TexasPop. 127,514Mid-size cities
Is Pearland a Good Place to Live? Pearland, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pearland ranks #427 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #61 of 256 mid-size cities and #22 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.1%, #6 of 256) and low violent crime (82 per 100,000, #9 of 235), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #223 of 241) and long commutes (32.7 min, #236 of 256).
Pearland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pearland'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 Pearland?
Pearland'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 $1,860/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $380,787, 27% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Pearland | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 98.6#613 of 1,308 | 97 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $380,787#581 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 | $1,898/mo#654 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $356,300#673 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,860/mo#1010 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% | 18.8%#317 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.
Pearland 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. Pearland is in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Pearland safe?
Pearland recorded 82 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% below the US rate of 373 and 80% below Texas's 401. That ranks #90 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pearland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,135 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Pearland | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 82#90 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,135#277 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 Pearland?
The median household in Pearland earns $118,842, 55% above the US figure of $76,827 and 63% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Pearland | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $118,842#169 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 4.1%#54 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.7%#1029 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 Pearland?
The median resident of Pearland is 37.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 47.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #321 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pearland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 47.1%#321 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 76.2% | 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 Pearland's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Pearland; its public schools have 16.8 students per teacher and spend $10,135 per pupil. 33.4% of adults are obese and 10.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Pearland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 16.8#712 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,135#1142 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 33.4%#644 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.9%#595 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 14.8%#241 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 12.4%#907 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. 27,446 students are enrolled in Pearland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pearland?
The average commute in Pearland is 32.7 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.5% of workers take transit and 14.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pearland scores 8.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #933 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.3°F and winters 56.9°F, with 55.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pearland | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 32.7 min#1218 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.5%#1025 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 77% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.4% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 14.4% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.5#933 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 | 63.8 | 46.1 | 4.1 |
| Feb | 67.6 | 50.1 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 73.4 | 55.9 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 79.3 | 61.8 | 4.1 |
| May | 85.9 | 69.3 | 5.4 |
| Jun | 91 | 74.9 | 6.1 |
| Jul | 92.9 | 76.6 | 4.6 |
| Aug | 93.5 | 76.7 | 5.4 |
| Sep | 89.3 | 72.9 | 5.8 |
| Oct | 82.1 | 63.9 | 5.8 |
| Nov | 72.6 | 54 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 65.7 | 48 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Houston William P Hobby Airport.
| Measure | Pearland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 71.1°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 84.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 55.6 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 Houston William P Hobby Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pearland?
Brazoria County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Brazoria County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 73% of US counties.
| Measure | Pearland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 35#143 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.2%#945 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 Brazoria County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Brazoria County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.062% | 88% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 75% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0028% | 65% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 58% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0052% | 38% 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 Pearland compare with similar-size cities?
Pearland is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #61 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 127,514.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pearland, TXPop. 127,514 | #427 | 59.5 | $118,842 | $1,860/mo | 82 | 32.7 min |
| Meridian, IDPop. 130,138 | #192 | 64.7 | $100,795 | $1,805/mo | 137 | 22.4 min |
| Palm Bay, FLPop. 130,132 | #581 | 56.9 | $72,614 | $1,601/mo | 275 | 27.8 min |
| Norman, OKPop. 129,672 | #683 | 55.3 | $67,704 | $1,090/mo | 243 | 22.6 min |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #516 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 | 16.4 min |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #746 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 | 20.6 min |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #762 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 | 24.6 min |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #973 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 | 16.7 min |
| Simi Valley, CAPop. 125,634 | #406 | 59.9 | $122,081 | $2,579/mo | 136 | 27.1 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 Pearland compare with the rest of Texas?
Pearland ranks #22 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 59.5 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 63% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 80% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% 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 |
| Lewisville, TXPop. 131,080 | … #18 | 61.0 | $89,233 | $1,670/mo | 218 |
| Kyle, TXPop. 56,823 | #19 | 60.7 | $90,323 | $1,752/mo | 135 |
| Grapevine, TXPop. 51,139 | #20 | 60.6 | $111,376 | $1,863/mo | 165 |
| New Braunfels, TXPop. 104,643 | #21 | 60.0 | $86,021 | $1,654/mo | 223 |
| Pearland, TXPop. 127,514 | #22 | 59.5 | $118,842 | $1,860/mo | 82 |
| Rowlett, TXPop. 65,463 | #23 | 59.4 | $112,081 | $1,990/mo | 157 |
| Burleson, TXPop. 52,918 | #24 | 58.7 | $93,928 | $1,685/mo | 155 |
| Austin, TXPop. 979,539 | #25 | 58.1 | $93,658 | $1,729/mo | 422 |
| North Richland Hills, TXPop. 70,780 | #26 | 57.4 | $97,305 | $1,704/mo | 151 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Pearland among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Pearland's score calculated?
Pearland scores 59.5 out of 100, #427 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 Pearland. Similar-size median 52.9.
71.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Pearland's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
93.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pearland. Similar-size median 53.8.
60.7 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pearland's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
33.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Pearland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
61.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pearland. Similar-size median 51.2.
84.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pearland. Similar-size median 42.1.
34.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pearland. Similar-size median 50.1.
38.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pearland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
39.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
48.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pearland'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 Pearland 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 Pearland
Is Pearland, TX a good place to live?
Pearland ranks #427 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #61 of 256 mid-size cities and #22 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (4.1%, #6 of 256) and low violent crime (82 per 100,000, #9 of 235), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.7%, #223 of 241) and long commutes (32.7 min, #236 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Pearland?
Pearland'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 $1,860/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $380,787, 27% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Pearland?
Pearland recorded 82 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 78% below the US rate of 373 and 80% below Texas's 401. That ranks #90 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Pearland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,135 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Pearland?
The median household in Pearland earns $118,842, 55% above the US figure of $76,827 and 63% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 4.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Pearland?
Median rent in Pearland is $1,860/mo (Census), #1010 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,898/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pearland?
Zillow's typical home value in Pearland is $380,787, down 0.6% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $356,300.
How are the public schools in Pearland?
There is no city graduation rate for Pearland; its public schools have 16.8 students per teacher and spend $10,135 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pearland?
The average commute is 32.7 minutes, #1218 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 9.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pearland?
Pearland averages 71.1°F over the year, 84.3°F in summer and 56.9°F in winter, with 55.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pearland walkable?
Pearland 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 Pearland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Brazoria County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 73% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Pearland?
Brazoria County's air had a median air quality index of 35, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Pearland?
Pearland has 127,514 residents. The median resident of Pearland is 37.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 47.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #321 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 76.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pearland compare with the rest of Texas?
Pearland ranks #22 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 59.5 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 63% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 80% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Pearland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pearland's population of 127,514 are Meridian, ID (#192 overall), Palm Bay, FL (#581 overall), Norman, OK (#683 overall), Columbia, MO (#516 overall), and Athens, GA (#746 overall). Pearland is #427.