability, bilingual culture and a major cross-border economy.

2027 CITY CLASSMedium City100,000–299,999 residents

Modern Livability78.4/ 100

AT A GLANCE

Everyday numbers

Population269,515

Median Home$175,000

Median Rent$980

Median Household Income$58,000

Cost of Living~89.0 (US=100; 2024 metro/region)

Average Commute21.1 min

Unemployment~4.5% metro (2026)

Metro AreaLaredo, TX

2027 MODERN LIVABILITY SCORECARD

How this city actually lives

Twelve dimensions capture both hard data and the everyday experience traditional lists tend to miss.

78.4overall

Housing & Financial Reality100.0

Housing burden, taxes, insurance, utilities and what local incomes actually buy.

Ease of Living91.0

Errands, commute friction, parking, services and the effort required for daily life.

Safety & Stability66.0

Personal, neighborhood, road and environmental stability.

Economic Opportunity85.0

Jobs, wages, career mobility, employer diversity and economic resilience.

Health & Wellness75.0

Healthcare access, activity, mental wellness, healthy food and environmental health.

Beauty & Sense of Place72.0

Scenery, architecture, trees, cleanliness, public realm and distinct sense of place.

Mobility & Congestion49.0

Traffic delay, commute reliability, walking, cycling and transit usefulness.

Nature & Escape68.0

Trails, water, mountains, parks, public lands and how easily residents can escape.

Diversity & Belonging100.0

Diversity, integration, accessibility, newcomer friendliness and community connection.

Climate & Environment55.0

Comfortable weather, air quality, severe weather and environmental exposure.

Community & Culture91.0

Restaurants, arts, events, third places, recreation and social life.

Infrastructure & Connectivity86.0

Broadband, utilities, airport, highways, transit and essential connectivity.

THE THINGS OLD-SCHOOL LISTS MISS

What daily life feels like

Traffic / CongestionLow to moderate. Short commutes and manageable traffic are meaningful quality-of-life strengths.

Weekend EscapeGood to very good. Local parks and regional destinations provide useful escape options, though the strongest natural assets may require more driving.

WalkabilityAbout 37/100 citywide Walk Score. The city is car-dependent overall, so neighborhood choice strongly affects everyday convenience.

Airport AccessGood for a city this size, though nonstop breadth is smaller than at the country's largest hubs.

Outdoor AccessGood to very good. Local parks and regional recreation provide regular outdoor options.

Healthcare AccessStrong. Major hospital systems provide practical emergency, primary and specialty care.

Air QualityMixed to generally good. Heat, traffic emissions, smoke, dust or regional weather patterns can periodically worsen conditions.

Third Places / Social LifeVery good. Restaurants, parks, cafés, community events and cultural venues support a healthy social ecosystem.

EDITORIAL VIEW

More than a number

Trajectory: Stable

WHY IT STANDS OUT

Why we chose it

Laredo is the #84 most populous U.S. city in the Census Bureau's 2025 estimates and stands out in the 2027 MNM Livability Index for affordability; trade economy; culture; short commute; diversity; logistics jobs. The score balances housing, ease of living, safety, opportunity, wellness, beauty, mobility, nature, belonging, climate, culture and infrastructure. Its clearest tradeoffs are extreme heat; limited healthcare depth; truck traffic; lower wages; limited nature.

REAL LIFE