An oil and farming town, the largest in Wharton County
With roughly 12,000 residents, El Campo is the largest city in quiet, rural Wharton County. Spanish for "the camp," the city began as a railroad shipping camp for prairie grass, cattle and grain. An agricultural heritage has stuck around for generations, even following El Campo's 1930s oil boom. Today, relatively newer industries are opening doors to economic development, prompting leaders to work toward growing the city's current housing market, schools and businesses. "It's not like Sugarland or Houston, where you have everything to do five minutes away," says Realtor Brian Hargrove of Country Pride Real Estate. "It's a pretty cool little town, being that you're close to the beach and you can get anywhere in an hour, but you don't have much within five minutes."
In the heart of Wharton County, El Campo proudly calls itself the "Pearl of the Prairie".
Agriculture and farming is one of El Campo's driving industries.
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Rooted in agriculture, growing with solar and aquaculture
Traditionally, El Campo is steeped in agriculture and oil. Some locals work at oil and gas plants throughout the county, while others work as contractors on oil rigs in the Gulf. Grain farming is still big, with nearby Greenleaf Nursery and other industrial farms. Major employers also include the city school district and a local hospital, along with newer job sectors such as solar farms and inland fisheries surrounding the city. Without public transportation, most residents commute via U.S. Highway 59 or State Highway 71 to facilities outside the city.
Greenleaf Nursery employs over 1,000 people at its El Campo location.
Several tractor manufacturers and dealerships call El Campo home, providing job opportunities.
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Low median prices against Houston offset high property taxes
Most El Campo listings are for single-family slab ranchers built before the 2000s, plus some new builds in a diversified array of architectural styles. The median single-family home price is $225,000, on trend with nearby small cities such as Wharton. That figure also undersells larger nearby cities with higher medians, like Victoria and Houston. "A lot of my leads here are from the area. They're either downsizing, upsizing or first-time buyers. I don't get many people moving in from out of town," Hargrove says. "Prices are a bit higher than the rest of the county, but it's a good median. Although, Wharton County altogether has some of the highest property taxes in the entire state." Land parcels are also common in El Campo, usually ranging from $20,000 to $150,000 per acre.
A single-family ranch home sits under the shade of a mature oak tree in El Campo.
A row of new construction homes sits on a cul-de-sac road in El Campo.
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Athletic complexes and skateparks at home, beaches nearby
El Campo is 45 miles from the coast as the ricebird flies, meaning shorelines like Matagorda Beach are only an hour away. Within the city, more than 120 acres of parkland includes seven public parks and additional facilities. Evans Park is the main downtown event space, while Friendship Park offers tennis courts and a skate park. Legacy Park's athletic complex hosts Little League games and high school matches. The importance of the El Campo Aquatic Center is especially evident in July when temperatures often exceed a daily average of 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
Residents of El Campo flock to the El Campo Aquatic Center to escape the summer heat.
Seven public parks can be found in El Campo, providing families with ample play space.
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New Starbucks location brings chains to central business district
Chain restaurants and stores dot the major roads throughout the city, some popping up closer to the city core. "The big talk of the town right now is they're building a Starbucks in the middle of El Campo, and everyone's so excited to be getting one," Hargrove says. "That tells you how small we are." The coffeeshop will join the central business district's assortment of Western false-front and art deco buildings, some vacant, others occupied by Cajun seafood restaurants, Mexican cantinas, butcheries, boutiques and hardware stores. A centrally located H-E-B provides alternatives to the big-box stores and supermarkets 2 miles up Mechanic Street.
Grab a few pounds of crawfish at Pincher's in El Campo, one of the most popular diners in town.
Residents of El Campo can shop for fresh meat and produce at HEB.
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CTE programs for high schoolers in El Campo ISD
El Campo Independent School District has an overall Niche rating of B and oversees roughly 3,300 students across five campuses. Prekindergartners through 1st graders experience dual language immersion, and the district has long term plans to make teachers at every grade level ESL-certified. High schoolers can enroll in various career and technical education courses offering professional certifications, including welding, agriculture, nursing and phlebotomy.
El Campo High offers CTE programs for students in grades 9-12.
Hutchins Elementary earns a B- rating from niche.com.
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Free Downtown Dinners, shop hops and club meetings
Congregations like St. Philip's Catholic Church and civic clubs like the El Campo Rotary Club offer numerous opportunities for community engagement. Women on Washington is a popular local group that helps with downtown business retention, organizing community events like shop hops and a seasonal Christmas Mall. Among El Campo's most popular events is the annual Downtown Dinner, an open-street food truck festival with free admission featuring live music.
Storm and crime prepared
Hurricanes are not uncommon in El Campo. In 2024, Hurricane Beryl downed trees and blew the roofs off of many homes. The Tres Palacious River and its tributary creeks create numerous flood zones in El Campo's residential areas, a problem especially after regional droughts.
According to FBI data, the city's violent crime rate is generally above state and national figures, and some forms of violent crime have been on a slight rise since 2021. Property crime rates sit marginally above state and national figures but have been trending downward since 2020. Wharton County recently adopted a community plan to address a lack of public transportation, affordable housing and language barriers.
Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Fox
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in El Campo, TX sell after 138 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in El Campo, TX over the last 12 months is $405,000, up 30% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to The Rosewood home design plan located in the Woodlands Subdivision in the wonderful city of El Campo, Texas. This is a 1617 sf cottage in a 17 lot community among all new cottage style homes. It is located on the Southwest loop and has great access to I-69 as well as the great new Sports Complex within walking distance. These homes are great starter homes for new families or great for
Welcome to The Rosewood home design plan located in the Woodlands Subdivision in the wonderful city of El Campo, Texas. This is a 1617 sf cottage in a 17 lot community among all new cottage style homes. It is located on the Southwest loop and has great access to I-69 as well as the great new Sports Complex within walking distance. These homes are great starter homes for new families or great for
Prime investment opportunity! This 46.8 +/- acre agricultural property is currently in cultivation with a tenant farmer. With Hwy 59 frontage road access and an agricultural exemption, this property is outside nearby ETJ but close to successful local businesses. Located near the FM 441 exit for easy access on and off Hwy 59, TxDot is even considering taking some of the acreage to improve the
Motivated Seller!!! Discover country living at its finest on 1.88 acres! This stunning property features a spacious main home with a huge den/game room complete with a wet bar, perfect for entertaining. The kitchen boasts solid oak cabinetry with granite countertops. A separate guest house provides additional space for visitors or rental potential. Outside, you'll find a 30x50 shop, an RV pad,
This 3.47 acre commercial lot with highway 59/69 frontage. Access through delta street and high way 59/69. Future I69 corridor with big potential for growth. Inside city limits with city side walk. Located right In-front of El Campo housing authority so there is a potential to use multiple family homes. Area is seeing tremendous growth with home2 suites by Hilton just opened close by. Walking
Beautifully Updated 4-Bedroom Home on a Spacious Corner Lot This recently renovated 4 bedroom, 2 bath home offers a bright, open layout with spacious kitchen, living, and dining areas perfect for everyday living or entertaining. The kitchen features modern finishes and includes all appliances. Wood and tile flooring flow throughout the home, offering both style and easy maintenance. Situated on
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Amazing Property! 19.5045 acres located on a hard corner of recently expanded US Hwy 59/I-69 and State Hwy 71 in El Campo. 715 feet on road frontage with two curb cuts on I-69/59 and one additional curb cut on Hwy 71. Property is located partially in city limits of El Campo and Partially in the ETJ. City sewer and water is available. City is working to bring entire property out of FEMA flood
Experience refined living at 515 Regency, where comfort meets sophistication. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers 2,190 sq ft of thoughtfully designed space featuring timeless plantation shutters, spacious living areas, and exquisite attention to detail throughout. The expansive primary suite is a true retreat, complete with a beautifully appointed bath, generous walk-in closet, and a private
THIS HAVEN WILL TEMPT YOU This jewel of a home with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths featuring 2 car attached garage, privacy fenced yard, heated swimming pool, pool house with full bathroom and pavilion. Foyer opens to sunken formal living and dining rooms with beautiful wood floors. Large, updated kitchen with granite counters, abundant cabinets adjoin the huge family room. Master bedroom with spa
Step back in time while enjoying modern comfort in this charming two-story home built in 1930, full of timeless character and charm. Situated on 1.7 peaceful acres near a small, quiet country community, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence offers 2,265 square feet of living space plus a basement—ideal for storage or future possibilities. The home features large living and dining areas perfect for
Situated on a spacious corner lot, this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath residence offers a versatile floor plan designed for everyday comfort and functionality. Mature trees provide shade and privacy, enhancing the home’s inviting curb appeal. Inside, generous living spaces flow seamlessly, complemented by a bright sunroom ideal for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying views of the surrounding
Equestrian Property on 10.015 Ag-Exempt Acres Offered at $460,000 — Trailer Not Included This 1,182 sq ft, 4-bedroom, 1-bath home offers comfortable rural living with an electric stove connection, a dedicated utility room, and three mini-split HVAC units for energy-efficient climate control. The property features excellent equine amenities, including a barn with 4 horse stalls and a fully lit
At Greenbriar Apartment Homes, we have taken care of all your needs. Choose from a large selection of spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments for rent. Various possible amenities to make life more enjoyable, including an all-electric kitchen, walk-in closets, and hardwood floors. Our homes are the perfect combination of quality and comfort. Great apartment home living extends beyond your front
Well maintained property on a corner lot with 2 spacious bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Property features a large living room area and a convenient kitchen fully equipped with appliances - electric stove and refrigerator. Huge fenced in backyard with a covered patio. 1-car detached garage can also be used as a workshop. Washer and dryer are also included! Yard maintenance can be included for an
Adorable and private garage apartment with 1 (or 2) bedrooms, 1 bath, all appliances included. Property comes with central air/heat, dishwasher, garbage disposal, stove, refrigerator, washer and dryer. There's 1 bedroom downstairs with the living area and a possible 2nd bedroom or 2nd living area upstairs with the bathroom, kitchen and dining area. $1000 per month, $1000 deposit, minimum 12 month
Commercial building for lease! Excellent location in El Campo’s busiest intersection! Guaranteed high visibility and traffic. Perfect for any office or retail business. Let’s get your business established in this excellent commercial setting. Building Square Feet: 1,892, Lot Dimensions: 135 x 90, Separate Men’s/Women’s Restrooms, 2 or 3 Office Spaces, Reception/Lobby Area, Plenty of Customer
LAND FOR LEASE ONLY!! 10.5 ACRES FOR RENT WITH FM 2546 FRONTAGE. THIS PROPERTY IS CLEARED AND OUT OF THE FLOOD ZONE. QUIET FARMING AREA WITH GREAT WIDE OPEN VIEWS. NO RESTRICTIONS! TRUCK DRIVERS ARE WELCOME!!
Welcome to The Fountains; new build apartments in El Campo, TX! Both 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom units available. Property features: stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer/dryer, walk-in closests, granite countertops, ample natural lighting, private patios, pet friendly.
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