Houston: The Data Profile (2026)

Houston's statistical profile presents a complex value proposition for relocators in the post-remote era. The metro area houses 2,311,461 residents, creating a massive labor pool. The critical divergence lies in the income-to-cost ratio: the median income stands at $62,637, which is 16.0% lower than the US median of $74,580. However, the cost of living index for housing is 88.5, a significant 11.5% below the national baseline. The educational attainment rate is 37.1%, surpassing the US average of 33.1%, suggesting a skilled workforce despite lower aggregate earnings.

The statistical target demographic is the "Value Maximizer"—professionals in energy, healthcare, or logistics who prioritize square footage and low fixed costs over high nominal salaries. This demographic is likely composed of families seeking homeownership accessibility or remote-capable workers leveraging geo-arbitrage.

Cost of Living Analysis

The following table breaks down estimated monthly expenditures based on the provided indices.

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $62,637 takes home approximately $4,050 monthly after taxes. With a monthly COL of $2,590, the disposable income is $1,460, or 36.0% of net pay. This is a favorable savings rate compared to major coastal metros. However, the electricity rate of 14.94 cents/kWh (vs US 16.0 cents) offers minimal savings, and the high reliance on air conditioning can spike variable costs.

Housing Market Deep Dive

Houston remains a buyer-friendly market relative to the US average, with a balanced DOM (Days on Market) of 38 days.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
The spread between renting and buying in Houston is narrow. The median home price of $335,000 supports a monthly mortgage payment of roughly $2,400 (including taxes/insurance), while the median rent for a 3-bedroom is $1,148. Renting is mathematically superior for cash flow, offering savings of over $1,200/month. However, buying offers equity capture against a price/sqft of just $165. For a 5-year horizon, buying is the strategic play to lock in costs below the national curve.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO & Commute:
Post-remote work normalization has solidified Houston's status as a commuter-centric city. The average commute time is 28 minutes, but the city's sprawl means this can easily reach 45+ minutes for those working in the Energy Corridor or downtown while living in suburbs like Katy or The Woodlands. Proximity to major employment hubs is critical.

Industry Stability:
Houston's economy is diversified but anchored in Energy ($750B regional GDP impact), Healthcare (Texas Medical Center), and Logistics (Port of Houston). The unemployment rate is 4.8%, slightly above the US average of 4.0%, reflecting a competitive labor market due to the high population volume.

Quality of Life Audit

While the financials are attractive, the health metrics present significant risk factors.

Safety Analysis:
Houston presents a stark safety challenge. Violent crime is recorded at 912 incidents per 100k people, which is 140% higher than the US average of 380. Property crime is equally elevated at 4,568 per 100k, more than double the national average of 2,000. Neighborhood selection is not a luxury; it is a requirement for safety.

Air Quality & Weather:
Despite the "Energy Capital" reputation, Houston's air quality is surprisingly robust, with an AQI of 41 and PM2.5 levels at 9.8 µg/m³, just under the WHO limit of 10. Current weather shows a mild 63°F high, though the city is prone to high humidity and tropical storm risks.

Schools:
Educational attainment is high (37.1% college educated), but public school performance varies wildly by Independent School District (ISD). The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has undergone significant state intervention, performance is trending upward but remains inconsistent.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: A median home price of $335,000 is $85,000 cheaper than the national median.
• Disposable Income: The low COL allows for a ~36% savings rate on median wages.
• Air Quality: An AQI of 41 defies expectations for an industrial hub.

Cons:

• Safety: Violent crime rates (912/100k) make this a high-alert city for urban planning.
• Health Risks: The environment promotes sedentary lifestyles, evidenced by a 38.0% obesity rate.
• Commute: The city is designed for cars; RTO mandates can result in punishing traffic.

Recommendation:
Houston is a Buy for the financial optimizer who prioritizes asset accumulation over lifestyle prestige. It is a Pass for those prioritizing walkability, low crime, or immediate social status. If you can navigate the safety map and tolerate the climate, the math works.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable lifestyle in Houston?
For a single person, a salary of $75,000 ($4,800 monthly net) provides a comfortable buffer above the $2,590 monthly cost of living, allowing for $2,000+ in savings or discretionary spending.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Austin or Dallas?
Houston is 15-20% cheaper than Dallas and 35-40% cheaper than Austin regarding housing. However, Houston has higher crime rates and lower nominal salary potential compared to the tech-centric Austin market.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate for the whole city?
Yes and no. The 912/100k violent crime rate is a city-wide aggregate. Safe zones exist (e.g., Memorial, The Woodlands, parts of Sugar Land) where crime is statistically negligible, but the average is heavily skewed by high-crime districts.

4. Is the housing market expected to crash?
With a balanced market status and 38 days on market, a crash is unlikely. The -20.2% discount vs the US average provides a floor. Prices are likely to stagnate or appreciate slowly, making it a stable entry point rather than a speculative flip.