City profile
Houston, TX
A massive, diverse metropolis with world-class medical centers, no state income tax, and a vibrant Black community.
Climate
Climate type
Humid subtropical
Winter avg
54°F
Summer avg
84°F
Sunny days / yr
204
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$310,000
Typical monthly housing
$1,850
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
96
Taxes
- Property tax
- 1.81%
- State income tax (top)
- None
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 8.20%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Very High · county score 100/100
Top hazards: Tornado, Hurricane, Riverine flooding
Nearest major airport
10 mi to William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Competitive / purple · 51% Democratic / 48% Republican
Demographics (Census ACS)
Population (2024)
2,328,253
Growth since 2019
+0.8%
Median age
34.4
Residents 65+
12.3%
Median household income
$64,813
Income growth since 2019
+23.8%
Black household income
$47,728
Home ownership
42.1%
Poverty rate
19.9%
Poverty rate, 65+
17.0%
Race & ethnicity: Black 22.3% · White 23.2% · Hispanic 44.2% · Asian 6.9% · Other 3.3%
Crime (per 100,000 residents, 2025)
Violent crime
888 · 169% above the national average
Property crime
3,837 · 147% above the national average
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Houston Police Department. State average: violent 348, property 1,809.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸TX is gaining retirees — a sign of strong retiree services and community
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Home prices are softening in 2026 — more room to negotiate
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: extreme heat, hail
Highlights
- Texas Medical Center — world largest
- No state income tax
- Extremely diverse
- Texas Southern University (HBCU)
Trade-offs
- Extreme summer heat and humidity
- Sprawl requires car
- Flooding risk
- High property taxes
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.