TexasPop. 264,814Big cities
Is Lubbock a Good Place to Live? Lubbock, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lubbock ranks #992 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #35 of 53 big cities and #58 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.3 min, #1 of 53) and low living costs (91.3, #4 of 53), and trails on low household income ($60,895, #44 of 53) and high poverty (18.9%, #43 of 53).
Lubbock by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lubbock'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 Lubbock?
Lubbock's cost of living index is 91.3, 9% below the US level of 100 and #255 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,182/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $212,039, 29% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Lubbock | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 91.3#255 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $212,039#142 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 | $1,333/mo#192 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $212,400#268 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,182/mo#422 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 23.3%#810 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.
Lubbock 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. Lubbock is in the Lubbock, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Lubbock safe?
Lubbock recorded 699 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times Texas's 345. That ranks #965 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #35 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lubbock Police Department. Property crime runs 2,489 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lubbock | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 699#965 of 1,085 | 345 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,489#862 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 Lubbock?
The median household in Lubbock earns $60,895, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lubbock | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $60,895#1025 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 18.9%#1074 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.1%#213 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 Lubbock?
The median resident of Lubbock is 30.5 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 35.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #603 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lubbock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 30.5 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 35.1%#603 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 51.2% | 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 Lubbock's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Lubbock; its public schools have 14.1 students per teacher and spend $11,920 per pupil. 35.8% of adults are obese and 11.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Lubbock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.1#301 of 1,188 | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $11,920#972 of 1,188 | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 35.8%#840 of 1,311 | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 11.8%#759 of 1,311 | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 18.4%#1181 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. 36,074 students are enrolled in Lubbock's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lubbock?
The average commute in Lubbock is 16.3 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.7% of workers take transit and 7.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lubbock scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.8°F and winters 43.5°F, with 19.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lubbock | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 16.3 min#106 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.5%#290 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 77.3% | 71.8% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.7% | 1% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.9% | 1.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 7.1% | 12.9% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 8.5#933 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 | 55 | 29.5 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 59.4 | 31.7 | 0.6 |
| Mar | 67.5 | 39 | 1.2 |
| Apr | 76 | 47.5 | 1.4 |
| May | 83.7 | 57 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 90.9 | 65.8 | 2.7 |
| Jul | 92.7 | 69.6 | 2.2 |
| Aug | 91.2 | 68.7 | 2 |
| Sep | 84.2 | 60.6 | 2.6 |
| Oct | 75.8 | 49.5 | 1.7 |
| Nov | 64 | 38.2 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 55.2 | 30.1 | 0.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lubbock Wfo.
| Measure | Lubbock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 61.8°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 79.8°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 43.5°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 19.4 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 Lubbock Wfo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lubbock?
Lubbock County's air had a median air quality index of 24, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lubbock County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, strong wind, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Lubbock | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 24#42 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.19%#914 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 Lubbock County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lubbock County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.046% | 99% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.025% | 99% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0014% | 85% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 70% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0014% | 68% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0012% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.079% | 48% 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 Lubbock compare with similar-size cities?
Lubbock is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 264,814.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lubbock, TXPop. 264,814 | #992 | 50.2 | $60,895 | $1,182/mo | 699 | 16.3 min |
| Buffalo, NYPop. 276,854 | #1052 | 48.8 | $50,041 | $1,046/mo | 729 | 19.9 min |
| Chula Vista, CAPop. 276,375 | #718 | 54.7 | $108,032 | $2,229/mo | 365 | 28.6 min |
| Reno, NVPop. 273,212 | #862 | 52.2 | $80,760 | $1,556/mo | 551 | 20.3 min |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #596 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 | 21.5 min |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #1240 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 | 19.8 min |
| St. Petersburg, FLPop. 262,732 | #633 | 56.1 | $75,192 | $1,663/mo | 492 | 25.6 min |
| Glendale, AZPop. 252,833 | #872 | 52.1 | $73,530 | $1,528/mo | 438 | 27.7 min |
| Chesapeake, VAPop. 252,583 | #430 | 59.4 | $95,373 | $1,586/mo | 319 | 25.8 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 Lubbock compare with the rest of Texas?
Lubbock ranks #58 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 50.2 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 24% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 29% 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 |
| Dallas, TXPop. 1,307,930 | … #54 | 50.7 | $70,518 | $1,472/mo | 577 |
| Mission, TXPop. 87,038 | #55 | 50.7 | $60,767 | $950/mo | 134 |
| Victoria, TXPop. 65,625 | #56 | 50.5 | $67,226 | $1,172/mo | 364 |
| Laredo, TXPop. 257,619 | #57 | 50.3 | $63,915 | $1,030/mo | 316 |
| Lubbock, TXPop. 264,814 | #58 | 50.2 | $60,895 | $1,182/mo | 699 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Lubbock among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Lubbock's score calculated?
Lubbock scores 50.2 out of 100, #992 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 Lubbock. Similar-size median 53.8.
49.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lubbock's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
44.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lubbock. Similar-size median 54.8.
48.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lubbock's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.2.
47.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lubbock's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
79.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lubbock. Similar-size median 47.2.
31.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lubbock. Similar-size median 42.4.
53.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lubbock. Similar-size median 53.7.
48.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lubbock's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
61.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lubbock'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 Lubbock 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 Lubbock
Is Lubbock, TX a good place to live?
Lubbock ranks #992 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #35 of 53 big cities and #58 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.3 min, #1 of 53) and low living costs (91.3, #4 of 53), and trails on low household income ($60,895, #44 of 53) and high poverty (18.9%, #43 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Lubbock?
Lubbock's cost of living index is 91.3, 9% below the US level of 100 and #255 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,182/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $212,039, 29% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Lubbock?
Lubbock recorded 699 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2 times Texas's 345. That ranks #965 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #35 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lubbock Police Department. Property crime runs 2,489 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lubbock?
The median household in Lubbock earns $60,895, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lubbock?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,182/mo (Census), #422 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,333/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lubbock?
The typical home value in Lubbock is $212,039, up 2.1% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $212,400.
How are the public schools in Lubbock?
There is no city graduation rate for Lubbock; its public schools have 14.1 students per teacher and spend $11,920 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lubbock?
The average commute is 16.3 minutes, #106 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 3.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lubbock?
Lubbock averages 61.8°F over the year, 79.8°F in summer and 43.5°F in winter, with 19.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lubbock walkable?
Lubbock scores 8.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #933 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 Lubbock at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lubbock County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, strong wind, and winter weather, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lubbock?
Lubbock County's air had a median air quality index of 24, and 93% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Lubbock?
Lubbock has 264,814 residents. The median resident of Lubbock is 30.5 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 35.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #603 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 51.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lubbock compare with the rest of Texas?
Lubbock ranks #58 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 50.2 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 24% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 2 times the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Lubbock?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lubbock's population of 264,814 are Buffalo, NY (#1052 overall), Chula Vista, CA (#718 overall), Reno, NV (#862 overall), Fort Wayne, IN (#596 overall), and Toledo, OH (#1240 overall). Lubbock is #992.