Plainview, TX vs San Marcos, TX
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Plainview
80.8
#64 nationally
San Marcos
70.5
#1100 nationally
Plainview leads in average commute (17.8 min vs 23.7 min). San Marcos leads in walk score (39 vs 31). Plainview leads in cost of living index (85 vs 100).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Plainview, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 80.8 (#64) | 70.5 (#1100) |
| Population | 19,420 | 71,569 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $120,278 | $310,480 |
| Median Household Income | $46,274 | $47,394 |
| Average Commute | 17.8 min | 23.7 min |
| Walk Score | 31 | 39 |
| Crime Level | 10.1 | 9.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 100 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+58.0 | D+5.6 |
B-
80.8 Score
Plainview, TX
Small Texas city with local appeal
Median Home
$120,278
Population
19,420
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
31
Southwest
View Plainview, TX →
C-
70.5 Score
San Marcos, TX
Texas community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$310,480
Population
71,569
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
39
Southwest
View San Marcos, TX →