TexasPop. 136,640Mid-size cities
Is Midland a Good Place to Live? Midland, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Midland ranks #579 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #86 of 256 mid-size cities and #30 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #10 of 241) and low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Midland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Midland'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 Midland?
Midland's cost of living index is 95.8, 4% below the US level of 100 and #482 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,434/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $330,434, 10% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Midland | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 95.8#482 of 1,308 | 97 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $330,434#464 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,599/mo#419 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $319,200#584 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,434/mo#663 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.2%#352 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Midland 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. Midland is in the Midland, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Midland safe?
Midland recorded 352 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% below the US rate of 373 and 12% below Texas's 401. That ranks #640 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #119 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Midland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,631 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Midland | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 352#640 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,631#537 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Midland?
The median household in Midland earns $89,585, 17% above the US figure of $76,827 and 23% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.2%). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Midland | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $89,585#466 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.4%#679 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +2.4%#71 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Midland?
The median resident of Midland is 31.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #658 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Midland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 31.5 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 33.7%#658 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 65.1% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Midland's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Midland; its public schools have 19 students per teacher and spend $11,339 per pupil. 36% of adults are obese and 11.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Midland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 19#900 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,339#1033 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36%#866 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.3%#676 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 19.6%#1211 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 29,617 students are enrolled in Midland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Midland?
The average commute in Midland is 20.1 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.3% of workers take transit and 6.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Midland scores 8.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #851 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.7°F and winters 47.4°F, with 13.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Midland | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.1 min#349 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 79.3% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.3% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 6.2% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.9#851 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 60.3 | 31 | 0.8 |
| Feb | 65.3 | 34.9 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 73.6 | 42.3 | 0.8 |
| Apr | 82.2 | 49.7 | 0.9 |
| May | 89.1 | 59.7 | 1.7 |
| Jun | 94.7 | 67.4 | 1.6 |
| Jul | 95.3 | 69.7 | 1.5 |
| Aug | 94.4 | 68.7 | 1.6 |
| Sep | 88.1 | 61.8 | 1.9 |
| Oct | 80.6 | 51.5 | 1.2 |
| Nov | 68 | 39.8 | 0.9 |
| Dec | 60.5 | 32.2 | 0.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Midland 4 Ene.
| Measure | Midland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81.7°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 13.6 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Midland 4 Ene.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Midland?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Midland's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Midland County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Midland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.11%#285 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Midland County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Midland County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.021% | 95% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0064% | 81% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0016% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0065% | 42% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.06% | 21% 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 Midland compare with similar-size cities?
Midland is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #86 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 136,640.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midland, TXPop. 136,640 | #579 | 56.9 | $89,585 | $1,434/mo | 352 | 20.1 min |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #694 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 | 22.5 min |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #858 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 | 26.7 min |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 min |
| Stamford, CTPop. 137,144 | #117 | 67.9 | $111,586 | $2,276/mo | 154 | 28.5 min |
| Pasadena, CAPop. 136,969 | #783 | 53.5 | $105,192 | $2,265/mo | 419 | 26.9 min |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #1289 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 | 20.3 min |
| Coral Springs, FLPop. 136,103 | #509 | 57.9 | $93,602 | $2,084/mo | 119 | 29.9 min |
| Kent, WAPop. 135,603 | #590 | 56.8 | $92,302 | $1,909/mo | 283 | 30.4 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 Midland compare with the rest of Texas?
Midland ranks #30 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 56.9 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 23% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 12% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% 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 |
| North Richland Hills, TXPop. 70,780 | … #26 | 57.4 | $97,305 | $1,704/mo | 151 |
| Irving, TXPop. 256,492 | #27 | 57.3 | $81,830 | $1,619/mo | 268 |
| Denton, TXPop. 152,866 | #28 | 57.3 | $76,019 | $1,420/mo | 205 |
| Atascocita, TXPop. 99,354 | #29 | 57.0 | $118,226 | $1,849/mo | no data |
| Midland, TXPop. 136,640 | #30 | 56.9 | $89,585 | $1,434/mo | 352 |
| Little Elm, TXPop. 54,820 | #31 | 56.7 | $119,219 | $1,953/mo | part year |
| Conroe, TXPop. 102,360 | #32 | 56.2 | $76,206 | $1,393/mo | 263 |
| Euless, TXPop. 60,421 | #33 | 55.8 | $82,167 | $1,690/mo | 159 |
| San Angelo, TXPop. 99,674 | #34 | 54.9 | $65,864 | $1,153/mo | 287 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Midland among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Midland's score calculated?
Midland scores 56.9 out of 100, #579 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Midland. Similar-size median 52.9.
64.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Midland's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
72.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Midland. Similar-size median 53.8.
50.9 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Midland's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
29.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Midland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
69.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Midland. Similar-size median 51.2.
56.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Midland. Similar-size median 42.1.
68.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Midland. Similar-size median 50.1.
42.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Midland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
41.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 45.9.
81.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Midland's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Midland 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 Midland
Is Midland, TX a good place to live?
Midland ranks #579 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #86 of 256 mid-size cities and #30 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.4%, #10 of 241) and low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Midland?
Midland's cost of living index is 95.8, 4% below the US level of 100 and #482 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,434/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $330,434, 10% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Midland?
Midland recorded 352 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 6% below the US rate of 373 and 12% below Texas's 401. That ranks #640 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #119 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Midland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,631 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Midland?
The median household in Midland earns $89,585, 17% above the US figure of $76,827 and 23% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.2%). 12.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Midland?
Median rent in Midland is $1,434/mo (Census), #663 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,599/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Midland?
Zillow's typical home value in Midland is $330,434, up 1.9% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $319,200.
How are the public schools in Midland?
There is no city graduation rate for Midland; its public schools have 19 students per teacher and spend $11,339 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Midland?
The average commute is 20.1 minutes, #349 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Midland?
Midland averages 65°F over the year, 81.7°F in summer and 47.4°F in winter, with 13.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Midland walkable?
Midland scores 8.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #851 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 Midland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Midland County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.11% of building value, lower than 82% of US counties.
Who lives in Midland?
Midland has 136,640 residents. The median resident of Midland is 31.5 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #658 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Midland compare with the rest of Texas?
Midland ranks #30 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 56.9 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 23% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 12% below the statewide rate. Homes are 10% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Midland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Midland's population of 136,640 are Hampton, VA (#694 overall), Elizabeth, NJ (#858 overall), Cedar Rapids, IA (#383 overall), Stamford, CT (#117 overall), and Pasadena, CA (#783 overall). Midland is #579.