Galveston, TX
Population 53,348 · Texas
About Galveston, TX
Galveston is a mid-sized city located in Texas with a population of 53,348 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,216 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Galveston features a median home value of $294,300, which is 20% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Galveston in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,278, 10% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 34,921 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (11,458 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (13,060 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Galveston shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Galveston have an average one-way commute time of 20.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.7% of Galveston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 20.2% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 8.6% Asian residents, with 12.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Galveston, TX
Compared to national averages, Galveston has a median household income of $57,216 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $294,300, which is 20% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,278 is 10% above the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Galveston's income is 21% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 39% above the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Galveston, TX?
Galveston offers short commute times averaging just 20.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,216) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Galveston provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Galveston has a population of 53,348 with a median age of 40 years. Compare Galveston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Galveston
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas City | 54,159 | $65,447 | $190,600 | Compare |
| Kyle | 52,439 | $89,645 | $302,200 | Compare |
| Little Elm | 51,426 | $116,036 | $390,300 | Compare |
| Burleson | 50,981 | $94,162 | $282,900 | Compare |
| Port Arthur | 55,779 | $45,752 | $96,900 | Compare |
| Grapevine | 50,875 | $111,438 | $470,400 | Compare |
| DeSoto | 55,896 | $83,256 | $282,600 | Compare |
| Rockwall | 49,605 | $114,926 | $382,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Galveston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Galveston
What is the population of Galveston, TX?
The population of Galveston, TX is 53,348 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Texas.
What is the median household income in Galveston?
The median household income in Galveston, TX is $57,216 per year, which is 24% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Galveston?
The median home value in Galveston, TX is $294,300, which is 20% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Galveston?
The median monthly rent in Galveston, TX is $1,278, which is 10% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Galveston?
The unemployment rate in Galveston, TX is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Galveston, TX a good place to live?
Galveston offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 53,348 and a median age of 40, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Galveston, TX?
33.7% of residents in Galveston aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Galveston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Galveston, TX: median home value is $294,300 (20% above national), median rent is $1,278/month, and median household income is $57,216. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Galveston?
The poverty rate in Galveston, TX is 19.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Galveston, TX?
Galveston's population is 20.2% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 8.6% Asian, and 14.5% two or more races. 12.8% of residents are foreign-born.