Laredo, TX Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Laredo, TX: What You Need to Know

Laredo lies on the north bank of the Rio Grande in South Texas, right on the U.S.-Mexican border. The city’s geographic uniqueness helps maintain its predominantly Hispanic and Latino population.

Local Population

Out of Laredo’s 262,491 residents, 95.4% are either Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s considered the least ethnically diverse city in the United States. The city’s population is composed of multiple generations of Spaniards, Mexicans, and their offspring. Laredo’s location on the Mexican border plus its relative isolation historically from other population centers in Texas have helped shape the city’s unique traits.

Things to Do in Laredo

The Republic of the Rio Grande Museum is unlike other museums. The house itself, built in 1830 with an addition in 1860, constitutes the core display. In 1840, the house served as the capital of the short-lived Republic of the Río Grande. The museum is located in the San Agustin de Laredo Historic District downtown. Laredo’s river ecosystem is a birding paradise. It’s home to hundreds of species of birds, including four kinds of Kingfisher, Gray Hawk, Green Parakeet, Scaled Quail, and Altamira Orioles. You can watch birds at many sites, including the Chacon Creek Trail, Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, and Las Palmas Trail. 

Weather and Climate

Laredo gets only 21 inches of rain per year versus the national average of 38 inches, and no snow at all. Even so, the region’s semiarid climate can bring long periods of heat and sudden storms. In June 1954, Hurricane Alice brought winds of about 80 miles per hour at landfall and extreme rainfall afterward. At Laredo, Rio Grande rose to a little over 61 feet, its second-highest crest ever. A three-year drought in the region worsened the flooding by making the soil vulnerable to erosion.

Cost of Living

The Lone Star State doesn’t collect state income taxes. It’s one of the best things about living in Texas. In Laredo, residents also enjoy lower household expenses. The city’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 19.4%, 11.8%, and 40.1% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent is $851. Texas charges 6.25% to 8.25% in sales tax. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

Laredo, the seat of Webb County, gets kudos for its friendly environment, great restaurants, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Younger residents, however, want more entertainment and social activities. Laredo has the highest-ranked schools in Webb County, but if you prefer the suburbs, Rio Bravo and El Cenizo have comparable schools.