Median Income
$50,667
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,100
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.5%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$815
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.8%
33% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.4%
16% higher than US avg
How Houston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population883
Median Age40.2 yrs
Density718/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,667
Per Capita$28,828
Unemployment4.8%
Poverty14.4%
County GDP$810M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,100
Rent$815
Ownership71.4%
Zillow$342,265
Housing Units394
Rent Burden33.1%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured7.2%
Smoking15.0%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain38.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation744 ft (227 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.5%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score6.21
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 41%
Commute26 min
Broadband90.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Houston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Houston receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Houston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Houston is $50,667, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Houston is $152,100, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Houston is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
17.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Houston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches, including 44.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Houston has a population of 883 with a density of 718 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 40.2 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (94.7%), with 1.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.2yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Houston is $50,667, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,828 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $913, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 471 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,667 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,828 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $913 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,487 |
| Gini Index | 0.406 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.4% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 471 |
| County GDP | $810M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,147 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
The median home value in Houston is $152,100, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,265, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.6% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $815 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $889 for a one-bedroom to $1,166 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 394 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1941. The average annual property tax is $4,147 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,100 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $342,265 |
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $200 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $815 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $804 |
| 1 Bedroom | $889 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,166 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,515 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,903 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.6% |
| Housing Units | 394 |
| Median Year Built | 1941 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,147 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.73% |
In Houston, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 26.7% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 20.9% report binge drinking. 24.5% are physically inactive. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,707. The dentist ratio is 1:1,880. 96.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Houston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.5% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.6% |
| Short Sleep | 30.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.2% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,707 |
| Dentists | 1:1,880 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,323 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,148/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 96.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Houston has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Houston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 151 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Houston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches. The area receives 44.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 744 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 744 ft (227 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 718/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7566°N, 91.5727°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Houston County County |
| Nearest Airport | La Crosse Regional (LSE)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.3"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
350 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 178 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1962 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
75 km |
2 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1957 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
56 km |
| 2024 |
RX-UPPER SEVENTEEN |
520 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Houston has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 16°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.9").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston
What is the population of Houston?
Houston has a population of 883 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 718 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.2 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Houston expensive to live in?
Houston has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $50,667, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,100 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Houston safe?
Houston is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Houston?
Houston has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches, with 44.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Houston?
Houston has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $913. There are 471 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Houston?
The median home value in Houston is $152,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,265. For renters, the median monthly rent is $815. Fair market rent is $889 for a 1-bedroom and $1,166 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,147.
How are the schools in Houston?
Schools in Houston score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.5% of adults in Houston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Houston?
The obesity rate in Houston is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 24.5% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 7.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 96.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,707.
What is transportation like in Houston?
The average commute in Houston is 26 minutes. 76.4% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 7.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Houston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Houston is 94.7% White, 1.8% Black or African American. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 98.6% have health insurance coverage.
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