A Small Town Where Homeownership Anchors Community Life

Somerset is a small Bexar County town of approximately 7,038 residents where the median home value sits at $114,300 and homeownership reaches 86%. The community is served by Somerset ISD, which holds a B rating and educates 618 students across one neighborhood. With a median household income of $75,625 and median rent of $1,111, Somerset offers one of the most affordable housing markets in the San Antonio metro area, drawing families and first-time buyers looking for space and value.

History

Somerset's roots trace to the mid-1850s when pioneers like Aaron Rambie settled the area and established institutions like Medina Baptist Church in 1857. The Old Rock Baptist Church and Rambie-Lewis Family Cemetery preserve the memory of those early settlers who built communities from scratch on the Texas frontier.

ZIP Codes Compared

Somerset operates as a single-neighborhood town without the ZIP code variation seen in larger cities. The housing stock remains consistently affordable throughout, with most properties falling in the entry-level to mid-range categories.

Demographics

Somerset's population is predominantly Hispanic at 86.6%, with a median age of 35.1 and relatively low educational attainment at 9.7% holding bachelor's degrees or higher. The high homeownership rate and stable household incomes suggest a working-class community focused on building equity and raising families.

Economy

Most Somerset residents commute into San Antonio for work, tapping into Bexar County's largest employment sectors including healthcare with 132,605 employees averaging $59,294 annually, and accommodation and food services employing over 105,000. Finance, professional services, and construction offer higher-wage opportunities for those with specialized skills.

Schools

Somerset ISD holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency and serves the entire town through a compact district of 618 students. With Somerset Elementary and Somerset High School both located within town limits, families benefit from short commutes and a close-knit school community.

Cost of Living

Housing costs in Somerset run significantly below both state and national averages, with the median home value of $114,300 offering exceptional affordability for the San Antonio region. The combination of low home prices and median household incomes around $75,625 creates favorable conditions for building household wealth.

Homeowners Associations

Somerset has no registered homeowners associations, reflecting the town's rural character and preference for individual property management. Buyers here enjoy freedom from HOA fees and architectural restrictions common in newer suburban developments.

About Somerset

Somerset sits in southern Bexar County along the edge of the San Antonio metro area, close enough to the city for commuters but holding tight to its small-town identity. With around 7,000 residents and an 86% homeownership rate, this is a place where people plant roots rather than pass through. The median home value of $114,300 makes it one of the most accessible entry points for buyers in the San Antonio region, attracting young families and first-time homebuyers looking for affordability without sacrificing space.

The town's history runs deep. The Old Rock Baptist Church marker tells the story of Medina Baptist Church, organized in 1857 at Mann's Crossing near Macdona, with early services held in homes and schoolhouses until members built an arbor near Old Somerset in 1866. The Rambie-Lewis Family Cemetery, containing just three graves, stands as a quiet reminder of the hardships faced by 19th-century pioneers like Aaron Rambie, a Pennsylvania native who arrived in Texas around 1848. These historical threads connect to the Somerset of today, where families still gather in shared spaces and community bonds matter.

Somerset Stadium serves as the town's social hub, hosting game nights and community events that draw neighbors together. The Vernon G Schimel Memorial Park and Somerset Community Pool offer recreational outlets, while the Somerset Elementary and High School campuses anchor daily routines for families. You'll find essential services clustered along the main corridors—Texas Community Bank, Somerset Post Office, Dollar General, and local spots like Constantino's and El Paraiso for sit-down meals. The Centro Biblico Familiar reflects the town's strong Hispanic cultural presence, with 86.6% of residents identifying as Hispanic. Daily life here revolves around school schedules, weekend gatherings, and the kind of neighborly familiarity that comes with knowing the faces at the gas station and the post office.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4868708

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

68708

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

2,152

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

5 km²

County

Bexar

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Somerset

Is Somerset a good place to live?

Somerset works exceptionally well for buyers prioritizing homeownership and affordability over urban amenities. With 86% of residents owning their homes according to Census Bureau estimates and a median home value of $114,300, this small town offers one of the most accessible entry points into the San Antonio housing market. The trade-off is limited commercial development—you'll find essential services like Dollar General, Texas Community Bank, and a handful of local restaurants, but major shopping and entertainment require a drive into San Antonio. Somerset Stadium and Vernon G Schimel Memorial Park provide community gathering spaces, and the town's compact size means neighbors actually know each other. The high Hispanic population at 86.6% creates strong cultural cohesion, with institutions like Centro Biblico Familiar serving as community anchors. If you're looking for walkable urbanism or extensive dining options, Somerset isn't that place. But if you want a quiet, affordable community where you can own property and raise kids without the noise and cost of city living, it delivers exactly that.

What is the cost of living in Somerset?

Somerset's cost of living centers on exceptionally affordable housing, with the median home value at $114,300 according to Census Bureau data—roughly half what you'd pay in many San Antonio suburbs. Median rent sits at $1,111 monthly for those not ready to buy, though rental inventory is limited given the 86% homeownership rate. The median household income of $75,625 means most families can comfortably afford local housing costs while building equity. Property taxes represent a significant portion of ongoing expenses, though specific rates weren't available in district records. Bexar County's major employment sectors show average wages ranging from $27,939 in accommodation and food services to $111,120 in finance and insurance, giving context to what residents can expect to earn in nearby jobs. Daily expenses for groceries and gas align with regional averages, with convenience stores like E-Z Mart and Shell serving basic needs. The real value proposition here is housing—you're getting space and ownership at price points that have disappeared in most metro areas, though you'll sacrifice the convenience and amenities that come with denser, more expensive communities.

How are the schools in Somerset?

Somerset ISD serves the entire town through a compact district rated B by the Texas Education Agency, educating 618 students across its elementary and high school campuses. The small enrollment creates an intimate educational environment where teachers and administrators can know students individually, though it also means fewer course offerings and extracurricular options than larger districts provide. Somerset Elementary and Somerset High School sit within the town itself, eliminating long bus rides and making it easy for parents to stay involved. With only 9.7% of adult residents holding bachelor's degrees according to Census estimates, educational attainment in the broader community runs below state averages, which can influence academic culture and expectations. The district's B rating indicates solid performance without standout excellence—competent instruction and reasonable outcomes for families whose primary concerns are safety, stability, and manageable class sizes. Parents seeking specialized programs, extensive AP offerings, or highly competitive academics typically look toward larger Bexar County districts. For families prioritizing a close-knit school community where kids aren't lost in the crowd, Somerset ISD delivers that experience at a fraction of the housing cost you'd pay in higher-rated districts.

Is Somerset good for families?

Somerset appeals to families who value homeownership, outdoor space, and small-town safety over urban conveniences. The 86% homeownership rate and median age of 35.1 according to Census data suggest a community of young parents establishing households and building equity. Kids can bike to Somerset Elementary or walk to the Somerset Community Pool without parents worrying about traffic, and Somerset Stadium hosts events that bring families together for Friday night games and community gatherings. The town's predominantly Hispanic character at 86.6% creates cultural continuity for families from similar backgrounds, with institutions like Centro Biblico Familiar serving as social and spiritual centers. Vernon G Schimel Memorial Park provides green space for weekend activities, though families accustomed to extensive playground systems and programmed recreation will find options limited. The Somerset ISD's B rating and 618-student enrollment mean your kids will get individual attention but fewer specialized programs than larger districts offer. Most family entertainment and shopping requires driving into San Antonio, about 20 minutes north. If your family prioritizes a yard, affordable mortgage payments, and a quiet neighborhood where kids can play outside, Somerset delivers those fundamentals. If you need walkable amenities, diverse dining, and extensive youth sports leagues, you'll find the town's small size limiting.

Find Your Place in Somerset

Whether you're drawn to Somerset's affordability or its small-town character, a Texas Ally advisor can help you navigate the local market and find a home that fits your budget. We know Bexar County inside and out, from school boundaries to property values, and we're here to make your move straightforward.