Houston

Houston, Texas Overview

Houston faces challenges across several categories, earning a D grade (39.4/100) and ranking #20 of 20 cities in Texas. Even so, the city scores 76/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Outdoor Access score of 5/100.

Income & Employment in Houston

The median household income in Houston is $62,637, 14% below the statewide median of $73,035. The local unemployment rate of 4.4% is higher than the state’s 4.2%. Population grew 1.8% recently.

Safety in Houston

With a violent crime rate of 1108 per 100,000, Houston exceeds the Texas average of 401. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 4548.8 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Houston

Houston has a cost of living index of 100.2 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $253,400. Median monthly rent is $1,313.

Health & Wellness in Houston

The adult obesity rate in Houston is 38%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 13.9%. Residents report an average of 17.1 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Texas ranks #41 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Houston

The student-teacher ratio is 15.5:1. Per-pupil spending is $12,667. The city has 698 public schools serving 524,024 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Houston

Summers in Houston are hot, averaging 85.6°F. Summers average 85.6°F. Winters average 56.5°F. Annual precipitation is 42.8 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions