TexasPop. 317,419Big cities
Is Corpus Christi a Good Place to Live? Corpus Christi, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Corpus Christi ranks #1181 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #48 of 53 big cities and #68 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($210,400, #10 of 53) and low living costs (92.7, #11 of 53), and trails on high violent crime (799 per 100,000, #41 of 50) and high poverty (17.1%, #40 of 53).
Corpus Christi by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Corpus Christi'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 Corpus Christi?
Corpus Christi's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,292/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $223,078, 25% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Corpus Christi | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 92.7#361 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $223,078#182 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,424/mo#275 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $210,400#260 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,292/mo#517 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.1x#230 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 23%#777 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Corpus Christi 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. Corpus Christi is in the Corpus Christi, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Corpus Christi safe?
Corpus Christi recorded 799 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Texas's 345. That ranks #1007 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #41 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Corpus Christi Police Department. Property crime runs 2,786 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Corpus Christi | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 799#1007 of 1,085 | 345 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,786#910 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Corpus Christi?
The median household in Corpus Christi earns $67,394, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Corpus Christi | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $67,394#869 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 17.1%#988 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Corpus Christi?
The median resident of Corpus Christi is 36.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 24.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #999 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Corpus Christi | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 36.9 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 24.4%#999 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 57.9% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Corpus Christi's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Corpus Christi; its public schools have 15.6 students per teacher and spend $11,851 per pupil. 39.7% of adults are obese and 15.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Corpus Christi | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $11,851#977 of 1,188 | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 39.7%#1102 of 1,311 | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 15.9%#1211 of 1,311 | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 24.3%#1263 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 52,542 students are enrolled in Corpus Christi's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Corpus Christi?
The average commute in Corpus Christi is 21.3 minutes (Texas 27.5); 1.2% of workers take transit and 5.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Corpus Christi scores 11.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #521 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.7°F and winters 58.1°F, with 34.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Corpus Christi | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 21.3 min#448 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 80.3% | 71.8% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 1% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.3% | 1.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 5.3% | 12.9% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.6#521 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 63.3 | 48.6 | 2 |
| Feb | 65.8 | 52.4 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 70.7 | 57.4 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 77.4 | 65.3 | 2.1 |
| May | 82.8 | 72.1 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 88.7 | 77.3 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 88.7 | 78.5 | 2.8 |
| Aug | 90.5 | 78.7 | 1.9 |
| Sep | 88.5 | 75.1 | 5.5 |
| Oct | 82.8 | 69.9 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 73.2 | 59.7 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 66.5 | 51.6 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Port Aransas 11 Ssw.
| Measure | Corpus Christi | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 71.9°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 83.7°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 58.1°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 34.1 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Port Aransas 11 Ssw.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Corpus Christi?
Nueces County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 41% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Nueces County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 78% of US counties.
| Measure | Corpus Christi | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.22%#1000 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Nueces County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Nueces County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.12% | 91% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0014% | 58% of counties |
| Hail | 0.002% | 49% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 36% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0035% | 31% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.067% | 30% 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 Corpus Christi compare with similar-size cities?
Corpus Christi is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #48 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 317,419.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #1181 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 | 21.3 min |
| Henderson, NVPop. 332,141 | #682 | 55.3 | $90,138 | $1,824/mo | 225 | 24.3 min |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #405 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 | 20.9 min |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #789 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year | 26.2 min |
| Riverside, CAPop. 319,069 | #1046 | 49.0 | $91,045 | $1,914/mo | 535 | 31.3 min |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #1194 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 | 22.4 min |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #1109 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 | 32.6 min |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 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 Corpus Christi compare with the rest of Texas?
Corpus Christi ranks #68 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 45.6 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 15% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 25% 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 |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | … #64 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 |
| Pasadena, TXPop. 149,433 | #65 | 46.9 | $64,927 | $1,213/mo | 436 |
| Spring, TXPop. 68,580 | #66 | 46.8 | $88,997 | $1,711/mo | no data |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Corpus Christi among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Corpus Christi's score calculated?
Corpus Christi scores 45.6 out of 100, #1181 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 Corpus Christi. Similar-size median 53.8.
48.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Corpus Christi's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
36.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Corpus Christi. Similar-size median 54.8.
38.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Corpus Christi's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.2.
42.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Corpus Christi's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
77.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Corpus Christi. Similar-size median 47.2.
38.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Corpus Christi. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Corpus Christi. Similar-size median 53.7.
41.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Corpus Christi's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
55.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
27.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Corpus Christi's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Corpus Christi 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 Corpus Christi
Is Corpus Christi, TX a good place to live?
Corpus Christi ranks #1181 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #48 of 53 big cities and #68 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($210,400, #10 of 53) and low living costs (92.7, #11 of 53), and trails on high violent crime (799 per 100,000, #41 of 50) and high poverty (17.1%, #40 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Corpus Christi?
Corpus Christi's cost of living index is 92.7, 7% below the US level of 100 and #361 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,292/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $223,078, 25% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Corpus Christi?
Corpus Christi recorded 799 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.4 times the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Texas's 345. That ranks #1007 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #41 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Corpus Christi Police Department. Property crime runs 2,786 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Corpus Christi?
The median household in Corpus Christi earns $67,394, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 15% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.3%). 17.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Corpus Christi?
Median rent in Corpus Christi is $1,292/mo (Census), #517 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,424/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Corpus Christi?
The typical home value in Corpus Christi is $223,078, up 0.3% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $210,400.
How are the public schools in Corpus Christi?
There is no city graduation rate for Corpus Christi; its public schools have 15.6 students per teacher and spend $11,851 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Corpus Christi?
The average commute is 21.3 minutes, #448 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Corpus Christi?
Corpus Christi averages 71.9°F over the year, 83.7°F in summer and 58.1°F in winter, with 34.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Corpus Christi walkable?
Corpus Christi scores 11.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #521 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 Corpus Christi at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Nueces County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.22% of building value, higher than 78% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Corpus Christi?
Nueces County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 41% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Corpus Christi?
Corpus Christi has 317,419 residents. The median resident of Corpus Christi is 36.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 24.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #999 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Corpus Christi compare with the rest of Texas?
Corpus Christi ranks #68 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 45.6 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 15% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 25% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Corpus Christi?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Corpus Christi's population of 317,419 are Henderson, NV (#682 overall), Lexington, KY (#405 overall), Orlando, FL (#789 overall), Riverside, CA (#1046 overall), and Cincinnati, OH (#1194 overall). Corpus Christi is #1181.