A South Texas City Built on Energy, Agriculture, and Affordability

Alice is a city of approximately 27,000 residents in Jim Wells County, located 45 miles west of Corpus Christi. The median home value is $107,500 according to Census Bureau estimates, with median rent at $947 per month. The city is organized into a handful of distinct neighborhoods including East Buena Vista Addition Colonia and North Hilltop Addition Colonia. Alice Independent School District holds a C rating from the Texas Education Agency, while nearby Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD earned a B rating. The local economy is driven by the energy sector, with mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction employing more than 2,000 workers at an average annual pay of $108,464 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

History

Alice was founded in the 1880s at the intersection of two major railroads and named for Alice Kleberg of the prominent ranching family. Jim Wells County was carved from Nueces County in 1911 and named for Judge James B. Wells, a prominent South Texas attorney. The city's historical markers commemorate figures like Alonso S. Perales, a civil rights leader born here in 1898, and the Texas Rangers' battle of 1850 that helped secure the region.

ZIP Codes Compared

Alice is served by a single primary ZIP code, so housing prices remain fairly consistent across the city. The most variation comes from the age and condition of homes rather than geographic location, with newer construction on the outskirts commanding slightly higher prices than older homes near the historic core.

Demographics

Alice is a predominantly Hispanic community, with more than 83 percent of residents identifying as Hispanic according to Census Bureau data. The median age is 35.2 years, and the median household income is $49,887, reflecting a working-class population anchored by energy sector jobs and service industries.

Economy

The energy sector dominates the local economy, with mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction providing the highest-paying jobs at an average of $108,464 annually according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Retail trade, accommodation and food services, and wholesale trade provide additional employment, supporting both residents and travelers passing through the region.

Schools

Alice Independent School District serves the majority of students in the city with a C rating from the Texas Education Agency, while Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD, serving the surrounding area, holds a B rating. Both districts serve smaller student populations, with Alice ISD enrolling about 1,456 students and Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD enrolling 444.

Cost of Living

Alice offers one of the most affordable housing markets in South Texas, with a median home value of $107,500 and median rent of $947 per month according to Census Bureau estimates. The overall cost of living is well below state and national averages, making it an attractive option for families and workers in the energy sector.

Homeowners Associations

Alice has no registered homeowners associations in the Texas Comptroller database, reflecting the city's preference for traditional neighborhoods without formal deed restrictions or monthly fees. Homebuyers here enjoy the freedom to manage their properties without HOA oversight.

About Alice

Alice sits at the crossroads of two historic rail lines in Jim Wells County, about 45 miles west of Corpus Christi. The city emerged in the 1880s when the Corpus Christi, San Diego, & Rio Grande and the San Antonio & Aransas Pass railroads intersected, and it was named for Alice Kleberg, daughter of a prominent South Texas ranching family. Today, with a population of around 27,000 according to Census Bureau estimates, Alice remains a regional hub for the surrounding agricultural and energy economy, serving ranchers, oil field workers, and families seeking affordable housing in a small-city setting.

The housing market here is one of the most accessible in South Texas. The median home value stands at $107,500 according to Census data, with median rent at $947 per month. About 65 percent of residents own their homes, a rate that reflects both affordability and the stability of families who have lived here for generations. The city offers a mix of older ranch-style homes, newer subdivisions on the outskirts, and colonia neighborhoods that have grown up organically over decades. You won't find luxury high-rises or gated master-planned communities, but you will find space, quiet streets, and homes that don't require dual six-figure incomes.

Alice's economy is anchored by the energy sector. Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction employ more than 2,000 workers in Jim Wells County with average annual pay exceeding $108,000, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This creates a solid middle class of workers who commute to rigs and facilities throughout the Eagle Ford Shale region. Retail trade, accommodation and food services, and wholesale trade round out the employment base, supporting the daily needs of residents and travelers passing through on Highway 281. The median household income is $49,887 according to Census estimates, which goes significantly further here than it would in metro areas closer to the coast.

The city has a predominantly Hispanic cultural identity, with more than 83 percent of residents identifying as Hispanic according to Census data. Spanish is commonly heard in shops, restaurants, and schools. The community celebrates this heritage through festivals, church events, and family gatherings that anchor the social calendar. Alice is not a place people move to for nightlife or cultural amenities. It's a place people choose for affordability, proximity to work in the oil fields, and the ability to raise a family without the financial strain of larger cities. If you value space, low cost of living, and a tight-knit community where your neighbors know your name, Alice offers that in abundance.

Neighborhoods and Areas to Consider in Alice

Alice is a compact city where most neighborhoods are accessible within a ten-minute drive, but the character of the areas varies enough to matter when choosing where to settle. East Buena Vista Addition Colonia represents the kind of neighborhood that defines much of Alice's residential fabric. It's a working-class area where homes are modest, yards are functional, and the pace is slow. The colonia designation reflects its organic growth over time, often without the formal infrastructure of newer subdivisions. What residents appreciate is the proximity to the essentials without the noise and traffic of the main commercial corridors. You're close enough to the action when you need it, but the streets themselves remain quiet and neighborly.

North Hilltop Addition Colonia sits closer to the H-E-B and other retail anchors along Highway 281, making it a practical choice for families who want to minimize drive time for groceries, pharmacy runs, and everyday errands. The homes here are similarly affordable, and the neighborhood has a lived-in feel that appeals to people who prioritize function over aesthetics. You won't find manicured lawns or homeowners association rules, but you will find neighbors who look out for each other and a sense of community that comes from shared experience.

Beyond these colonias, Alice has a mix of older residential streets near the historic downtown core and newer construction on the edges of town. The older areas closer to the courthouse and the railroad tracks have more mature trees and a sense of history, while the outskirts offer newer builds with open floor plans and modern finishes. The choice often comes down to whether you prefer the character and shade of an established neighborhood or the clean slate of a newer home. Either way, affordability is the common thread.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4801852

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

01852

Statistics

Neighborhoods

2

Population

17,916

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

31 km²

County

Jim Wells

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Alice

Is Alice a good place to live?

Alice is a good place to live for people who prioritize affordability, proximity to energy sector jobs, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. The median home value is $107,500 according to Census Bureau estimates, making homeownership accessible for working families and first-time buyers. The city's population of around 27,000 offers the benefits of small-town life without feeling isolated, and its location along Highway 281 provides easy access to Corpus Christi and other regional centers. The economy is anchored by the oil and gas industry, with more than 2,000 workers in mining, quarrying, and energy extraction earning an average of $108,464 annually according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The cultural identity is predominantly Hispanic, and the community values family, tradition, and mutual support. Alice isn't for everyone—it lacks the amenities and entertainment options of larger cities—but for those seeking affordability, stability, and a slower pace, it delivers.

What is the cost of living in Alice?

The cost of living in Alice is significantly lower than state and national averages, driven primarily by affordable housing. The median home value is $107,500 according to Census Bureau estimates, and median rent is $947 per month, making it one of the most accessible markets in South Texas. The median household income is $49,887 according to Census data, and that income stretches further here than it would in metro areas like San Antonio or Corpus Christi. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and gas are in line with other small Texas cities, and the lack of homeowners associations means no additional monthly fees for most homeowners. Energy sector workers benefit from high wages relative to the local cost of living, allowing for comfortable middle-class lifestyles. The tradeoff is fewer entertainment and dining options compared to larger cities, but for families focused on building equity and living within their means, Alice offers a strong value proposition.

How are the schools in Alice?

Alice Independent School District serves the majority of students in the city and holds a C rating from the Texas Education Agency. The district operates two schools and enrolls approximately 1,456 students. Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD, which serves areas surrounding Alice, holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency and operates two schools with 444 students. Both districts serve smaller student populations, which can mean more personalized attention but fewer extracurricular options and advanced programs compared to larger districts. Families moving to Alice should visit schools, meet with administrators, and review individual campus performance reports to get a clear picture of what to expect. The schools reflect the working-class character of the community, and many families supplement education with church programs and community activities.

Is Alice good for families?

Alice is good for families who value affordability, safety, and a close-knit community over urban amenities. The median home value of $107,500 according to Census Bureau estimates makes homeownership realistic for young families, and the 65 percent homeownership rate reflects stability and long-term residents. The city has a median age of 35.2 years, indicating a family-oriented population. Schools are small, and while Alice ISD holds a C rating from the Texas Education Agency, nearby Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco ISD earned a B rating. The community is predominantly Hispanic, and cultural traditions around family, church, and neighborhood gatherings create a supportive environment for raising children. Outdoor recreation is limited, but the slower pace and low traffic make it easy for kids to play in yards and ride bikes on quiet streets. Families who prioritize financial stability and community connection will find Alice a practical choice.

How does Alice compare to nearby cities?

Alice is smaller and more affordable than nearby Corpus Christi, which offers more jobs, entertainment, and amenities but comes with higher housing costs and urban congestion. The median home value in Alice is $107,500 according to Census Bureau estimates, well below what you'd find closer to the coast. Alice is also quieter and more rural than Kingsville, home to Texas A&M University-Kingsville, which has a more transient population and college-town energy. Compared to other small towns in Jim Wells and surrounding counties, Alice stands out as a regional hub with better retail access, including H-E-B and national chains along Highway 281. The energy sector provides higher-paying jobs here than in many neighboring towns, with oil and gas workers earning an average of $108,464 annually according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Alice is the practical choice for people who work in the Eagle Ford Shale region and want affordable housing without the isolation of truly rural living.

Find Your Home in Alice with Local Expertise

Whether you're relocating for work in the Eagle Ford Shale or searching for affordable housing in South Texas, a Texas Ally advisor can help you navigate Alice's neighborhoods and find a home that fits your budget. Connect with an expert who knows Jim Wells County and can guide you through every step of the process.