West Texas · Texas County

El Paso County

El Paso County (county seat: El Paso) sits at the western tip of Texas anchoring the El Paso MSA. Population approximately 870,000. El Paso anchors the urban core. Fort Bliss military base is the dominant economic anchor. Verified May 19, 2026.

Last verified May 19, 2026

Quick Facts

County seat El Paso
Region West Texas
Population 870,000
100% AMI (4-person) $76,200 Source: huduser.gov
FHA loan limit $524,225 Source: hud.gov
FIPS code 48141

What Buyers Should Know

El Paso County’s 2026 HUD area median income (AMI) for a 4-person household is approximately $76,200, with the TSAHC Heroes 115% AMI ceiling reaching ~$87,630. Most El Paso County buyers qualify for at least one TSAHC or TDHCA program; the county is not designated a HUD targeted area, so the standard income limits and first-time-buyer rules apply.

FHA loan limits in El Paso mirror the El Paso baseline. Conforming limits run $806,500 for 1-unit. VA loans are uncapped above conforming limits for full-entitlement veterans.

Property tax in El Paso County averages around 2.49% effective (verify current year at the county appraisal district). The Texas residence homestead exemption shaves $100,000 off school-district appraised value and caps appraised value growth at 10% per year — file with the appraisal district on or before April 30 of the year following purchase.

El Paso + Fort Bliss Military Community

El Paso County is anchored by El Paso (county seat, ~679,000) — the sixth-largest city in Texas and the largest US city on the US-Mexico border. Fort Bliss (the second-largest active-duty US Army installation by area) sits north of the city + is the dominant economic anchor — home to the 1st Armored Division. Socorro, Horizon City, San Elizario, Anthony, and Vinton anchor the perimeter. El Paso ISD, Socorro ISD, Ysleta ISD, Canutillo ISD, Clint ISD, and San Elizario ISD serve the county. Most El Paso County buyers stationed at Fort Bliss pair a VA loan with TSAHC Heroes (Veterans category) DPA — one of the densest military housing markets in Texas.