Houston, TX

Houston TX scores 31/100 on safety (well below average). Crime is about 162% above the national average. Research block-level crime data and visit after dark before you commit.

Detail: overall crime index 262 (100 = avg); violent crime index 298; property crime index 226. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

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

Typical rent in Houston is about $1,361/month (moderate). At $1,361/month for a typical unit, you need about $48,996+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $277,800.

Median household income is $64,813, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($64,813) clears the $48,996 comfort line for that rent.

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

Average temperature is about 80°F (highs near 87°F, lows near 73°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 Houston: (1) Renters who want $1,361/month housing without coastal prices (comfort income is about $48,996) (2) Households earning $48,996+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,361/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in Houston 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 31/100) (2) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Houston does not clear every bar) (3) People who will not research ZIP-level crime maps before leasing

Income sniff test: clear about $48,996 household income for $1,361/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Moving to Houston requires serious research first. Safety scores 31/100 which is significantly below average. If you have a specific reason to be here that justifies the tradeoff, go in with eyes open on neighborhood selection.