El Paso Ranks Among Top 5 U.S. Cities for Street Art, Beating Austin and Houston
In a new ranking of the top North American cities for street murals, El Paso shines in 5th place with over 190 documented murals, outpacing both Austin and Houston. The study, conducted by Betway as part of their analysis of the "coolest" cities in America, looked at 50 major metro areas and counted the number of publicly visible art murals. While Los Angeles took the top spot with over 2,400 murals, El Paso’s placement is no small feat considering its smaller population and distinct border identity.
Texas Has Three Cities in the Top 10 for Street Art
El Paso wasn’t the only Texas city to make the top 10. Austin ranked 6th with 138 murals, and Houston came in at 10th with 99. The fact that three of the top ten cities for murals are in Texas shows that the Lone Star State is not only embracing large-scale public art, but helping redefine the cultural landscape of the American Southwest. From West Texas to the Gulf Coast, artists are turning city walls into canvases that speak to shared histories, resistance, joy, and identity.
Among these, El Paso leads the way, both in volume and vibrancy. It’s a mural movement rooted in its people.
El Paso Mural Artists Turning Walls Into Landmarks
Two of the most prominent names in El Paso’s street art scene are Christin Apodaca and Diego “Robot” Martinez. Apodaca’s signature black-and-white linework and whimsical figures are instantly recognizable. Her work often carries themes of femininity, mythology, and the cultural spirit of the borderlands. From large-scale commissions to hidden alleyway gems and smaller local business projects, her murals are both intimate and monumental.
Martinez has become a symbol of the city’s colorful voice. His work blends pop surrealism with a streetwise Chicano aesthetic and his work can be seen not just on city walls, but inside local businesses and even decorating some local food trucks. Murals like his “El Paso Strong” tribute after the 2019 Walmart shooting show the power of public art to unite and heal.
Other artists shaping the city’s walls include Tino Ortega, whose 3D balloon murals have become Instagram favorites and powerful community statements. His “You Belong Here” piece downtown is both a welcome sign and a reminder of inclusion. Artists like Cimi Alvarado, the DTE Crew, Adrien Wolfe, and Collective Cambio are also leaving their mark with murals centered on heritage, justice, and bold creativity. The best part is that the artists mentioned here are only the tip of the iceberg. El Paso has street artists of all kinds, a good amount that even trickle in from Ciudad Juarez to add to the culture of the Sun City.
El Paso Street Murals Celebrate Border Culture and Community
What sets El Paso apart is not just the number of murals, but the deep cultural storytelling that lives inside them. Many reflect life on the border, the blending of Mexican and American traditions, and the resilience of its people. From Segundo Barrio to Central El Paso, every wall tells a story.
As more cities across Texas and the U.S. invest in public art, El Paso proves that powerful, community-centered mural work doesn’t just belong in massive metros like Los Angeles or New York. It thrives in cities where art is part of daily life on storefronts, school walls, and the sides of bridges. In that regard, El Paso is leading a national conversation through its murals.