Metro areas in Puerto Rico: income, rent and home values
Puerto Rico has 6 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by San Juan, PR with 2.0 million residents. Household incomes are highest in San Juan, PR ($32,542). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Arecibo, PR (26.5%) and the largest in Guayama, PR (34.4%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Mayagüez, PR (+113.5%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Juan, PR | 2,030,089 | $32,542 | $639 | $161,900 | 26.6% |
| Ponce, PR | 262,792 | $23,495 | $506 | $118,500 | 32.9% |
| Aguadilla, PR | 250,089 | $27,269 | $662 | $169,300 | 28.6% |
| Mayagüez, PR | 206,032 | $23,495 | $514 | $118,400 | 32.8% |
| Arecibo, PR | 179,228 | $25,558 | $597 | $134,500 | 26.5% |
| Guayama, PR | 63,864 | $22,357 | $576 | $115,700 | 34.4% |
Compare San Juan with another metro ↗ See national rankings ↗
Puerto Rico at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Puerto Rico for renters?+
Arecibo, PR, where renters spend a median 26.5% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Puerto Rico has the highest income?+
San Juan, PR, with a median household income of $32,542 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Puerto Rico?+
6 metropolitan statistical areas in Puerto Rico have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.