Families in McAllen earn a median $60,907 a year, and the typical owned home is worth $218,500. A simple rule puts the need for a typical family here at about $750,000. Term life is usually the lowest cost way to get there.
McAllen by the numbers
- Median household income
- $60,907Lower than the Texas median of $79,721
- Typical home value
- $218,500Lower than the Texas median of $313,200
- Homes owned
- 63%44% of owned homes have a mortgage
- Households with kids
- 36%49,555 households in all
- Age 65 and older
- 14%Median age 34.1
- Veterans
- 3,1322.9% of adults
Living in McAllen
McAllen is one of 45 Texas cities with more than 100,000 people, with 148,784 residents and a median age of 34.1.
The median household here earns $60,907, below the US median of $81,604. The typical home costs about 3.6 times that income.
Compared with nearby Edinburg (9 miles away), homes in McAllen are worth about the same ($218,500 vs $223,900), and fewer households have kids at home.
The biggest hands on job group here is sales, at 12.3% of workers. Work coverage usually ends when you leave the job, so a policy you own stays put.
Who works in McAllen
The biggest groups of hands on and front line jobs here, as a share of all workers. Some of these jobs can change your price, and some companies treat them better than others.
What fits families in McAllen
44% of owned homes in McAllen still have a mortgage. If your family would struggle to make that payment without you, size a policy to the loan. More on mortgage protection
36% of households here have kids under 18. Term life covers the years they depend on you for the lowest price. More on term life
14% of people in McAllen are 65 or older, close to the Texas rate. A small policy keeps funeral costs off the family. More on final expense
About 3,132 veterans live in McAllen. VGLI is not your only choice. More on veterans
Final expense and burial insurance in McAllen
About 20,200 people in McAllen are 65 or older. A small final expense policy, also called burial insurance, pays for the funeral so the family does not have to.
| Age | Women, $10,000 | Men, $10,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | $33 | $43 |
| 70 | $53 | $70 |
| 80 | $98 | $134 |
National sample rates, Choice Mutual, Rates valid as of March 9, 2026. Not a quote. Funeral costs and help in Texas
Texas rules that protect you
- Free look: set by policy
- Grace period: one month if you miss a payment
- Guaranty protection: up to $300,000 in death benefits
- Help line: Texas Department of Insurance, 800-252-3439
Common questions in McAllen
How much life insurance do I need in McAllen?
A quick rule of thumb: 10 years of income plus what you owe on your home. With McAllen's median household income of $60,907 and a typical home value of $218,500, that lands near $750,000 for a typical family. Your number depends on your debts, kids and savings. Our calculator does the math.
Can I get life insurance in McAllen without a medical exam?
Often, yes. Many companies approve healthy people with health questions and records instead of an exam. Older buyers can also look at simplified issue or guaranteed issue final expense plans.
Do I need an agent licensed in Texas?
Yes. An agent must hold a Texas license to sell you a policy. You can check a license with the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439.
Source: Texas Department of Insurance
What does a funeral cost near McAllen?
Local prices vary by funeral home. Nationally, the median funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, and $6,280 with cremation (NFDA). Under the FTC Funeral Rule, any funeral home in McAllen must give you an itemized price list.
Source: FTC Funeral Rule · NFDA price study
What happens if my insurance company fails in Texas?
The Texas Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects Texas policyholders up to $300,000 in death benefits, per insured person.
Source: Texas Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association · NOLHGA: how you are protected
Near McAllen
Edinburg (9 mi), Brownsville (52 mi), Laredo (120 mi), Corpus Christi (125 mi), San Antonio (224 mi), New Braunfels (240 mi)
Sources
Local numbers are Census American Community Survey 2024 one year estimates for McAllen, TX. The coverage figure is a rule of thumb, not advice.
