TexasPop. 2,328,253Large cities
Is Houston a Good Place to Live? Houston, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Houston ranks #1218 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #35 of 37 large cities and #70 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high poverty (19.9%, #32 of 37) and low household income ($64,813, #30 of 37).
Houston by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Houston'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 Houston?
Houston'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 $1,361/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $261,740, 13% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Houston | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 98.6#613 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $261,740#273 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,542/mo#372 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $277,800#467 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,361/mo#597 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.3x#667 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 25.2%#1024 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Houston 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. Houston is in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Houston safe?
Houston recorded 884 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Texas's 345. That ranks #1028 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #29 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Houston Police Department. Property crime runs 3,828 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Houston | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 884#1028 of 1,085 | 345 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 3,828#1033 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Houston?
The median household in Houston earns $64,813, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 19.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Houston | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $64,813#929 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 19.9%#1109 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Houston?
The median resident of Houston is 34.4 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 36.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #562 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Houston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 34.4 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 36.6%#562 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 42.1% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Houston's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Houston; its public schools have 15.4 students per teacher and spend $12,744 per pupil. 38% of adults are obese and 13.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Houston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $12,744#856 of 1,188 | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 38%#1010 of 1,311 | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 13.9%#1067 of 1,311 | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 17.1%#657 of 1,311 | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 24%#1256 of 1,311 | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 439,609 students are enrolled in Houston's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Houston?
The average commute in Houston is 27.2 minutes (Texas 27.5); 3.2% of workers take transit and 13% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Houston scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.6°F and winters 55.7°F, with 54.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Houston | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 27.2 min#950 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 7.4%#864 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 67.7% | 71.8% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 3.2% | 1% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 2% | 1.6% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 13% | 12.9% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.8#355 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 62.8 | 44.3 | 4 |
| Feb | 66.7 | 48.9 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 73.3 | 53.7 | 3.8 |
| Apr | 79.2 | 60.9 | 5.2 |
| May | 85.7 | 68.7 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 91.3 | 74.8 | 7.9 |
| Jul | 93.2 | 76.8 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 94.3 | 76.8 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 89.8 | 71.8 | 4.5 |
| Oct | 81.9 | 62.7 | 5.4 |
| Nov | 72 | 52.9 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 65.2 | 46 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Houston-Port.
| Measure | Houston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 70.6°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 84.6°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 55.7°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 54.1 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Houston-Port.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Houston?
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 | Houston | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 62#1027 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 38#1039 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.21%#987 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Houston compare with similar-size cities?
Houston is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #35 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 2,328,253.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TXPop. 2,328,253 | #1218 | 44.3 | $64,813 | $1,361/mo | 884 | 27.2 min |
| Los Angeles, CAPop. 3,857,263 | #1123 | 47.4 | $81,939 | $1,933/mo | 670 | 30.7 min |
| Chicago, ILPop. 2,711,226 | #460 | 58.7 | $77,902 | $1,440/mo | 420 | 33.1 min |
| Phoenix, AZPop. 1,642,323 | #924 | 51.3 | $81,332 | $1,582/mo | 696 | 25.6 min |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #1102 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 | 31.7 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 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 Houston compare with the rest of Texas?
Houston ranks #70 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 44.3 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 19% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 13% 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 Houston among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Houston's score calculated?
Houston scores 44.3 out of 100, #1218 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 Houston. Similar-size median 50.4.
45.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Houston's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
23.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Houston. Similar-size median 52.4.
44.0 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Houston's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.5.
46.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Houston's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
70.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Houston. Similar-size median 43.4.
31.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Houston. Similar-size median 40.4.
44.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Houston. Similar-size median 56.6.
49.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Houston's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
62.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
19.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Houston's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Houston 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 Houston
Is Houston, TX a good place to live?
Houston ranks #1218 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #35 of 37 large cities and #70 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high poverty (19.9%, #32 of 37) and low household income ($64,813, #30 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Houston?
Houston'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 $1,361/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $261,740, 13% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Houston?
Houston recorded 884 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.6 times Texas's 345. That ranks #1028 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #29 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Houston Police Department. Property crime runs 3,828 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Houston?
The median household in Houston earns $64,813, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 19.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Houston?
Median rent in Houston is $1,361/mo (Census), #597 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,542/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Houston?
The typical home value in Houston is $261,740, down 2.3% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $277,800.
How are the public schools in Houston?
There is no city graduation rate for Houston; its public schools have 15.4 students per teacher and spend $12,744 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Houston?
The average commute is 27.2 minutes, #950 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 7.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Houston?
Houston averages 70.6°F over the year, 84.6°F in summer and 55.7°F in winter, with 54.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Houston walkable?
Houston scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 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 Houston 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 Houston?
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 Houston?
Houston has 2,328,253 residents. The median resident of Houston is 34.4 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 36.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #562 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 42.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Houston compare with the rest of Texas?
Houston ranks #70 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 44.3 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 19% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 2.6 times the statewide rate. Homes are 13% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Houston?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Houston's population of 2,328,253 are Los Angeles, CA (#1123 overall), Chicago, IL (#460 overall), Phoenix, AZ (#924 overall), Philadelphia, PA (#1102 overall), and Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall). Houston is #1218.