Austin, TX

Austin TX scores 47/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 51% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 151 (100 = avg); violent crime index 131; property crime index 170. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Austin. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Austin is about $1,729/month (on the high side). At $1,729/month for a typical unit, you need about $62,244+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $555,300.

Median household income is $93,658, property taxes run about 1.72%, and homes typically sell in around 22 days. Local median income ($93,658) clears the $62,244 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 79°F (highs near 86°F, lows near 72°F).

Most of the year is outdoor-friendly; peak summer still needs AC for comfort. Cooling costs matter more than heating for most of the year. If you visit, go in late summer so you feel the heat, not just a mild weekend.

Who tends to thrive in Austin: (1) Tech and finance workers (the job market is real and no state income tax compounds that advantage at higher salaries) (2) Households earning $62,244+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,729/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in Austin who already priced rent and commute (4) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 47/100) (2) People planning to buy (property taxes are about 1.72%, above average, and add meaningfully to monthly costs) (3) Anyone stretching past 40% of take-home on housing at $1,729/month

Income sniff test: clear about $62,244 household income for $1,729/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Austin scores 47/100 on safety with $1,729/month typical rent. Run the numbers against your income before committing.