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Is Galveston a Good Place to Live? Galveston, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Galveston ranks #1086 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #445 of 524 smaller cities and #63 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20.2 min, #101 of 524), and trails on low household income ($55,631, #475 of 524) and high poverty (21.4%, #472 of 524).
Galveston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Galveston'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 Galveston?
Galveston'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 $1,298/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $317,544, 6% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Galveston | 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 | $317,544#427 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 | $1,405/mo#257 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $326,000#596 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,298/mo#525 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.9x#1024 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28%#1191 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.
Galveston 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. Galveston is in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Galveston safe?
Galveston recorded 506 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% above the US rate of 373 and 26% above Texas's 401. That ranks #849 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #374 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Galveston Police Department. Property crime runs 2,269 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Galveston | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 506#849 of 1,083 | 401 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 2,269#783 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 Galveston?
The median household in Galveston earns $55,631, 28% below the US figure of $76,827 and 24% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.2%). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Galveston | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $55,631#1138 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 21.4%#1161 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +0.1%#597 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 Galveston?
The median resident of Galveston is 41.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #582 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Galveston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 36%#582 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 46.2% | 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 Galveston's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Galveston; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $13,701 per pupil. 36.4% of adults are obese and 15.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Galveston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.3#337 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,701#747 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.4%#904 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 15.1%#1168 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 17.5%#1163 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. 7,213 students are enrolled in Galveston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Galveston?
The average commute in Galveston is 20.2 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.3% of workers take transit and 12.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Galveston scores 9.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #777 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 85.1°F and winters 57.9°F, with 47.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Galveston | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.2 min#357 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 7%#835 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69.1% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 5.4% | 1.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 2.5% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 12.2% | 11% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 9.3#777 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 | 63.2 | 48.9 | 4.3 |
| Feb | 66.4 | 52.3 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 72 | 58.4 | 3 |
| Apr | 78 | 65 | 2.1 |
| May | 84 | 72.4 | 3 |
| Jun | 89.5 | 78.1 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 91.3 | 79.7 | 3.4 |
| Aug | 92 | 79.8 | 4.7 |
| Sep | 88.7 | 76.1 | 6.7 |
| Oct | 82.1 | 68.6 | 5.2 |
| Nov | 72.4 | 58.7 | 4.3 |
| Dec | 65.5 | 51.6 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Galveston Scholes Fld.
| Measure | Galveston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 72.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 85.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 57.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 47.2 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 Galveston Scholes Fld.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Galveston?
Galveston County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Galveston County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 71% of US counties.
| Measure | Galveston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 45#664 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.19%#919 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 Galveston County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Galveston County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.062% | 88% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0075% | 79% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.095% | 65% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.001% | 57% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0039% | 33% 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 Galveston compare with similar-size cities?
Galveston is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #445 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 53,424.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galveston, TXPop. 53,424 | #1086 | 48.2 | $55,631 | $1,298/mo | 506 | 20.2 min |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #830 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 | 18.5 min |
| Pinellas Park, FLPop. 53,560 | #708 | 54.8 | $63,432 | $1,631/mo | 247 | 22.5 min |
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #171 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 | 27.7 min |
| Diamond Bar, CAPop. 53,355 | #755 | 54.1 | $108,281 | $2,521/mo | 124 | 33.3 min |
| Oak Park, ILPop. 53,292 | #76 | 69.2 | $110,820 | $1,593/mo | 236 | 31.6 min |
| Eagle Mountain, UTPop. 53,290 | #451 | 59.0 | $113,648 | $2,020/mo | no data | 32.3 min |
| Aspen Hill, MDPop. 53,279 | #266 | 62.8 | $111,575 | $1,916/mo | no data | 34.1 min |
| Edina, MNPop. 53,262 | #25 | 72.2 | $128,767 | $1,844/mo | 52 | 20.4 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 Galveston compare with the rest of Texas?
Galveston ranks #63 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 48.2 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 24% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 26% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% 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 |
| Waco, TXPop. 143,570 | … #59 | 50.2 | $54,365 | $1,165/mo | 414 |
| San Antonio, TXPop. 1,479,835 | #60 | 49.8 | $65,056 | $1,324/mo | 532 |
| Edinburg, TXPop. 104,550 | #61 | 49.8 | $59,466 | $996/mo | 213 |
| Mesquite, TXPop. 149,299 | #62 | 49.2 | $72,537 | $1,513/mo | 453 |
| Galveston, TXPop. 53,424 | #63 | 48.2 | $55,631 | $1,298/mo | 506 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Galveston among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Galveston's score calculated?
Galveston scores 48.2 out of 100, #1086 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 Galveston. Similar-size median 55.5.
43.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Galveston's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
58.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Galveston. Similar-size median 58.9.
43.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Galveston's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
52.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Galveston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
69.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Galveston. Similar-size median 56.1.
24.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Galveston. Similar-size median 42.4.
41.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Galveston. Similar-size median 50.0.
55.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Galveston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
43.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
39.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Galveston'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 Galveston 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 Galveston
Is Galveston, TX a good place to live?
Galveston ranks #1086 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #445 of 524 smaller cities and #63 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (20.2 min, #101 of 524), and trails on low household income ($55,631, #475 of 524) and high poverty (21.4%, #472 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Galveston?
Galveston'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 $1,298/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $317,544, 6% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Galveston?
Galveston recorded 506 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% above the US rate of 373 and 26% above Texas's 401. That ranks #849 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #374 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Galveston Police Department. Property crime runs 2,269 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Galveston?
The median household in Galveston earns $55,631, 28% below the US figure of $76,827 and 24% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.2%). 21.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Galveston?
Median rent in Galveston is $1,298/mo (Census), #525 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,405/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Galveston?
Zillow's typical home value in Galveston is $317,544, down 4.9% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $326,000.
How are the public schools in Galveston?
There is no city graduation rate for Galveston; its public schools have 14.3 students per teacher and spend $13,701 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Galveston?
The average commute is 20.2 minutes, #357 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Galveston?
Galveston averages 72.3°F over the year, 85.1°F in summer and 57.9°F in winter, with 47.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Galveston walkable?
Galveston scores 9.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #777 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 Galveston at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Galveston County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 71% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Galveston?
Galveston County's air had a median air quality index of 45, and 60% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Galveston?
Galveston has 53,424 residents. The median resident of Galveston is 41.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 36% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #582 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Galveston compare with the rest of Texas?
Galveston ranks #63 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 48.2 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 24% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 26% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Galveston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Galveston's population of 53,424 are Elkhart, IN (#830 overall), Pinellas Park, FL (#708 overall), Methuen Town, MA (#171 overall), Diamond Bar, CA (#755 overall), and Oak Park, IL (#76 overall). Galveston is #1086.