El Paso Demographics: Who Lives Here, Who Visits, and How They Spend Money

El Paso, Texas, is a bustling border city with a young and diverse population, a strong military presence, and millions of visitors annually. From local shopping trends to the influence of Fort Bliss, understanding the demographics of El Paso can help businesses, marketers, and entrepreneurs strategically tap into this dynamic economy.

El Paso Residents: Who Lives Here?

Age & Population Breakdown

El Paso is one of the youngest major cities in Texas, with a median age of 34 years. Nearly 40% of the population is under 25, making it a hub for students, young professionals, and growing families.

Key demographic groups include:
📌 Families: The majority of households in El Paso are family-based (62%), leading to strong spending on education, groceries, and family entertainment.
📌 College Students: With institutions like UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) and El Paso Community College, there’s a large student population that leans toward affordable dining, technology, and entertainment.
📌 Bilingual & Bicultural Population: Over 80% of El Paso’s residents are Hispanic, with a strong Mexican-American cultural influence on everything from businesses to cuisine and shopping habits.

Income Levels & Spending Power

The median household income in El Paso is $58,734, but earnings vary across different age groups:
🔹 Ages 45-64: $69,567 – This group tends to have the highest disposable income and spends on home improvements, dining, and travel.
🔹 Ages 25-44: $64,132 – Young professionals drive spending on fitness, nightlife, and fashion.
🔹 Under 25: $36,048 – A budget-conscious group, spending on affordable dining, streaming services, and tech gadgets.

Fort Bliss & The Military Population

Fort Bliss is one of the largest U.S. Army bases, playing a critical role in El Paso’s economy with over:
✅ 39,000 active-duty soldiers
✅ 13,000 civilian employees
✅ $25 billion in annual economic impact

Fort Bliss influences spending in multiple industries, including:

• Retail: Military personnel and families shop at stores like Freedom Crossing (the on-base shopping center), Cielo Vista Mall, Academy Sports, and Best Buy.
• Dining: Military personnel and families frequent Texas Roadhouse, Crave Kitchen, Track One, and Chuco Town Bar & Grill.
• Housing: Many military families buy or rent homes in neighborhoods like Northeast El Paso, Horizon City, and East Side.
• Entertainment & Fitness: High interest in gyms (EP Fitness, Gold’s Gym), paintball arenas, shooting ranges (Sportsman’s Elite), and outdoor activities.

How Do El Paso Residents Spend Their Money?

El Pasoans are savvy shoppers who seek a balance between affordability and quality.

Top Spending Categories & Local Favorites:

🔹 Shopping

• Most Popular Retail Centers:
  • Cielo Vista Mall (Macy’s, H&M, Dillard’s, and local boutiques)
  • The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso (Nike, Coach, Michael Kors)
  • Bassett Place (Target, Conn’s HomePlus, Costco)
• Discount shopping is a huge draw:
  • Ross, TJ Maxx, and Burlington are frequently visited.
  • Walmart and Target dominate grocery shopping, with a preference for H-E-B and Albertsons for specialty items.

🔹 Dining & Food

El Paso’s food scene is heavily influenced by Mexican, Tex-Mex, and American fusion cuisines.

• Tex-Mex Staples: L&J Café, Carlos & Mickey’s, and Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant are legendary spots.
• Local Burger Joints: Toro Burger, Frisco Burger, Whataburger are favorites.
• Brunch Hotspots: Salt + Honey, 150 Sunset, and Joe Vinny & Bronson’s Café attract a younger crowd.
• Late-Night & Fast Food: Tacos from Rivas Taco Shop, Taco Tote, and local food trucks thrive.

🔹 Entertainment & Nightlife

• Sports & Events:
  • El Paso Chihuahuas (Minor League Baseball) games at Southwest University Park.
  • UTEP Miners football & basketball games.
• Nightlife & Breweries:
  • Hotel Indigo’s Circa 1963 rooftop bar is a trendy spot.
  • DeadBeach Brewery and Blazing Tree Brewery attract beer enthusiasts.
  • West Side bars like Rubiks Arcade Bar and Craft & Social cater to younger crowds.

🔹 Outdoor Activities

• Hiking & Biking: Franklin Mountains State Park and Hueco Tanks attract nature lovers.
• Golfing: Butterfield Trail Golf Club and Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course are popular among professionals and retirees.
• Adventure & Fitness: Rock climbing at Cave Climbing Gym, cycling events, and CrossFit gyms thrive.

El Paso Visitors: Who’s Coming & What Are They Spending On?

El Paso attracts over 2 million visitors annually, contributing $1.5 billion to the local economy.

Who Visits?

📍 Mexican Visitors: Many travel from Ciudad Juárez and Chihuahua for shopping and medical tourism.
📍 Domestic Travelers: Business travelers and tourists from Austin, Dallas, Phoenix, and California.
📍 Military Families: Families visiting Fort Bliss service members.

Why Do People Visit?

🔹 Shopping: The #1 reason, with The Outlet Shoppes, Cielo Vista, and Walmart leading in foot traffic.
🔹 Food & Dining: Mexican and Tex-Mex dining experiences are a huge draw.
🔹 Events & Nightlife: Concerts at The Plaza Theatre, Don Haskins Center, and music festivals attract visitors.
🔹 Tourist Attractions: El Paso Mission Trail, Scenic Drive, and Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino.

How Much Do Visitors Spend?

💰 Average daily visitor spending: $180 per person (39% higher than the Texas average).
💰 Primary expenses: Shopping, dining, hotels, and entertainment.
💰 Hotel hotspots: Hotel Paso Del Norte, The Plaza Hotel, and Stanton House.

Key Takeaways for Businesses & Marketers

✅ Retailers should focus on affordable pricing & military discounts.
✅ Restaurants should cater to family-friendly dining & late-night options.
✅ E-commerce & tech businesses can benefit from El Paso’s young, digital-savvy audience.
✅ Tourism & hospitality should highlight El Paso’s unique shopping, culture, and outdoor experiences.

El Paso’s economy is shaped by its unique mix of young professionals, military families, and high-spending visitors. Whether you’re a local business owner or an entrepreneur, understanding these trends can help you grow in the Sun City! 🌞