CITY OF SAN MARCOS
The city of San Marcos 2024 Annual Report has been published, and it’s an in-depth look at the progress made by city departments this past year, including accomplishments, challenges and initiatives that helped shape the growth of the city.
According to the city’s website “you’ll find profiles of our dedicated city officials, an overview of the public service efforts and achievements that made a difference, and a preview of the exciting events and opportunities coming up in the year ahead.”
Printed copies can be found at City Hall, and a PDF version is available on their website at san marcostx.gov/annualrep ort.
The statistics, numbers and figures in the report are based on the latest available data at the time of publication and can fluctuate if new data is collected or reported. The report includes an outline of city officials, goals, a 2024 year in review, a community profile and building recap, a review of governance and public safety, future investments, financial performances and a look at events to come in 2025.
The city of San Marcos strategic goals included a focus on quality of life and cultivating a sense of place. Fostering a vibrant economic climate, improving community safety and delivering quality government services in a fiscally responsible manner were other goals. As well as improving neighborhood and regional connectivity and advancing responsible stewardship of the community’s natural resources through environmentally friendly policies and practices.
The 2024 year in review section highlighted improvements in public safety, infrastructure and the community. There was a 19% decrease in violent crimes as compared to 2023. Improvements in infrastructure included 7,000 feet of sidewalks repaired, 15 miles of streets repaved and 30 ADA ramps installed or repaired. There were 35 grants awarded to local artists, totalling $181,000, as well as 69 local business grants awarded, totalling $213,000. There were 2,400 native trees distributed to residents to plant, and 4,500 animals were cared for through the San Marcos Animal Shelter with a 91% live outcome rate.
The community profile looks at statistics in reference to population and employment. Data collected by San Marcos Planning and Development Services estimates the 2024 population at 86,059 residents with 27,606 total housing units. The median income is $51,030, according to the United States Census Bureau, and the employment rate is at 44%.
The report reviewed the city’s customer service programs, which include SMTX Connect that allows residents the ability to report issues and request services from the city. In 2024, there were 1,279 problems received and 1,170 problems resolved at a 91% resolve rate. These issues include road repairs, blight removal, animal removal and electric repairs. One can report an issue at sanmarcostx.gov/ smtxconnect. Community programs were also highlighted, including the Fire Department’s public education programs where 45 children graduated from the Junior Fire Academy. Through the arts and tourism departments there were 15 new public art pieces installed. Downtown sponsored events were attended by 2,750 guests with $213.3 million in direct travel spending.
The city employed two full time Homeless Outreach Team police officers who have been trained to assist individuals in crisis and help unhoused individuals connect to resources and services. The San Marcos Police Department renovated its facility with funds from the 2017 bond project, and the San Marcos Fire Department completed construction on their Fire Training Facility, which was also funded by the 2017 bond.
The city approved two new businesses that will increase jobs and tax revenue, including the Bucee’s travel center, which will offer 175 full time jobs, and the new H-E-B grocery store, which will offer 212 full time jobs and 238 part time jobs. There was a 66% decrease in commercial property vacancies in Downtown San Marcos as compared to 2023. The report breaks down the financial performance of the city and shows the timeline for developing and adopting the city budget. More information can be found at sanmarcostx.gov/budget.
For a full list of 2025 community events and more information of the city’s progress pick up a copy of the 2024 annual report or visit sanmar costx.gov/annualreport.
