Median Income
$60,865
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$235,900
16% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
579/100K
52% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.1%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$831
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.4%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.8%
89% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.0%
3% lower than US avg
How Houston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,693
Median Age42.4 yrs
Density71/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans12.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$60,865
Per Capita$38,288
Unemployment6.8%
Poverty12.0%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute55 min
Housing
A
Home Value$235,900
Rent$831
Ownership70.7%
Zillow$375,242
Housing Units1,002
Rent Burden37.0%
Crime
F
Violent579/100K
Property6,733/100K
Health
Obesity40.4%
Uninsured11.9%
Smoking22.6%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp33°F (1°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation271 ft (83 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.1%
High School+90.8%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute55 min
Broadband87.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Houston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Houston receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, long commute times. Houston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Houston is $60,865, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 12.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 55 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Houston is $235,900, 16% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $831 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 579 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,733 per 100,000, 244% above the national average.
Education
14.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Houston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Houston has a population of 1,693 with a density of 71 people per square mile, spread across 24.0 square miles. The median age is 42.4 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.3% female and 59.7% male. The city is predominantly White (83.5%), with 11.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.5% of residents, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 12.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.4yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.5%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.5%
51% below US avg
The median household income in Houston is $60,865, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,288. The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 6.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 8,829 business establishments, including 785 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 55 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 11.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,865 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,288 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.8% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,829 |
| County GDP | $32,113M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 785 |
| Healthcare | 1,392 |
| Retail | 819 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 54.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.4% |
The median home value in Houston is $235,900, 16% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $375,242, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.7% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $831 (29% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,002 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $235,900 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $375,242 |
| Median List Price | $747,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $747,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $324 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.7% |
| Price Drops | 12.5% |
| Inventory | 8 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $831 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,002 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.57% |
In Houston, 40.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 22.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 11.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:860. The dentist ratio is 1:750. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Houston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.4% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.6% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.0% |
| Uninsured | 11.9% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 45.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
Houston has a violent crime rate of 579 per 100,000 residents, 52% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,733 per 100,000, 244% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Houston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Houston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 579.1/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,733.3/100K |
| 244% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Houston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F (1°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 271 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 33.4°F |
| 38% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 271 ft (83 m) |
| Area | 24.0 sq mi (62.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 71/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 61.6153°N, 149.8006°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.36 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7,586 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| May 1, 1991 |
Central Alaska |
M6.3 |
127 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M6.1 |
123 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
66 km |
| Jun 24, 2015 |
46 km SW of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.8 |
114 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
70 km |
| Jun 22, 2009 |
36 km E of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
60 km |
| Sep 25, 2010 |
54 km NE of Chase, Alaska |
M5.4 |
139 km |
| Mar 8, 2000 |
33 km N of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
112 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
63 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
60 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
111 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
44 km |
| May 6, 1997 |
8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.3 |
7 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
34 km |
| Jul 28, 2011 |
8 km NE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
92 km |
| May 30, 2004 |
57 km W of Tyonek, Alaska |
M5.3 |
142 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
34 km |
| Dec 7, 1991 |
19 km E of Point Possession, Alaska |
M5.2 |
79 km |
| May 30, 2017 |
32 km WNW of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.2 |
139 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.2 |
45 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2024 |
EF0 |
55 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (135 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
135 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SU RIVER (7,050 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
SU RIVER |
7,050 |
43 km |
| 2015 |
SOCKEYE |
6,538 |
26 km |
| 2019 |
MCKINLEY |
3,436 |
43 km |
| 2010 |
EKLUTNA |
1,941 |
54 km |
| 2014 |
TYONEK |
1,668 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
DESHKA LANDING |
1,285 |
21 km |
| 2002 |
THURSDAY CREEK |
1,046 |
48 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
36°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| May |
47°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
56°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
47°F (9°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| October |
33°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Houston has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 7°F in January to 60°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.1") and April the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Houston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,567 |
| Toddler | $1,460 |
| Preschool | $1,255 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,124 |
| Toddler | $1,013 |
| Preschool | $992 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston
What is the population of Houston?
Houston has a population of 1,693 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 71 people per square mile, spread across 24.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 40.3% female and 59.7% male.
Is Houston expensive to live in?
Houston has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $60,865, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $235,900 (16% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $831 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Houston safe?
The violent crime rate in Houston is 579 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,733 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Houston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Houston?
Houston has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F (1°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Houston?
The unemployment rate in Houston is 6.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,436. There are 8,829 business establishments in the area, including 785 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 55 minutes, and 11.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Houston?
The median home value in Houston is $235,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $375,242. For renters, the median monthly rent is $831. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.7%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in Houston?
Schools in Houston have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.1% of adults in Houston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.8% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Houston?
The obesity rate in Houston is 40.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.6% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 11.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860.
What is transportation like in Houston?
The average commute in Houston is 55 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Houston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Houston is 83.5% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 11.8% Hispanic or Latino. 93.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.5% speak Spanish. 12.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
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