Houston, TX
Population 2,300,419 · Texas
About Houston, TX
Houston is a major city located in Texas with a population of 2,300,419 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,894 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Houston features a median home value of $253,400, which is 3% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Houston in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,313, 13% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,023,112 total housing units, 42% are owner-occupied (384,672 units) and 58% are renter-occupied (531,864 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 Houston 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 19.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Houston have an average one-way commute time of 27.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.0% of Houston 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 28.5% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 14.0% Asian residents, with 28.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Houston Ranks in Texas
Cost of Living in Houston, TX
Compared to national averages, Houston has a median household income of $62,894 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $253,400, which is 3% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,313 is 13% above the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Houston's income is 14% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 20% above the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Houston, TX?
Houston offers a well-educated community where 36.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,894) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Houston provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Houston has a population of 2,300,419 with a median age of 34.3 years. Compare Houston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Houston
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | 1,458,954 | $62,917 | $219,700 | Compare |
| Dallas | 1,299,553 | $67,760 | $295,300 | Compare |
| Austin | 967,862 | $91,461 | $512,700 | Compare |
| Fort Worth | 941,311 | $76,602 | $277,300 | Compare |
| El Paso | 678,147 | $58,734 | $171,700 | Compare |
| Arlington | 394,769 | $73,519 | $276,400 | Compare |
| Corpus Christi | 317,383 | $66,325 | $197,100 | Compare |
| Plano | 287,339 | $108,649 | $440,600 | 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 Houston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Houston
What is the population of Houston, TX?
The population of Houston, TX is 2,300,419 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Texas.
What is the median household income in Houston?
The median household income in Houston, TX is $62,894 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Houston?
The median home value in Houston, TX is $253,400, which is 3% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Houston?
The median monthly rent in Houston, TX is $1,313, which is 13% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Houston?
The unemployment rate in Houston, 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 Houston, TX a good place to live?
Houston offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,300,419 and a median age of 34.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Houston, TX?
36.0% of residents in Houston aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Houston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Houston, TX: median home value is $253,400 (3% above national), median rent is $1,313/month, and median household income is $62,894. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Houston?
The poverty rate in Houston, TX is 19.7%, 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 Houston, TX?
Houston's population is 28.5% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 14.0% Asian, and 22.5% two or more races. 28.8% of residents are foreign-born.