TexasPop. 124,570Mid-size cities
Is College Station a Good Place to Live? College Station, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
College Station ranks #728 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #118 of 256 mid-size cities and #37 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.4 min, #10 of 256) and low violent crime (132 per 100,000, #26 of 235), and trails on high poverty (29.2%, #255 of 256) and low household income ($50,900, #245 of 256).
College Station by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with College Station'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 College Station?
College Station's cost of living index is 91, 9% below the US level of 100 and #244 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,194/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $345,836, 16% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | College Station | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 91#244 of 1,308 | 97 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $345,836#510 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,419/mo#273 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $346,700#640 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,194/mo#431 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.8x#1130 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 28.1%#1197 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
College Station 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. College Station is in the College Station-Bryan, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is College Station safe?
College Station recorded 132 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 373 and 67% below Texas's 401. That ranks #197 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #26 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by College Station Police Department. Property crime runs 863 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | College Station | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 132#197 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 863#157 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 College Station?
The median household in College Station earns $50,900, 34% below the US figure of $76,827 and 30% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 29.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | College Station | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $50,900#1217 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 29.2%#1290 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +0.2%#538 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in College Station?
The median resident of College Station is 22.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 56.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #176 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 35.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | College Station | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 22.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 56.5%#176 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 35.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are College Station's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for College Station; its public schools have 14.4 students per teacher and spend $10,829 per pupil. 27.2% of adults are obese and 6.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | College Station | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 14.4#362 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,829#1079 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 27.2%#230 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 6.3%#27 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 22.6%#1295 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 15.2%#1088 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 15,948 students are enrolled in College Station's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in College Station?
The average commute in College Station is 17.4 minutes (Texas 23.7); 2.7% of workers take transit and 12.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index College Station scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.5°F and winters 53.3°F, with 41.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | College Station | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 17.4 min#161 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 69.5% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.7% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 2.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12.2% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.7#1122 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 61.7 | 41.3 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 65.5 | 45.1 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 72.5 | 51.7 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 79.2 | 58.1 | 2.9 |
| May | 86.3 | 66.4 | 4.6 |
| Jun | 92.2 | 73 | 4 |
| Jul | 95.4 | 74.9 | 2 |
| Aug | 96.6 | 74.7 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 91.2 | 70 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 81.9 | 60.2 | 4.9 |
| Nov | 71.1 | 49.8 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 63.4 | 42.8 | 3.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at College Stn Easterwood Fld.
| Measure | College Station | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 69.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 84.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 53.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 41.8 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at College Stn Easterwood Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in College Station?
Brazos County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Brazos County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
| Measure | College Station | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.08%#64 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Brazos County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Brazos County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0083% | 73% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0033% | 60% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0086% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.05% | 11% 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 College Station compare with similar-size cities?
College Station is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #118 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 124,570.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Station, TXPop. 124,570 | #728 | 54.5 | $50,900 | $1,194/mo | 132 | 17.4 min |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #746 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 | 20.6 min |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #762 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 | 24.6 min |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #973 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 | 16.7 min |
| Clovis, CAPop. 124,725 | #568 | 57.0 | $99,241 | $1,792/mo | 261 | 23.6 min |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #295 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 | 26.1 min |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #282 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #732 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 | 23.4 min |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #193 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 | 20 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 College Station compare with the rest of Texas?
College Station ranks #37 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 54.5 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 30% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above 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 |
| Euless, TXPop. 60,421 | … #33 | 55.8 | $82,167 | $1,690/mo | 159 |
| San Angelo, TXPop. 99,674 | #34 | 54.9 | $65,864 | $1,153/mo | 287 |
| Bryan, TXPop. 87,939 | #35 | 54.7 | $59,289 | $1,195/mo | 287 |
| Garland, TXPop. 246,844 | #36 | 54.5 | $76,320 | $1,641/mo | 191 |
| College Station, TXPop. 124,570 | #37 | 54.5 | $50,900 | $1,194/mo | 132 |
| Missouri City, TXPop. 76,558 | #38 | 54.4 | $94,390 | $1,931/mo | 151 |
| Fort Worth, TXPop. 963,194 | #39 | 54.2 | $79,507 | $1,509/mo | 375 |
| Grand Prairie, TXPop. 201,883 | #40 | 54.0 | $81,619 | $1,629/mo | 202 |
| Tyler, TXPop. 109,215 | #41 | 53.8 | $67,486 | $1,252/mo | 366 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of College Station among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is College Station's score calculated?
College Station scores 54.5 out of 100, #728 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 College Station. Similar-size median 52.9.
43.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by College Station's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
92.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in College Station. Similar-size median 53.8.
62.6 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in College Station's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
43.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
College Station's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
73.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in College Station. Similar-size median 51.2.
8.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in College Station. Similar-size median 42.1.
43.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in College Station. Similar-size median 50.1.
59.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across College Station's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
35.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
78.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: College Station's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories College Station 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 College Station
Is College Station, TX a good place to live?
College Station ranks #728 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #118 of 256 mid-size cities and #37 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (17.4 min, #10 of 256) and low violent crime (132 per 100,000, #26 of 235), and trails on high poverty (29.2%, #255 of 256) and low household income ($50,900, #245 of 256).
What is the cost of living in College Station?
College Station's cost of living index is 91, 9% below the US level of 100 and #244 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,194/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $345,836, 16% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in College Station?
College Station recorded 132 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 373 and 67% below Texas's 401. That ranks #197 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #26 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by College Station Police Department. Property crime runs 863 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in College Station?
The median household in College Station earns $50,900, 34% below the US figure of $76,827 and 30% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 29.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in College Station?
Median rent in College Station is $1,194/mo (Census), #431 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,419/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in College Station?
Zillow's typical home value in College Station is $345,836, down 0.2% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $346,700.
How are the public schools in College Station?
There is no city graduation rate for College Station; its public schools have 14.4 students per teacher and spend $10,829 per pupil.
How long is the commute in College Station?
The average commute is 17.4 minutes, #161 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in College Station?
College Station averages 69.4°F over the year, 84.5°F in summer and 53.3°F in winter, with 41.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is College Station walkable?
College Station scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 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 College Station at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Brazos County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.08% of building value, lower than 96% of US counties.
How is the air quality in College Station?
Brazos County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 69% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in College Station?
College Station has 124,570 residents. The median resident of College Station is 22.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 56.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #176 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 35.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does College Station compare with the rest of Texas?
College Station ranks #37 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 54.5 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 30% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to College Station?
The tracked cities in other states closest to College Station's population of 124,570 are Athens, GA (#746 overall), Allentown, PA (#762 overall), Topeka, KS (#973 overall), Clovis, CA (#568 overall), and Arvada, CO (#295 overall). College Station is #728.