El Paso, Texas, and Memphis, Tennessee, are distinctive cities with differing characteristics. They both offer unique living experiences, have different geographical conditions, and distinct cultural hubs. El Paso has a strong Hispanic influence while Memphis is renowned for its Southern charm and musical history. Both cities have their strengths and challenges when it comes to safety, cost of living, education, and more aspects of living and visiting.
Distance between
El Paso, TX and
Memphis, TN : 974.6 miles
El Paso's population is larger by 8%. Its population has grown by 114,753 people (20.4%) since 2000. The population of Memphis has decreased by 21,973 people (3.4%) during that time.
El Paso is known for being one of the safest big cities in the United States, which can be appealing for new residents and tourists. Its crime rate is generally lower than the national average. Memphis, on the other hand, has a higher crime rate, especially in certain neighborhoods, though initiatives are in place to improve safety.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,274 registered sex offenders living in El Paso and 2,629 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in El Paso is 536 to 1; the ratio in Memphis is 248 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in El Paso than in Memphis.
Cost of Living
When it comes to the cost of living, El Paso is significantly more affordable than Memphis. Housing is particularly cheaper in El Paso. However, the cost of goods, services, and transportation are relatively similar in both cities.
Income Tax
Neither state has an income tax.
Property Tax
Property taxes in El Paso are significantly higher than in Memphis.
Sales Tax
Texas does not have a state income tax, which benefits those in El Paso. Its city sales tax rate is 8.25%. Tennessee doesn't have a wage income tax, benefiting Memphis residents. The sales tax in Memphis is 9.25%.
Income
Type
El Paso
Memphis
Estimated median household income
$51,241
$44,317
Estimated per capita income
$25,670
$28,571
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
82.2
85.5
If you make $50,000 in El Paso, you will have to make $52,007 in Memphis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, El Paso is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and the Franklin Mountains State Park. Memphis, located along the Mississippi River, has more of a flat terrain with several parks and green spaces.
Both cities have strong educational systems. El Paso is home to the University of Texas at El Paso, while Memphis boasts the University of Memphis. Both cities have a range of public and private primary and secondary schools.
El Paso's economy is driven by trade, military, and manufacturing sectors. Memphis, on the other hand, is a significant hub for the transportation and shipping industry, thanks in part to the presence of FedEx.
Biggest Employers
The top employers in El Paso include the US Army, the local school district, and healthcare systems. In Memphis, top employers include FedEx, the local school district, and healthcare providers.
In El Paso (El Paso County), 65.5% voted for Democrats and 33.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Memphis (Shelby County), 62.9% voted for Democrats and 36.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
El Paso
Memphis
El Paso
Memphis
El Paso
Memphis
2020
66.8%
64.8%
31.6%
34.2%
1.6%
1.1%
2016
69.1%
62.3%
26.0%
34.7%
4.9%
3.1%
2012
65.5%
62.9%
33.2%
36.7%
1.3%
0.4%
2008
66.0%
63.8%
33.4%
36.2%
0.6%
0.0%
2004
56.2%
57.7%
43.3%
42.0%
0.5%
0.3%
2000
57.9%
56.8%
39.8%
42.3%
2.3%
0.9%
1996
62.3%
78.9%
32.1%
19.6%
5.6%
1.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
El Paso
Memphis
El Paso
Memphis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
43.2%
6.5%
11.3%
2.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
3.3%
14.8%
26.6%
15.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.4%
1.6%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.4%
1.0%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.1%
0.8%
1.0%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.1%
0.5%
0.2%
0.8%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.0%
0.4%
0.4%
0.6%
Weather
Weather in El Paso is generally more arid, with hot summers and mild winters, providing year-round outdoor opportunities like hiking. Memphis experiences a more humid climate with hot summers and colder winters. Both cities, however, enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
Weather and climate
Type
El Paso
Memphis
Temperature - Average
64.6°F
61.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
42.7%
74%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42.8%
33%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
59.8%
85%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
17%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
9.4 in
54.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.7 in
8.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
31.8%
19.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
89.4%
68.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
13.9%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
89.3%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
75.4%
50%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
8.8 mph
Average climate in El Paso, Texas
Average climate in Memphis, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
El Paso
Memphis
El Paso
Memphis
El Paso
Memphis
El Paso
Memphis
El Paso
El Paso
Memphis
El Paso
Memphis
El Paso
Memphis
2018
139
81
0.17
0.24
14.0
10.4
32.0
27.1
N/A
N/A
35.7
19.0
9.2
8.1
N/A
0.4
2017
173
74
0.19
0.24
13.0
10.2
30.5
28.1
N/A
N/A
40.4
17.5
9.5
7.9
0.5
0.3
2016
148
76
0.17
0.24
12.6
10.2
30.6
28.8
N/A
N/A
35.2
19.6
9.2
8.5
0.5
0.9
2015
112
77
0.18
0.26
12.7
11.1
30.8
26.9
N/A
N/A
31.2
N/A
8.0
9.2
0.5
1.0
2014
157
75
0.13
0.27
12.8
10.1
30.0
26.5
N/A
N/A
40.3
N/A
9.7
9.9
0.4
1.3
2013
211
74
0.23
0.31
14.1
8.3
30.5
26.6
N/A
N/A
43.9
N/A
10.8
10.2
0.4
1.0
2012
229
94
0.30
0.32
15.9
9.3
31.6
29.7
N/A
N/A
40.2
N/A
11.6
10.7
0.4
0.6
2011
221
93
0.23
0.34
15.9
10.0
31.2
29.0
N/A
N/A
34.7
N/A
11.6
11.1
0.5
0.5
2010
211
95
0.25
0.43
15.3
10.3
29.4
27.9
N/A
N/A
28.8
N/A
7.9
12.9
0.3
N/A
2009
117
86
0.23
0.35
15.4
8.7
29.5
24.9
N/A
N/A
28.6
N/A
8.3
11.8
0.3
N/A
2008
210
94
0.25
0.36
15.2
10.3
30.1
26.3
0.017
N/A
34.6
N/A
9.7
13.2
0.6
N/A
2007
134
106
0.28
0.47
13.9
11.2
30.6
26.7
0.019
N/A
40.5
N/A
8.4
14.8
0.4
5.6
2006
241
108
0.37
0.43
14.3
13.0
30.6
26.8
0.018
N/A
55.0
N/A
11.1
14.7
0.3
6.3
2005
159
110
0.43
0.46
13.1
10.1
29.6
26.9
0.013
N/A
44.5
N/A
9.6
17.9
0.6
4.9
2004
183
98
0.38
0.51
13.5
N/A
29.2
24.9
0.020
N/A
47.3
N/A
8.2
14.5
0.4
5.9
2003
278
110
0.46
0.57
15.5
20.1
29.5
25.3
0.039
N/A
60.4
N/A
10.8
15.0
0.6
5.8
2002
203
110
0.43
0.58
16.4
20.4
30.5
25.1
0.034
N/A
53.3
15.6
11.0
N/A
0.4
4.5
2001
139
111
0.51
0.66
15.5
24.7
28.7
26.0
0.046
N/A
N/A
22.7
9.8
N/A
0.7
6.1
2000
145
103
0.67
0.63
17.8
25.2
27.8
26.2
0.072
N/A
N/A
24.9
9.1
N/A
1.0
6.4
Natural disasters
Type
El Paso
Memphis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
4.2%
198.6%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
524.4%
474%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
11%
18%
Transportation
Public transit is more robust in Memphis, with a trolley system, extensive bus service, and a bike share program. El Paso also has a bus system, along with an international airport and an Amtrak station.
Transport
Type
El Paso
Memphis
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
331
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
6
52
Means of transportation to work
Type
El Paso
Memphis
Bicycle
0.3%
0%
Bus
1.3%
0.4%
Carpooled
11.2%
7.5%
Car alone
83.4%
88.8%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
1.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
El Paso
Memphis
Average
25.1 min
27 min
Other means
22.2 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
46.4 min
43.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
El Paso
Memphis
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.5%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
7.9%
7.9%
In 3 person carpool
2.1%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.7%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in El Paso is generally more affordable, with numerous styles and neighborhoods to fit various budgets. While Memphis has a higher median home price, it also offers a range of housing options, from downtown condos to suburban homes.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique feel. In El Paso, the Sunset Heights district is popular, while Memphis' Midtown is loved for its historic architecture and vibrant arts scene.
Houses and residents
Type
El Paso
Memphis
Houses
261,779
288,491
Average household size (people)
3
2.5
Median year apartment built
1982
1972
Median year house/condo built
1985
1967
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.7 years
16.2 years
Houses occupied
242,529 (92.6%)
256,968 (89.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
147,788 (60.9%)
119,622 (46.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
94,741 (39.1%)
137,346 (53.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$570.82
$760.83
Median monthly housing costs
$939
$967
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$227,007
$201,932
Estimated median house or condo value
$152,800
$142,800
Median numbers of rooms
5.4
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$187,761
$205,904
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$75,782
$145,165
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$266,003
$201,411
Median house price - mobile homes
$43,095
$93,577
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$9,296
$39,582
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$149,459
$170,154
Median house price - All housing units
$186,951
$204,886
Median house age
38
52
Renting percentage
39.6%
48.1%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,051
1,032.8
House value disparities
32.7%
44.1%
Household income disparities
46.6%
48.2%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$74,665
$72,611
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$52,954
$53,615
Housing units without a mortgage
1,889 (2.2%)
1,461 (2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,956 (3.4%)
3,970 (5.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
84,973 (97.8%)
71,386 (98%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
250 (0.3%)
322 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,635 (4.2%)
5,907 (8.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
16
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2%
5.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
2%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
El Paso
Memphis
One, detached
67.7%
61.0%
One, attached
4.4%
5.8%
Two
2.4%
2.1%
3 or 4
4.1%
7.4%
5 to 9
5.9%
9.1%
10 to 19
5.8%
5.6%
20 to 49
2.4%
1.8%
50 or more
4.8%
6.2%
Mobile homes
2.3%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
19,650
16,111
State government workers
12,525
7,650
Unpaid family workers
901
668
Industries and Occupations
In El Paso, the most common jobs are in office and administrative support, sales, and food preparation. In contrast, Memphis has a high concentration of jobs in transportation and material moving, office and administrative support, and sales.
Both cities have multiple hospitals and healthcare facilities. El Paso has the added benefit of having access to military healthcare through Fort Bliss.
Health (county statistics)
Type
El Paso
Memphis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
El Paso benefits from well-maintained infrastructure, including its roadways, airport, and public facilities. Memphis has been investing in its infrastructure, with public projects aimed at improving the city's roadways, public transit system, and airport.
Infrastructure
Type
El Paso
Memphis
Hospitals
41
35
TV stations
10
14
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
89
160
Bank institutions located here
19
33
Main business address for public companies
7
17
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
El Paso
Memphis
1999
1,994
2,195
2000
993
2,406
2001
704
1,775
2002
594
1,444
2003
1,268
2,116
2004
1,646
3,266
2005
2,316
4,730
2006
2,701
5,833
2007
2,051
3,559
2008
1,034
1,174
2009
454
345
Culture and Food
The majority of El Paso's population is Hispanic, and the food scene reflects this with a focus on Mexican cuisine. Memphis is famous for its barbecue and has a rich music history, notably blues and rock 'n' roll.
Sports Teams
El Paso is home to minor league sports teams like the El Paso Chihuahuas (baseball) and the El Paso Locomotive FC (soccer). Memphis hosts the NBA's Grizzlies and a minor league baseball team, the Redbirds.
El Paso, TX
Memphis, TN
El Paso, TX and 
Memphis, TN : 974.6 miles
