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Houston, Texas

Map Of Houston
QuickFacts
Population:2,144,491
Pop. Change:10%
State: Texas
Metro Area: Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown Metro Area
County: Harris County
City:Houston
Zip Code:77036, 77251, ... 189 more

City Overview

As of 2007, Houston's population is 2,144,491 people. Since 2000, it has had a population growth of 9.77 percent.

The median home cost in Houston is $209,300. Home appreciation the last year has been 0.15 percent.

Compared to the rest of the country, Houston's cost of living is 14.25% Lower than the U.S. average.

Houston public schools spend $5,511 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $6,058. There are about 18 students per teacher in Houston.

The unemployment rate in Houston is 3.80 percent(U.S. avg. is 4.60%). Recent job growth is Positive. Houston jobs have Increased by 2.26 percent.

Houston SperlingFile

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People

The 2007 Houston, TX, population is 2,144,491. There are 3,699 people per square mile (population density).

Family in Houston, TX

The median age is 32.2. The US median is 37.6. 52.05% of people in Houston, TX, are married. 10.01% are divorced.

The average household size is 2.66 people. 21.64% of people are married, with children. 10.85% have children, but are single.

Race in Houston, TX

47.63% of people are white, 24.33% are black, 5.53% are asian, 0.49% are native american, and 21.93% claim 'Other'.

41.78% of the people in Houston, TX, claim hispanic ethnicity (meaning 58.22% are non-hispanic).

Houston People SperlingViews

re: Please someone give me a straight honest answe: I lived in Houston for over 9 years and grew up in Texas. There is absolutely nothing I miss about Houston. I would move to any other large city in Texas before... (read more)Please someone give me a straight honest answer ab: I've visited Houston and do not understand the comparison between Dallas and Houston. I looked everywhere in Houston and was not impressed. From overrated Sugarland to... (read more)Please someone give me a straight honest answer ab: I've visited Houston and do not understand the comparison between Dallas and Houston. I looked everywhere in Houston and was not impressed. From overrated Sugarland to... (read more)Have an opinion about Houston? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Houston Click Here

PeopleHouston, TXUnited States
Population2,144,491293,655,400
Pop. Density3,69980
Pop. Change9.77%5.88%
Median Age32.237.6
Households784,732108,954,329
Household Size2.662.6
Male Population50.13%48.65%
Female Population49.87%51.35%
Married Population52.05%58.89%
Single Population47.95%41.11%

Economy

The unemployment rate in Houston, TX, is 3.80%, with job growth of 2.26%. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 26.62%.

Houston, TX Taxes

Houston, TX,sales tax rate is 8.25%. Income tax is 0.00%.

Houston, TX Income and Salaries

The income per capita is $22,794, which includes all adults and children. The median household income is $41,513.

Houston Economy SperlingViews

One of the Worst Places in America to Live: The people are unfriendly, big, creepy, con artist, and full of crap. Gangs and crime are on the increase and the immigrant population is now the majority. The cost of... (read more)Reply to David: David you sound bitter. The surbs are not 2 hours away. I have lived all over the country and Houston is by far the cheapest nice place to live. I own a 5 bdrm 3 1/2 bth... (read more)Response To Michael's Post: Seems to me Michael, maybe you might be the problem. If you have lived here for over Forty God Forsaken Years, why are you still here? Maybe because of the great adn... (read more)Have an opinion about Houston? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Houston Click Here

EconomyHouston, TXUnited States
Unemployment Rate3.80%4.60%
Recent Job Growth2.26%1.40%
Future Job Growth26.62%11.90%
Sales Taxes8.25%6.00%
Income Taxes0.00%5.02%
Income per Cap.$22,794$24,020
Household Income$41,513$44,684
ESTIMATED HOUSEHOLDS BY HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Income Less Than 15K16.58%13.64%
Income between 15K and 25K13.07%11.21%
Income between 25K and 35K13.44%11.46%
Income between 35K and 50K16.83%15.84%
Income between 50K and 75K16.61%19.28%
Income between 75K and 100K8.85%11.53%
Income between 100K and 150K8.47%10.70%
Income between 150K and 250K4.07%4.43%
Income between 250K and 500K1.36%1.31%
Income greater than 500K0.72%0.61%
POPULATION BY OCCUPATION
Management, Business, and Financial Operations13.33%13.61%
Professional and Related Occupations20.68%20.24%
Service15.62%14.75%
Sales and Office26.48%26.74%
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry0.14%0.74%
Construction, Extraction, and Maintenance10.91%9.48%
Production, Transportation, and Material Moving12.84%14.44%

Housing

The median home value in Houston, TX, is $209,300. Home appreciation is 0.15% over the last year. The median age of Houston, TX, real estate is 30 years.

Houston, TX Apartments and Rentals

Renters make up 50.09% of the Houston, TX, population. 8.30% of houses and apartments in Houston, TX, are unoccupied (vacancy rate).

Houston Housing SperlingViews

Affordable Housing: Houston has not seen the dramatic downtturn in housing prices that other parts of th eUS has seen in the last 12 - 18 months. Housing remains reasonably priced for most... (read more)Job Growth: No.1 in selleing houses this year according to HomeVestors company America's Top 10 Cities with Ugly Homes Texas cities top list with the most homes in need of... (read more)Relocating to Houston: I've lived in Chicago all my life and after, many years of battling the cold weather I think it's time for a change. Houston is a place that at the top of my list for... (read more)Have an opinion about Houston? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Houston Click Here

HousingHouston, TXUnited States
Median Home Age3027
Median Home Cost$209,300$217,200
Home Appreciation0.15%9.80%
Homes Owned41.53%64.07%
Housing Vacant8.30%14.48%
Homes Rented50.09%21.45%
Property Tax Rate$20.63$13.28
OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS BY VALUE
Less Than $20,0002.43%3.01%
$20,000 to $39,9997.97%4.37%
$40,000 to $59,99914.05%5.74%
$60,000 to $79,99915.28%7.07%
$80,000 to $99,99914.63%8.41%
$100,000 to $149,99918.75%19.74%
$150,000 to $199,9998.84%14.06%
$200,000 to $299,9998.46%16.59%
$300,000 to $399,9994.03%8.21%
$400,000 to $499,9992.16%4.53%
$500,000 to $749,9991.78%4.75%
$1,000,000 or more0.84%1.86%
HOUSING UNITS BY YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT
1999 to October 20058.86%10.15%
1995 to 19984.30%6.69%
1990 to 19943.74%6.70%
1980 to 198916.81%14.75%
1970 to 197926.06%17.11%
1960 to 196917.50%12.78%
1950 to 195912.41%11.64%
1940 to 19495.57%6.64%
1939 or Earlier4.76%13.55%

Health

There are 270 physicians per capita in Houston, TX. The US average is 170.

Houston, TX Health Index

Air quality in Houston, TX is 1 on a scale to 100 (higher is better). This is based on ozone alert days and number of pollutants in the air, as reported by the EPA.

Water quality in Houston, TX is 37 on a scale to 100 (higher is better). The EPA has a complex method of measuring watershed quality using 15 indicators.

Superfund index is 11 on a scale to 100 (higher is better). This is upon the number and impact of EPA Superfund pollution sites in the county, including spending on the cleanup efforts.

Houston Health SperlingViews

If you've ever lived on the East or West coasts an: I'm a well educated, good looking hetero male and I've lived in Washington state for the better half of my life, went to college in Boston, lived in California, North... (read more)people: The people here are so friendly and warming you will always feel at home. Great place to raise a... (read more)re: Do not raise your children here - 1/9/2008: Absolutely agree. Crime in Houston is now worse than in New York City. It's all about money and greed. Corrupt government and high... (read more)Have an opinion about Houston? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Houston Click Here

HealthHouston, TXUnited States
Air Quality (100=best)148
Water Quality (100=best)3755
Superfund Sites (100=best)1171
Physicians per 100k269.7169.7

Crime

Houston, TX, violent crime, on a scale from 1 (low crime) to 10, is 6. Violent crime is composed of four offenses: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. The US average is 3.

Houston, TX, property crime, on a scale from 1 (low) to 10, is 7. Property crime includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The object of the theft-type offenses is the taking of money or property, but there is no force or threat of force against the victims. The US average is 3.

Houston Crime SperlingViews

re: In response to Mrs. Henry - 10/30/2007: Well, Chloe, being from anywhere other than Houston, Texas before and after the hurricane hit does not qualify you to make that assessment or any assesment of Houston. I... (read more)In response to Mrs. Henry: If you(Mrs.Henry and anyone asking for advice from complete strangers) have to ask if you should move to a certain place b/c of certain characteristics than you shouldnt... (read more)Crime rate in Houston: The crime rate in Houston is above the national average. It is definitely not someplace I want to stay and raise my family. There is an active night life and plenty of... (read more)Have an opinion about Houston? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Houston Click Here

CrimeHouston, TXUnited States
Violent Crime63
Property Crime73

Climate

Houston, TX, gets 51 inches of rain per year. The US average is 37. Snowfall is 0 inches. The average US city gets 25 inches of snow per year. The number of days with any measurable precipitation is 80.

On average, there are 204 sunny days per year in Houston, TX. The July high is around 93 degrees. The January low is 46. Our comfort index, which is based on humidity during the hot months, is a 24 out of 100, where higher is more comfortable. The US average on the comfort index is 44.

Houston Climate SperlingViews

Way to hot here: Houston is not a very attractive city. The crime is pretty high, the architecture uninspiring and the temperatures and rain, well just forget... (read more)Houston Climate is a Big Negative: Pay attention to the low "comfort rating" Houston gets on this site: 44 is average, Houston is 24. The temperature is usually hot, and the humidity is almost always... (read more)Houston Weather: Houston is a good city. Spring and Early Fall are quite nice. Summers can be hot and humid. Lots of construction going on to upgrade the highways at the moment, but... (read more)Have an opinion about Houston? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Houston Click Here

ClimateHouston, TXUnited States
Rainfall (in.)51.436.6
Snowfall (in.)0.125.2
Precipitation Days80101
Sunny Days204205
Avg. July High92.586.5
Avg. Jan. Low45.820.8
Comfort Index (higher=better)2444
UV Index6.14.3
Elevation ft.641,062

Educate

Houston, TX, schools spend $5,511 per student. There are 18 pupils per teacher, 966 students per librarian, and 580 children per counselor in Houston, TX schools.

Houston Education SperlingViews

people: The people here are so friendly and warming you will always feel at home. Great place to raise a... (read more)re: Do not raise your children here - 1/9/2008: Absolutely agree. Crime in Houston is now worse than in New York City. It's all about money and greed. Corrupt government and high... (read more)Rapidly becoming a third world city: Having lived in Houston since 1971 I can report that the quality of life has deteriorated to unacceptable. If you love dirty air, high crime rate, terrible schools,... (read more)Have an opinion about Houston? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Houston Click Here

EducationHouston, TXUnited States
School Expend.$5,511$6,058
Pupil/Teacher Ratio1815.9
Students per Librarian966907
Students per Counselor580546
2 yr College Grad.3.97%8.22%
4 yr College Grad.17.29%15.16%
Graduate Degrees9.67%7.16%
High School Grads.70.15%79.62%

Transportation

The average one-way commute in Houston, TX, takes 30 minutes. 71% of commuters drive their own car alone. 16% carpool with others. 6% take mass transit and 2% work from home.

Houston Transportation SperlingViews

aggressive drivers: The road way system is very easy to learn and navigate but the drivers are very aggresive. The people in Texas are friendly except behind the wheel of their trucks and... (read more)If you're not careful, you'll be trampled in a cat: Mass transit is almost nonexistent. Many of the most popular and populous suburbs are unincorporated and thus must rely on undersized county sheriff and constable... (read more)Metro rail: I live in the texas medical center area of Houston. Yes the houses are a bit on the expensive side, but one can get decent looking apartments at reasonable prices.... (read more)Have an opinion about Houston? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Houston Click Here

TransportationHouston, TXUnited States
Commute Time29.827.4
COMMUTE MODE
Auto (alone)71.46%71.32%
Carpool15.71%14.52%
Mass Transit5.85%2.00%
Work at Home2.33%5.46%
COMMUTE TIME TO WORK
Commute Less Than 15 min.20.74%28.89%
Commute 15 to 29 min.37.18%36.08%
Commute 30 to 44 min.26.10%19.35%
Commute 45 to 59 min.8.42%7.57%
Commute greater than 60 min.7.56%8.12%

Cost of Living

Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means Houston, TX is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means Houston, TX is more expensive.

Overall, Houston, TX cost of living is 85.75.

Houston Cost of Living SperlingViews

re: Houston is a very pleasant surprise - 11/6/200: Im from Nebraska and want to move to a coastal area. How far exactly is houston from the beach? Do you know what a two bedroom apartment in southern houston go for? ... (read more)Houston.: It is very cheap to... (read more)Houston is a very pleasant surprise: Overnight visitors are often underwhelmed by Houston. But behind our ubiquitous strip malls and freeways are gorgeous neighborhoods, attractive and affordable custom... (read more)Have an opinion about Houston? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Houston Click Here

CostoflivingHouston, TXUnited States
Overall86100
Food94100
Utilities95100
Miscellaneous96100

Religion

50.38% of the people in Houston, TX are religious, meaning they affiliate with a religion. 18.19% are Catholic; 26.05% are Protestant; 0.74% are LDS; 2.90% are another Christian faith; 1.06% in Houston, TX are Jewish; 0.05% are an eastern faith; 1.40% affilite with Islam.

Houston Religion SperlingViews

people: The people here are so friendly and warming you will always feel at home. Great place to raise a... (read more)re: Do not raise your children here - 1/9/2008: Absolutely agree. Crime in Houston is now worse than in New York City. It's all about money and greed. Corrupt government and high... (read more)Rapidly becoming a third world city: Having lived in Houston since 1971 I can report that the quality of life has deteriorated to unacceptable. If you love dirty air, high crime rate, terrible schools,... (read more)Have an opinion about Houston? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Houston Click Here

ReligionHouston, TXUnited States
Percent Religious50.38%50.03%
Catholic18.19%21.92%
Protestant26.05%19.12%
LDS0.74%1.57%
Baptist14.65%8.16%
Episcopalian1.18%8.12%
Pentecostal2.45%1.89%
Lutheran1.52%2.81%
Methodist5.02%3.84%
Presbyterian1.24%1.33%
Other Christian2.90%4.66%
Jewish1.06%2.16%
Eastern0.05%0.05%
Islam1.40%0.54%

Voting

44.56% of the people in Houston, TX are registered as Democrats. 54.75% are registered Republican. Remaining are independent: 0.69%.

Houston Voting SperlingViews

re: In response to Mrs. Henry - 10/30/2007: Well, Chloe, being from anywhere other than Houston, Texas before and after the hurricane hit does not qualify you to make that assessment or any assesment of Houston. I... (read more)In response to Mrs. Henry: If you(Mrs.Henry and anyone asking for advice from complete strangers) have to ask if you should move to a certain place b/c of certain characteristics than you shouldnt... (read more)Crime rate in Houston: The crime rate in Houston is above the national average. It is definitely not someplace I want to stay and raise my family. There is an active night life and plenty of... (read more)Have an opinion about Houston? Leave a commentTo See All SperlingViews for Houston Click Here

VotingHouston, TXUnited States
Democrat44.558%48.590%
Republican54.751%51.070%
Independent Other0.002%0.066%
Independent Liberal0.178%0.475%
Independent Conservative0.511%0.447%