TexasPop. 110,016Mid-size cities
Is Sugar Land a Good Place to Live? Sugar Land, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sugar Land ranks #255 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (73 per 100,000, #5 of 235) and low poverty (5.5%, #12 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.1%, #235 of 241) and long commutes (28.9 min, #195 of 256).
Sugar Land by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sugar Land'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 Sugar Land?
Sugar Land'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 $1,957/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $442,326, 48% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Sugar Land | 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 | $442,326#716 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 | $2,032/mo#730 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $430,200#853 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,957/mo#1075 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 17.2%#173 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.
Sugar Land 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. Sugar Land is in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Sugar Land safe?
Sugar Land recorded 73 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 373 and 82% below Texas's 401. That ranks #73 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #5 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sugar Land Police Department. Property crime runs 1,222 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Sugar Land | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 73#73 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,222#316 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 Sugar Land?
The median household in Sugar Land earns $136,217, 77% above the US figure of $76,827 and 87% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Sugar Land | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $136,217#82 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% | 5.5%#138 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -1.1%#1095 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 Sugar Land?
The median resident of Sugar Land is 42.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 63% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #103 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 80.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sugar Land | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 42.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 63%#103 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 80.3% | 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 Sugar Land's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Sugar Land; its public schools have 17 students per teacher and spend $10,555 per pupil. 24.8% of adults are obese and 12.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Sugar Land | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17#734 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,555#1113 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 24.8%#133 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.2%#822 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 12.2%#23 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 8.5%#449 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. 24,678 students are enrolled in Sugar Land's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sugar Land?
The average commute in Sugar Land is 28.9 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.5% of workers take transit and 23.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sugar Land scores 8.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.4°F and winters 55.7°F, with 51.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sugar Land | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28.9 min#1050 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 8%#924 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 65.4% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.5% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 23.7% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.7#895 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 | 64.1 | 42.9 | 3.9 |
| Feb | 68.2 | 48 | 3 |
| Mar | 74.1 | 54 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 80.8 | 59.7 | 3.6 |
| May | 86.9 | 68 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 91.6 | 74.2 | 5.7 |
| Jul | 94.2 | 76 | 3.8 |
| Aug | 94.4 | 76 | 5 |
| Sep | 89.9 | 71.1 | 5.3 |
| Oct | 83.3 | 61.8 | 5.2 |
| Nov | 72.6 | 52.6 | 4.4 |
| Dec | 65.9 | 45 | 3.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sugar Land.
| Measure | Sugar Land | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 70.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 84.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 55.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 51.1 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 Sugar Land.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sugar Land?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Sugar Land's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fort Bend County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 63% of US counties.
| Measure | Sugar Land | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.17%#816 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 Fort Bend County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Fort Bend County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.042% | 85% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.11% | 74% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0059% | 40% 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 Sugar Land compare with similar-size cities?
Sugar Land is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #32 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 110,016.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Land, TXPop. 110,016 | #255 | 63.0 | $136,217 | $1,957/mo | 73 | 28.9 min |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #1082 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 | 19.6 min |
| Greeley, COPop. 110,806 | #1160 | 46.4 | $69,881 | $1,388/mo | 630 | 24.3 min |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #763 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 | 32.5 min |
| Nampa, IDPop. 110,319 | #466 | 58.6 | $74,279 | $1,420/mo | 310 | 24.4 min |
| Sparks, NVPop. 110,024 | #738 | 54.3 | $89,056 | $1,716/mo | 365 | 24 min |
| San Buenaventura (Ventura), CAPop. 109,857 | #591 | 56.8 | $103,069 | $2,198/mo | 351 | 24.1 min |
| San Tan Valley, AZPop. 109,189 | #1176 | 45.8 | $96,713 | $2,085/mo | no data | 36.4 min |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #353 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 | 26.9 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 Sugar Land compare with the rest of Texas?
Sugar Land ranks #11 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 63 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 87% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 82% below the statewide rate. Homes are 48% 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 |
| Sugar Land, TXPop. 110,016 | #11 | 63.0 | $136,217 | $1,957/mo | 73 |
| Plano, TXPop. 290,594 | #12 | 62.9 | $112,253 | $1,841/mo | 147 |
| Carrollton, TXPop. 133,740 | #13 | 62.7 | $101,396 | $1,735/mo | 98 |
| Richardson, TXPop. 118,731 | #14 | 62.7 | $98,111 | $1,857/mo | 138 |
| Wylie, TXPop. 60,334 | #15 | 62.6 | $119,522 | $2,189/mo | 81 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Sugar Land among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Sugar Land's score calculated?
Sugar Land scores 63 out of 100, #255 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 Sugar Land. Similar-size median 52.9.
79.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sugar Land's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
93.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sugar Land. Similar-size median 53.8.
74.8 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sugar Land's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
34.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sugar Land's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
56.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sugar Land. Similar-size median 51.2.
89.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sugar Land. Similar-size median 42.1.
30.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sugar Land. Similar-size median 50.1.
54.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sugar Land's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.5 - 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.
37.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sugar Land'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 Sugar Land 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 Sugar Land
Is Sugar Land, TX a good place to live?
Sugar Land ranks #255 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (73 per 100,000, #5 of 235) and low poverty (5.5%, #12 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.1%, #235 of 241) and long commutes (28.9 min, #195 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Sugar Land?
Sugar Land'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 $1,957/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $442,326, 48% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Sugar Land?
Sugar Land recorded 73 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 80% below the US rate of 373 and 82% below Texas's 401. That ranks #73 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #5 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sugar Land Police Department. Property crime runs 1,222 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Sugar Land?
The median household in Sugar Land earns $136,217, 77% above the US figure of $76,827 and 87% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Sugar Land?
Median rent in Sugar Land is $1,957/mo (Census), #1075 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,032/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sugar Land?
Zillow's typical home value in Sugar Land is $442,326, up 0.2% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $430,200.
How are the public schools in Sugar Land?
There is no city graduation rate for Sugar Land; its public schools have 17 students per teacher and spend $10,555 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sugar Land?
The average commute is 28.9 minutes, #1050 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sugar Land?
Sugar Land averages 70.6°F over the year, 84.4°F in summer and 55.7°F in winter, with 51.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sugar Land walkable?
Sugar Land scores 8.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #895 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 Sugar Land at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fort Bend County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 63% of US counties.
Who lives in Sugar Land?
Sugar Land has 110,016 residents. The median resident of Sugar Land is 42.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 63% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #103 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 80.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sugar Land compare with the rest of Texas?
Sugar Land ranks #11 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 63 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 87% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 82% below the statewide rate. Homes are 48% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Sugar Land?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sugar Land's population of 110,016 are Tuscaloosa, AL (#1082 overall), Greeley, CO (#1160 overall), South Fulton, GA (#763 overall), Nampa, ID (#466 overall), and Sparks, NV (#738 overall). Sugar Land is #255.