Median Income
$41,250
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,200
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
287/100K
24% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$728
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.6%
66% higher than US avg
How Houston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,407
Median Age35.7 yrs
Density661/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$41,250
Per Capita$23,126
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty20.6%
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,200
Rent$728
Ownership57.5%
Zillow$180,735
Housing Units1,145
Rent Burden39.3%
Crime
F
Violent287/100K
Property5,691/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault287/100K
Burglary909/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured12.2%
Smoking23.4%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease7.0%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain42.9 in/yr
Sunny Days258/yr
Elevation1,158 ft (353 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+80.6%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute17 min
Broadband79.3%
EV Stations1
Is Houston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Houston receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Houston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Houston is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 20.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Houston is $115,200, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Houston is below the national average at 287 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,691 per 100,000, 190% above the national average.
Education
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Houston experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 258 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.9 inches, including 5.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Houston has a population of 2,407 with a density of 661 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age is 35.7 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.8% female and 45.2% male. The city is predominantly White (89.7%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95% of residents. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.7yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.0%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
The median household income in Houston is $41,250, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,126 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,250 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,126 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.6% |
| 66% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in Houston is $115,200, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,735, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $728 (37% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 57.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,145 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. 39.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $115,200 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $180,735 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $728 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 57.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,145 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
In Houston, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.0% of residents, above the national average. 37.2% have high blood pressure. 23.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 35.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.1% experience frequent mental distress. 12.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Houston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.2% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 10.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.4% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.8% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 22.1% |
| Physical Distress | 17.4% |
| Short Sleep | 41.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.9% |
| Uninsured | 12.2% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 52.0% |
Food & Exercise
Houston has a violent crime rate of 287 per 100,000 residents, 24% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 286.9 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 5,691 per 100,000, 190% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 4,639, burglary at 909, vehicle theft at 143 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Houston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Houston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 286.9/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 286.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,691.1/100K |
| 190% above US avg |
| Burglary | 908.7/100K |
| Theft | 4,638.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 143.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Houston experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 258 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.9 inches. The area receives 5.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,158 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.1°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 258 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,158 ft (353 m) |
| Area | 3.7 sq mi (9.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 661/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.3262°N, 91.9560°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Waynesville-St Robert Regional Forney Field (TBN) 30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.9"
13% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
67 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
79 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
121 km |
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
125 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
128 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
67 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
121 km |
| Aug 21, 2022 |
4 km SSW of Imboden, Arkansas |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
10 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.1 |
128 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Mar 18, 1990 |
9 km W of Alton, Missouri |
M3.0 |
81 km |
| Jun 27, 2025 |
12 km WSW of Grandin, Missouri |
M2.9 |
109 km |
| May 21, 2012 |
6 km SW of Williamsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
105 km |
| May 18, 2006 |
9 km SSE of De Soto, Missouri |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Jun 16, 2017 |
6 km N of Bergman, Arkansas |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Sep 27, 2022 |
0.4 km ESE of Maynard, Arkansas |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Jul 31, 1995 |
8 km SSW of Caledonia, Missouri |
M2.8 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
357 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 29 fatalities, 393 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 24, 2002 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
87 km |
2 |
| Dec 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
83 km |
3 |
| Sep 26, 1959 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
81 km |
7 |
| Mar 25, 1954 |
EF4 |
24 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
70 km |
2 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
84 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
100 km |
4 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1984 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1970 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 1964 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HANDY (12,818 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HANDY |
12,818 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
9,641 |
97 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR BLUFF |
9,617 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
BIG BARREN CREEK |
8,150 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
STEGALL MOUNTAIN |
6,979 |
72 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
88 km |
| 2015 |
15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN |
5,112 |
73 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
46 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX |
4,717 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
56 km |
| 2023 |
ELM SPRINGS RX |
4,378 |
55 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
96 km |
| 2023 |
CANNON RANGE RX |
3,870 |
42 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,665 |
15 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
89 km |
| 1999 |
STEGALL99 |
3,415 |
73 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
96 km |
| 2021 |
KAINTUCK |
3,325 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Houston has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 42.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.6") and January the driest (2.1").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston
What is the population of Houston?
Houston has a population of 2,407 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 661 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.8% female and 45.2% male.
Is Houston expensive to live in?
Houston is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $41,250, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $115,200 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Houston safe?
Houston is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 287 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,691 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 258 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.9 inches, with 5.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Houston?
The unemployment rate in Houston is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Houston?
The median home value in Houston is $115,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $180,735. For renters, the median monthly rent is $728. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.5%.
How are the schools in Houston?
Schools in Houston score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.3% of adults in Houston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.6% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Houston?
The obesity rate in Houston is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.4% of adults are smokers. 35.8% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 12.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Houston?
The average commute in Houston is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Houston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Houston is 89.7% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 95% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 28.3% of residents have a disability. 81.9% have health insurance coverage.