The South Side of San Antonio, particularly around ZIP code 78214, presents a stark contrast to wealthier areas like Alamo Heights. With a median home price of $172,000, it represents a more affordable part of the city, but one that is consistently under-recognized in both investment and policy.
Median Home Sale Price: $172,000 Median Sale Ratio: 1.09 → Overassessed Overassessed Properties: 48% Primary Population: 88% Hispanic Historical HOLC Designation: Yellow/Red
Urban3’s analysis found that 48% of homes in the South Side are overassessed, meaning residents are often paying more in property taxes than their homes are worth. The median sale ratio for this area was 1.09 — a signal of systemic inequity. This burden falls hardest on working-class families, who are already grappling with economic pressures and limited access to upward mobility.
Infrastructure in the South Side also reflects years of disinvestment. Roads are patchy, sidewalks are often missing, and public transit is sparse. Despite these gaps in service, residents contribute significantly to the city’s tax base — more, proportionally, than residents in underassessed, wealthier neighborhoods.
The South Side also bears the historical mark of redlining. Labeled “Hazardous” or “Declining” on HOLC maps, this area was effectively cut off from mortgage lending and public investment for generations. Today’s assessment gaps are a continuation of that legacy, reinforcing disadvantage through an inequitable property tax system.
Addressing the disparities in the South Side isn’t just about fairness — it’s about unlocking the potential of communities that have long been left behind. Urban3’s work shows the urgent need to rebalance investment and assessment practices to support this part of the city.