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Is Baytown a Good Place to Live? Baytown, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Baytown ranks #1232 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #496 of 524 smaller cities and #71 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($197,300, #65 of 524) and fast population growth (+0.9%, #112 of 468), and trails on high unemployment (7%, #457 of 476) and low household income ($59,910, #444 of 524).
Baytown by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Baytown's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Baytown?
Baytown's cost of living index is 98.6, 1% below the US level of 100 and #613 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,307/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $245,229, 18% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Baytown | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 98.6#613 of 1,308 | 97 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $245,229#228 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,549/mo#379 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $197,300#218 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,307/mo#534 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 26.2%#1106 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Baytown housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Baytown is in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Baytown safe?
Baytown recorded 399 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 373 and in line with Texas's 401. That ranks #716 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #318 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Baytown Police Department. Property crime runs 2,370 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Baytown | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 399#716 of 1,083 | 401 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,370#823 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Baytown?
The median household in Baytown earns $59,910, 22% below the US figure of $76,827 and 18% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 7% (US 4.2%). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Baytown | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $59,910#1048 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 7%#1027 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 18.2%#1041 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Baytown?
The median resident of Baytown is 34 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 14.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1271 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Baytown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 14.8%#1271 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 52.3% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Baytown's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Baytown; its public schools have 15.4 students per teacher and spend $12,492 per pupil. 39.5% of adults are obese and 14% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Baytown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,492#879 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 39.5%#1083 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14%#1077 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 25.9%#1275 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 21,020 students are enrolled in Baytown's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Baytown?
The average commute in Baytown is 25.4 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.6% of workers take transit and 5.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Baytown scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.4°F and winters 54°F, with 64.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Baytown | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.4 min#808 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7.5%#871 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 79.9% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.7% | 1.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 5.8% | 11% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.1#1031 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 62.9 | 41.4 | 4.9 |
| Feb | 66.4 | 45.3 | 3.8 |
| Mar | 72.1 | 52 | 3.9 |
| Apr | 77.5 | 58.5 | 4.5 |
| May | 84.2 | 66.7 | 6 |
| Jun | 89.2 | 72.7 | 7.1 |
| Jul | 91.5 | 74.6 | 5.5 |
| Aug | 92.3 | 74.3 | 6.8 |
| Sep | 88.5 | 69 | 6.4 |
| Oct | 81.6 | 59.6 | 6.1 |
| Nov | 71.4 | 50.1 | 4.9 |
| Dec | 64.5 | 43.6 | 4.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Baytown.
| Measure | Baytown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 68.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 54°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 64.7 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Baytown.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Baytown?
Harris County's air had a median air quality index of 62, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 38 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Harris County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 77% of US counties.
| Measure | Baytown | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 62#1027 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 38#1039 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.21%#987 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Harris County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Harris County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.051% | 86% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 86% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0075% | 45% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Baytown compare with similar-size cities?
Baytown is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #496 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 85,205.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baytown, TXPop. 85,205 | #1232 | 43.5 | $59,910 | $1,307/mo | 399 | 25.4 min |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #1021 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 | 16.6 min |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #723 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 | 17.5 min |
| Kennewick, WAPop. 85,295 | #741 | 54.3 | $73,576 | $1,240/mo | 318 | 21.3 min |
| Hawthorne, CAPop. 85,191 | #1236 | 43.2 | $75,848 | $1,782/mo | 571 | 28.3 min |
| Lehi, UTPop. 85,173 | #296 | 62.1 | $131,299 | $1,964/mo | part year | 23.7 min |
| North Port, FLPop. 84,605 | #336 | 61.2 | $84,049 | $1,894/mo | 102 | 29.4 min |
| Brooklyn Park, MNPop. 83,876 | #319 | 61.6 | $89,891 | $1,325/mo | 348 | 21.3 min |
| Westland, MIPop. 83,633 | #753 | 54.1 | $62,076 | $1,158/mo | 424 | 25.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Baytown compare with the rest of Texas?
Baytown ranks #71 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 43.5 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 18% below the Texas median. Violent crime is in line with the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| Killeen, TXPop. 158,159 | … #67 | 46.1 | $60,977 | $1,208/mo | 498 |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #68 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 |
| Pharr, TXPop. 80,333 | #69 | 45.1 | $52,814 | $1,037/mo | 214 |
| Houston, TXPop. 2,328,253 | #70 | 44.3 | $64,813 | $1,361/mo | 884 |
| Baytown, TXPop. 85,205 | #71 | 43.5 | $59,910 | $1,307/mo | 399 |
| Brownsville, TXPop. 189,177 | #72 | 42.7 | $52,130 | $923/mo | 405 |
| Beaumont, TXPop. 113,279 | #73 | 38.0 | $56,997 | $1,121/mo | 948 |
| Port Arthur, TXPop. 55,828 | #74 | 36.6 | $46,354 | $1,021/mo | 596 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Baytown among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Baytown's score calculated?
Baytown scores 43.5 out of 100, #1232 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Baytown. Similar-size median 55.5.
28.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Baytown's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
64.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Baytown. Similar-size median 58.9.
39.0 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Baytown's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
45.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Baytown's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
74.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Baytown. Similar-size median 56.1.
32.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Baytown. Similar-size median 42.4.
39.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Baytown. Similar-size median 50.0.
36.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Baytown's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
37.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
19.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Baytown's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Baytown has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Baytown
Is Baytown, TX a good place to live?
Baytown ranks #1232 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #496 of 524 smaller cities and #71 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($197,300, #65 of 524) and fast population growth (+0.9%, #112 of 468), and trails on high unemployment (7%, #457 of 476) and low household income ($59,910, #444 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Baytown?
Baytown's cost of living index is 98.6, 1% below the US level of 100 and #613 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,307/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $245,229, 18% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Baytown?
Baytown recorded 399 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 373 and in line with Texas's 401. That ranks #716 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #318 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Baytown Police Department. Property crime runs 2,370 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Baytown?
The median household in Baytown earns $59,910, 22% below the US figure of $76,827 and 18% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 7% (US 4.2%). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Baytown?
Median rent in Baytown is $1,307/mo (Census), #534 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,549/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Baytown?
Zillow's typical home value in Baytown is $245,229, down 1% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $197,300.
How are the public schools in Baytown?
There is no city graduation rate for Baytown; its public schools have 15.4 students per teacher and spend $12,492 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Baytown?
The average commute is 25.4 minutes, #808 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 7.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Baytown?
Baytown averages 68.7°F over the year, 82.4°F in summer and 54°F in winter, with 64.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Baytown walkable?
Baytown scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Baytown at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Harris County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 77% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Baytown?
Harris County's air had a median air quality index of 62, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 38 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Baytown?
Baytown has 85,205 residents. The median resident of Baytown is 34 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 14.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1271 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 52.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Baytown compare with the rest of Texas?
Baytown ranks #71 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 43.5 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 18% below the Texas median. Violent crime is in line with the statewide rate. Homes are 18% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Baytown?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Baytown's population of 85,205 are Medford, OR (#1021 overall), Sioux City, IA (#723 overall), Kennewick, WA (#741 overall), Hawthorne, CA (#1236 overall), and Lehi, UT (#296 overall). Baytown is #1232.