Texas
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Texas vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Texas
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston | A+ | 44.1 | 2,304,580 | $82,638 | 395 | 90 |
| 2 | Plano | A | 42.5 | 289,350 | $63,822 | 395 | 83 |
| 3 | Dallas | B+ | 40.5 | 1,304,379 | $69,963 | 404 | 91 |
| 4 | Fort Worth | B | 40.2 | 956,709 | $81,032 | 293 | 79 |
| 5 | El Paso | B | 39.7 | 678,815 | $68,827 | 484 | 79 |
| 6 | Frisco | C+ | 38.4 | 220,245 | $71,909 | 421 | 92 |
| 7 | Arlington | C | 38.0 | 394,266 | $83,491 | 459 | 82 |
| 8 | McKinney | C | 37.9 | 199,177 | $85,017 | 345 | 85 |
| 9 | San Antonio | D | 36.7 | 1,434,625 | $84,029 | 495 | 85 |
| 10 | Austin | F | 34.0 | 979,882 | $75,761 | 346 | 100 |
Texas Rankings Overview
Texas earns an overall grade of C with a composite score of 40.6 out of 100, ranking #38 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Growth (67/100) while its biggest challenge is Health (18/100).
Economy & Employment in Texas
With an unemployment rate of 4.2% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Texas performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $73,035, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Texas
Texas's violent crime rate of 401 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Texas
Texas ranks #41 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #34 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Texas's overall ranking?
Texas ranks #38 out of 50 states with a composite score of 40.6/100 and a grade of C.
Is Texas a good place to live?
Texas scores 40.6/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in Texas?
The violent crime rate in Texas is 401 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Texas's economy compare?
Texas's median household income is $73,035 with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Texas?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Texas are Houston, Plano, and Dallas.