TexasPop. 115,322Mid-size cities
Is Odessa a Good Place to Live? Odessa, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Odessa ranks #826 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #143 of 256 mid-size cities and #42 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.1%, #15 of 241) and affordable homes ($223,100, #42 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Odessa by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Odessa'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 Odessa?
Odessa's cost of living index is 93.9, 6% below the US level of 100 and #414 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,315/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $251,624, 16% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Odessa | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 93.9#414 of 1,308 | 97 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $251,624#255 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 | $1,553/mo#382 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $223,100#302 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,315/mo#546 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 21.5%#617 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.
Odessa 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. Odessa is in the Odessa, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Odessa safe?
Odessa recorded 286 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% below the US rate of 373 and 29% below Texas's 401. That ranks #532 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #93 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Odessa Police Department. Property crime runs 1,159 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Odessa | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 286#532 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,159#291 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 Odessa?
The median household in Odessa earns $73,472, 4% below the US figure of $76,827 and 1% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.2%). 16.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Odessa | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $73,472#742 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 16.2%#934 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | +2.1%#93 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 Odessa?
The median resident of Odessa is 31.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 19% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1192 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Odessa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 31.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 19%#1192 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 59.8% | 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 Odessa's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Odessa; its public schools have 18.3 students per teacher and spend $10,623 per pupil. 39.4% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Odessa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 18.3#859 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,623#1105 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 39.4%#1078 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 25.4%#1272 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. 31,768 students are enrolled in Odessa's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Odessa?
The average commute in Odessa is 22.4 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.2% of workers take transit and 3.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Odessa scores 8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.6°F and winters 46.4°F, with 12.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Odessa | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.4 min#534 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.6%#788 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 83.5% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 3.4% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8#1058 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 | 56.9 | 32.2 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 62 | 36.2 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 70.8 | 44 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 79.3 | 50.9 | 0.7 |
| May | 86.6 | 61 | 1.6 |
| Jun | 94 | 68.1 | 1 |
| Jul | 94 | 70.8 | 1.5 |
| Aug | 92.9 | 69.9 | 1.6 |
| Sep | 85.3 | 62.4 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 77 | 53.1 | 1.3 |
| Nov | 66 | 41.4 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 57.9 | 33.3 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Odessa.
| Measure | Odessa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 64.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 12.3 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 Odessa.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Odessa?
Ector County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 72% 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 Ector County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | Odessa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| 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 0.16% | 0.13%#456 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 Ector County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ector County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.039% | 99% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0027% | 70% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0078% | 46% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0012% | 35% 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 Odessa compare with similar-size cities?
Odessa is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #143 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 115,322.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #826 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 | 22.4 min |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #796 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 | 20.7 min |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #1196 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 | 18.3 min |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #546 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 | 23.9 min |
| Richmond, CAPop. 115,505 | #1132 | 47.2 | $95,391 | $1,960/mo | 814 | 34.2 min |
| Westminster, COPop. 115,484 | #474 | 58.5 | $100,272 | $1,882/mo | 288 | 27 min |
| Elgin, ILPop. 114,934 | #432 | 59.4 | $90,282 | $1,361/mo | 218 | 28.2 min |
| Waterbury, CTPop. 114,869 | #1059 | 48.7 | $51,886 | $1,225/mo | 295 | 28 min |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #625 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 | 18.4 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 Odessa compare with the rest of Texas?
Odessa ranks #42 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 1% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 29% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% 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 |
| Missouri City, TXPop. 76,558 | … #38 | 54.4 | $94,390 | $1,931/mo | 151 |
| Fort Worth, TXPop. 963,194 | #39 | 54.2 | $79,507 | $1,509/mo | 375 |
| Grand Prairie, TXPop. 201,883 | #40 | 54.0 | $81,619 | $1,629/mo | 202 |
| Tyler, TXPop. 109,215 | #41 | 53.8 | $67,486 | $1,252/mo | 366 |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #42 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 |
| McAllen, TXPop. 145,385 | #43 | 52.6 | $61,579 | $1,049/mo | 126 |
| Wichita Falls, TXPop. 102,581 | #44 | 52.6 | $60,177 | $1,022/mo | 358 |
| Amarillo, TXPop. 201,885 | #45 | 52.5 | $65,912 | $1,092/mo | 551 |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #46 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Odessa among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Odessa's score calculated?
Odessa scores 52.8 out of 100, #826 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 Odessa. Similar-size median 52.9.
54.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Odessa's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
80.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Odessa. Similar-size median 53.8.
42.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Odessa's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
30.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Odessa's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
76.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Odessa. Similar-size median 51.2.
42.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Odessa. Similar-size median 42.1.
63.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Odessa. Similar-size median 50.1.
36.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Odessa's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
36.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
65.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Odessa'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 Odessa 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 Odessa
Is Odessa, TX a good place to live?
Odessa ranks #826 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #143 of 256 mid-size cities and #42 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.1%, #15 of 241) and affordable homes ($223,100, #42 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Odessa?
Odessa's cost of living index is 93.9, 6% below the US level of 100 and #414 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,315/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $251,624, 16% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Odessa?
Odessa recorded 286 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 23% below the US rate of 373 and 29% below Texas's 401. That ranks #532 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #93 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Odessa Police Department. Property crime runs 1,159 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Odessa?
The median household in Odessa earns $73,472, 4% below the US figure of $76,827 and 1% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.2%). 16.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Odessa?
Median rent in Odessa is $1,315/mo (Census), #546 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,553/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Odessa?
Zillow's typical home value in Odessa is $251,624, up 4.4% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $223,100.
How are the public schools in Odessa?
There is no city graduation rate for Odessa; its public schools have 18.3 students per teacher and spend $10,623 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Odessa?
The average commute is 22.4 minutes, #534 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 6.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Odessa?
Odessa averages 64.4°F over the year, 81.6°F in summer and 46.4°F in winter, with 12.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Odessa walkable?
Odessa scores 8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1058 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 Odessa at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ector County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, wildfire, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 68% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Odessa?
Ector County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 72% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Odessa?
Odessa has 115,322 residents. The median resident of Odessa is 31.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 19% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1192 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Odessa compare with the rest of Texas?
Odessa ranks #42 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 1% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 29% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Odessa?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Odessa's population of 115,322 are High Point, NC (#796 overall), Evansville, IN (#1196 overall), Manchester, NH (#546 overall), Richmond, CA (#1132 overall), and Westminster, CO (#474 overall). Odessa is #826.