Texas
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Are you considering moving to Texas?

Texas’s warm weather, diverse population, booming economy, and melting pot of culture make it one of the most coveted states in the country.

If you’re interested in living in a family-friendly state, with the best of southern hospitality, top-quality education, fantastic sports culture, and no state income tax, moving to Texas is perfect for you.

Texas food and drink are second to none and there’s a perfect town for everyone in the Lone Star state. If you enjoy spending time outdoor, and you’d like to take part in various exciting outdoor activities, moving to Texas will be a great idea.

Demographics

Texas Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Texas.

Male vs Female Population of Texas 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Texas 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Texas 2021

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Quick stats to know about before moving to Texas

  • There is no state income tax in Texas
  • The cost of living in Texas is below the U.S. average
  • Texas minimum wage is $7.25 an hour
  • Average salaries in Texas can be as high as $223,283 and as low as $23,480
  • Texas is home to scores of higher learning opportunities
  • Texas is a foodie’s paradise
  • Texas’s unemployment rate is 3.7%. The national average is the same

What’s the Population of Texas?

Texas’s population is 29.8 million people. The Lone Star state stretches across 268,581 square miles making it the second-largest state by square area.

  • Texas has 105.2 people per square mile
  • Texas is the 26th densely populated state in the U.S.
  • Texas has 3 cities with more than a million people
  • 50.34% of Texas residents are female
  • 49.66% of Texas residents are male

How is the weather like in Texas?

If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before making up your mind about moving to Texas, here’s a quick summary of the Lone Star state weather:

  • July summer high in Texas is approximately 94 degrees
  • January winter low in Texas is around 36 degrees
  • Texas averages 36 inches of rain a year
  • Texas snow averages 2 inches a year

How fast can you commute in Texas?

Texas’s average one-way commute time is 26.1 minutes. The U.S average is 26.4 minutes. That means the average one-way commuting time in Texas is slightly lower than the U.S. average. Since you’re considering moving to Texas, a shorter commuting time is better. Less time in transit means less stress and a longer lifespan.

Here’s a simple stat of how people in Texas commute to work:

  • Around 80.5% of Texans drive their own car alone
  • Up to 10.4% of Texans carpool with others
  • About 4.5% of Texans work from home
  • Around 1.5% of Texas take mass transit
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Top 10 reasons to move to Texas

Texas welcomes thousands of people every year. Students, millennials, single adults, young families, and retirees, etc. are moving to Texas.

There are several reasons why people are moving to Texas. While it’s impossible to list them all, we’ve made a list of the top ten reasons to move to Texas. Check them out:

  • There are tons of things to see and do in Texas

    In Texas, there are countless possibilities for adventure and entertainment. From beautiful beaches to museums to state and national parks, Texas has a lot on offer.

    Here is a list of 10 things to see and do in Texas.

    • San Antonio's River Walk
    • The Alamo
    • Space Center Houston
    • Big Bend National Park
    • Padre Island National Seashore
    • The Texas State Capitol in Austin
    • The Sixth Floor Museum
    • Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    • The Fort Worth Stockyards
    • Galveston's Beaches & Strand Historic District
  • There is no state income tax in Texas

    Texas does not levy tax on personal income, which means you will take home a paycheque fatter than the neighboring states.

  • Texas has a remarkable sport culture

    Texas being a large state normally has a robust sports culture. It is home to several national sports league franchises among other professional sports. Soccer, football, baseball, basketball, and ice hockey have got fanatic followers in the state.

  • Texas is one of the most diverse places to live in the U.S.

    Texas is the second most diverse state in the US. It has the third-highest linguistic diversity and the fourth-highest racial and ethnic diversity. Texas has the second-highest Hispanic and Latino population in the U.S. The state is also home to a significant Black population.

  • Texas Southern Hospitality is impressive

    While in Texas, the first thing you’ll notice is the warm southern hospitality. Texas lives by the saying ‘there are no strangers, just friends we haven’t met yet’. The residents ensure that you are carried away by the friendly and helpful attitude.

  • The cost of living in Texas is below the U.S. average

    Texas records a low cost of living because consumer prices, rent prices, restaurant prices, and grocery prices are lower than the national average. Houston is much cheaper than most large cities in the US.

  • Texas has one of the most unique cultures in the U.S.

    The state has a unique culture, greatly influenced by distinct cultural identities of Tejanos, Cajuns, Irish, African American, and Anglo American communities that settled here at various times. Cowboys make up a large part of Texan society and it’s hard to go anywhere in the state and not see cowboy boots, hats, and rancher attitudes.

  • Texas has a friendly weather

    The temperatures on average rarely go above 96 °F or below 32-45°F, making it one of the friendliest in the US. Thunderstorms are common here and tornadoes also annually hit Texas.

  • You’ll enjoy great-tasting food and drinks in Texas

    ‘The Lone Star State’ has got a wide range of cuisines to satisfy your appetite. From barbecue and tacos to drinks and pies, you will find every food in Texas to be top-notch.

    Here’s a list of the cuisines that define Texas

    • Chili Con Carne
    • Fajitas
    • Briskets
    • Cheese Enchiladas
    • Breakfast Tacos
    • Quick Tacos al Pastor
    • Texas Style Barbecue
    • Texas-Style Lasagna
    • Baked Chicken Chalupas
    • Tipsy Texas Tea
    • Texas Prairie Fire
    • Texas Roadhouse Cowboy Quencher
    • Blood Orange Mojito
    • The Paloma
  • Texas has a booming economy

    Texas has the second-largest GDP in the US and petroleum products along with computer and machinery products are the major exports. As the economy is going up, Texas has got abundant job opportunities which are further expected to grow in the coming years.

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pros

Pros & Cons of Living in Texas

Considering the pros and cons of moving to Texas can make it easier for you to decide if moving to the state is perfect for you or not.

Since you’re mulling over moving to Texas, here are the pros and cons of living in the Lone Star state:

Pros of living in Texas
  • A broad option of living environments
  • The cost of living is lower than the national average
  • Booming job market
  • Top-quality education opportunities
  • Texas has no state income tax
  • Texas is a family-friendly state
  • Lover overall taxes
  • Texas has a vibrant economy
  • Texas had 50 Fortune 500 companies in 2020
  • Texas is a magnet for young professionals
Cons of living in Texas
  • High property and violent crime rates
  • Consequences of urbanization
  • Limited access to affordable healthcare
  • Terrible traffic
  • Effect of urban sprawl in certain areas
  • High potential for severe weather
  • High sales and property taxes
  • You may have to put up with hurricanes
  • Summers can be super-hot in Texas
  • Intrastate travel can be difficult sometimes

Where are the best places to live in Texas?

Moving to Texas means getting the chance to live in some of the best places in the state. Since you’re considering moving to Texas, here’s a list of the ten best places to live in the state:

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1 West University Place 15,603 2.6% $1,113,500
2 University Park 25,036 3.5% $1,295,500
3 Terrell Hills 5,371 1.2% $617,200
4 Alamo Heights 8,374 1.0% $627,500
5 Highland Park 9,168 1.4% $1,508,900
6 Bellaire 18,815 2.0% $842,700
7 Coppell 41,645 2.2% $388,800
8 Colleyville 26,462 3.6% $516,500
9 Trophy Club 11,949 4.3% $400,500
10 Keller 46,813 3.1% $386,200

Texas Cities Moving Guides

Texas Cities Moving Guides

Cost of living in Texas

The cost of living in Texas is 93.9. The national average is 100. That means the cost of living in Texas is lower than the national average.

Since you’re mulling over moving to Texas, here’s a simple breakdown of the cost of living in the state:

Cost of living Texas United States
Overall 93.9 100
Grocery 93.7 100
Health 95.4 100
Housing 84.3 100
Median Home Cost $195,000 $231,200
Utilities 99.2 100
Transportation 103.3 100
Miscellaneous 96.4 100

Average cost of health insurance by family size in Texas

The cost of health insurance in Texas varies depending on the coverage you choose, your household income, and the number of people in your family. Your monthly health insurance rates will rise by a specific amount for each family member added to your policy, dependent on their age.

In Texas, for example, adding children to a Silver plan costs $344, while insuring 40-year-old adults costs $575 more. A health plan for a family of five costs $689 a month more than one for a family of three.

Family size Average monthly cost of health plan
Adult & child $920
Couple (two adults) $1,151
Family of three (two adults & child) $1,495
Family of four (two adults & two children) $1,839
Family of five (two adults & three children) $2,184

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Housing Market in Texas

Median home prices in Texas

Texas median home price is $195,000. Over the last ten years, home values in Texas have appreciated by 47.2%. Currently, home appreciation in Texas has increased by 6.7%. If you’re considering

Average home rental prices in Texas

Rentals are good housing options if you’re moving to Texas. Around 33.0% of the state residents are renters and up to 2.8% of homes and apartments in the state are available to rent.

  • The average cost of a studio apartment in Texas is $738
  • The average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Texas is $841
  • The average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Texas is $1,036
  • The average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Texas is $1,391
  • The average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in Texas is $1,721

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Texas, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Median House Price in Texas vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Texas vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Texas vs USA 2021

Texas job market

Texas is home to 57 Fortune 500 companies and 91 Fortune 1000 companies are headquartered in the state.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the state’s job market since you’re considering moving to Texas.

  • Texas’s unemployment rate is 3.7%. The national average is 3.7
  • Texas job growth has been positive in recent years
Employment Information Texas United States
The income per Cap $30,557 $31,177
Household Income $57,051 $57,652
Unemployment Rate 3.70% 3.70%
Recent Job Growth .61% 1.59%
Future Job Growth 37.03% 33.51%
The national average is 100.

What’s the average salary and income in Texas?

Moving to Texas could mean getting a new job with different pay. If you’re wondering how much you’ll most likely earn by moving to Texas, we’ve collated key data about the state’s average salary and income:

  • The average annual pay for the highest jobs category in TX is $102,692
  • The average hourly pay for jobs in Texas is $49.37 an hour
  • The average weekly pay in Texas is $1,975/week
  • The average monthly pay for jobs in Texas is $8,558/month
  • Texas minimum wage is $7.25 an hour
  • Average salaries in Texas can be as high as $223,283 and as low as $23,480

The largest employer in Texas

Moving to Texas means getting the chance to work for some of the biggest companies in the country. We’ve made a list of the top ten largest employers in the state to give you a head start since you’re considering moving to Texas.

Rank Company City Employees
1 Pizza Hut Plano 300,000
2 AT&T Dallas 273,210
3 Dell Round Rock 145,000
4 American Airlines Fort Worth 126,600
5 Livestock Investors Hereford 125,000
6 Tenet Healthcare Dallas 115,500
7 J. C. Penney Plano 106,000
8 Schlumberger Houston 100,000
9 NEC Corporation of America Irving 99,000
10 Whole Foods Market Austin 91,000

Hottest job markets in Texas

If you’re interested in getting a job in one of the hottest job markets after moving to Texas, we’ve made a list to help you streamline your search. Here are the ten hottest job market in the state if you’re moving to Texas:

Rank Place Unemployment Rate Average Income
1 West University Place 2.95% $352,418
2 Bellaire 2.36% $278,350
3 University Park 3.38% $313,255
4 Prosper 2.7% $170,499
5 Southlake 3.04% $282,834
6 Keller 3.15% $166,267
7 Colleyville 3.16% $158,522
8 Flower Mound 3.72% $158,522
9 Midlothian 2.15% $107,797
10 Fate 2.84% $116,084

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Top career options in Texas

Moving to Texas could mean starting a new career or job. To give you a head start, we’ve made a list of the top career options in the state if you’re moving to Texas:

Rank Job Title AVERAGE SALARY ENTRY LEVEL SALARY # OF PEOPLE
1 Anesthesiologists $241,090 $60,730 2,550
2 Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists $237,240 $61,550 3,480
3 Chief Executives $231,310 $108,610 6,170
4 Family Medicine Physicians $222,900 $87,260 8,380
5 Dentists, All Other Specialists $215,250 $104,300 670
6 Psychiatrists $209,980 $61,920 1,480
7 Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $200,590 $59,630 23,490
8 Orthodontists $195,270 $70,650 570
9 Pediatricians, General $186,410 $103,640 2,250
10 Dentists, General $183,510 $84,810 8,590

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Major industries in Texas

Texas is home to some of the largest industries in America. Moving to Texas opens up many business opportunities. The state also has a sturdy job market making it one of the best places to live in America. The following are the major industries in the state since you’re considering moving to Texas:

  • Construction
  • Real Estate
  • Transportation
  • Retail
  • Consulting
  • Entertainment
  • Professional services
  • Technology
  • Health Care
  • Food Service

Number of Households by Income Level in Texas

Median Income in Texas vs USA

Unemployment Rate in Texas vs USA

Texas Taxes

Texas is rated as one of the most tax-friendly states in the country because of its zero-income tax.

If you’re moving to Texas, you’ll have one less tax to worry about, income tax. To give you an idea of what to expect in taxes if you’re moving to Texas, we’ve highlighted the key taxes in the state.

Here’s a quick breakdown of Texas, taxes:

  • There’s no income tax in Texas
  • Texas sales tax is 6.25% - 8.25%
  • Texas property tax is 1.69% average effective rate
  • Texas’ gas tax is 20 cents per gallon of regular diesel and gasoline.

What are the best things to do in Texas?

Moving to Texas means getting the chance to experience some of the most remarkable and exciting activities in the state. Even more, you’d get the chance to see some of the most beautiful attractions and national parks in the country. Since you’re considering moving to Texas, here are the best things to do or visit in the state:

  • Big Bend National Park

    The 801,163-acre national park bordering Mexico protects more than 1,200 species of plants, more than 450 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles, and 75 species of mammals. Geographically and ecologically significant, the national park is also one of the best hiking and trailing destinations in Texas.

  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    The national park in the Guadalupe Mountains covers 86,367 acres and is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet. For adventure lovers, the park is the best place to explore deserts and dunes, canyons and mountains, diverse flora and fauna, and much more.

  • Padre Island National Seashore

    For those who aspire to go back to nature, the Padre Island National Seashore is the best place to holiday. The largest undeveloped barrier island in the world, the Seashore is more than 130,000 acres of dunes, grasslands, and beaches.

  • The Texas State Capitol

    The granite Texas statehouse at Austin is the seat of the government of Texas and is one of the most recognized state capitols for its architectural beauty. A National Historic Landmark, the Texas State Capitol is 302.64 feet tall. It is often addressed as one of the most favored architectural marvels in the US.

  • The Fort Worth Stockyards

    A historic district in Fort Worth, the 98-acre Fort Worth Stockyards is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nothing embodies Western heritage better than the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. From the original brick walkways to the wooden corrals, every inch of the Stockyards tells the true history of Texas’s famous livestock industry.

  • Natural Bridge Caverns

    One of the largest commercial caverns in the US, the Natural Bridge Caverns has incredible chambers filled with spectacular formations and amazing geological wonders formed over tens of thousands of years.

  • The Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum

    The museum on a retired jack-up rig set up in the Galveston harbor tells the story of the Gulf Coast's oil and gas industry through three floors of interactive displays and fascinating exhibits.

  • Dallas Museum of Art

    The art museum at downtown Dallas exhibits up to 24,000 objects, dating from the third millennium BC to the present day. The art museum is one of the largest in the country and its building is an architectural marvel and has won many awards.

  • Barbecued Food

    In Texas, barbeque is more of a ritual and adds a new flavor to Texan cuisine. Beef brisket, pork ribs, and sausage are among the most commonly known dishes. The term can also include side dishes that are traditionally served alongside the smoked meats.

  • Hamilton Pool

    A natural pool 23 miles west of Austin, Hamilton Pool is a natural preserve formed after the dome of an underground river collapsed due to massive erosion thousands of years ago. The water falls into the pool from a 50-foot height and water temperatures reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The pool is at 232-acre Hamilton Pool Preserve.

  • Dallas Zoo

    The 106-acre Dallas Zoo is home to many rare and endangered species. One of the oldest and largest zoological parks in Texas, Dallas Zoo has more than 2,000 animals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other African species.

  • Bullock Texas State History Museum

    The museum unfolds Texas history and examines the early American Indian civilizations. The museum also hosts shows and social gatherings, lectures and discussions, drop-in preschool programs, film screenings, and seasonal family activities.

  • The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

    The museum in the historic Texas School Book Depository building chronicles President Kennedy's assassination and its aftermath with the social and political landscape of the 1960s in the background. The museum stands exactly at the spot where President Kennedy was shot on November 22, 1963.

  • Six Flags Over Texas

    The 212-acre Six Flags over Texas is an amusement park in Arlington with 13 roller coasters and 3 water rides. The amusement park has the tallest and fastest roller coasters in Texas.

  • The Alamo

    The Battle of the Alamo between Texas and Mexico at San Antonio in 1836 to reclaim the Alamo Mission was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. More than 1,200 soldiers died from both sides and Mexicans won the battle. Today, the Alamo is a popular tourist destination with over 2.5 million people visiting the site each year.

  • Space Center Houston

    Space Center Houston is a science museum depicting the history of America’s human spaceflight program. There are 400 space artifacts including flown spacecraft and the largest collection of moon rocks on public display. At multiple major seasonal exhibits a year, Space Center Houston offers an array of exciting attractions for people of all ages.

  • San Antonio River Walk

    A city park and special-case pedestrian street, San Antonio River Walk winds and loops under bridges as two parallel sidewalks. There are restaurants, shopping centers, and many tourist draws on both sides including the city's five Spanish colonial missions.

  • The Moody Gardens and Aquarium

    An educational tourist destination, with a golf course and hotel in Galveston, the Moody Garden features three main pyramid attractions: the Aquarium Pyramid, the Rainforest Pyramid, and the Discovery Pyramid. The 12-story high Aquarium Pyramid has massive pools and is home to about 10,000 marine animals. The artificial Palm Beach is another attraction at the Moody Gardens.

How safe is Texas to live?

Crime rates are among the most important things to consider before moving to Texas. To make it easier for you to make a fair comparison with other states and where you are right now, we’ve collated key stats about the Texas crime rates. Here are key crime rate figures to look at if you’re moving to Texas:

  • Violent crime in Texas is rated 24.8. The U.S. average is 22.7
  • Property crime in Texas is rated 38.0. The U.S. average is 35.4
  • Both property and violent crime rate in Texas are higher than the U.S. average
  • Packaged theft was the most prevalent crime in Texas (21%)
  • The safest cities in Texas have 83% fewer violent crime incidents per 1,000
  • The safest cities in Texas have 67% fewer property crime incidents per 1,000
  • Property crime accounts for 85% of all crimes reported to the FBI in Texas
  • Larceny-theft is the most common property crime (72%) of all reported cases
  • Burglary makes up 16% of all property crime in Texas
  • Burglary account for 12% of all property crimes among the safest cities in TX

Where Are The 10 Safest Cities In Texas?

If you’re moving to Texas, you’ll most likely be interested in living in some of the safest cities in the state with the least crime rates. We’ve made a list of the 10 safest cities in the state since you’re considering moving to Texas:

Rank City Population Violent Crimes Per 100k Property Crimes Per 100k
1 Trophy Club, TX 13,031 7 491
2 Fate, TX 15,378 39 474
3 Fulshear, TX 13,967 0 622
4 Horizon City, TX 20,131 34 501
5 Colleyville, TX 27,499 18 614
6 Murphy, TX 20,962 42 500
7 Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 10,151 59 275
8 Muleshoe, TX 5,029 59 397
9 Highland Village, TX 16,721 47 645
10 University Park, TX 25,434 23 743

What are the best schools and universities in Texas?

Texas is home to some of the best schools in the United States. Moving to Texas most likely means getting easier access to any of these schools.

We’ve made a list of the ten best colleges and universities in the Lone Star State since you’re considering moving to Texas.

Whether you have school-age kids or not, living in some of the best school districts in Texas definitely has some benefits. Here are the top-rated elementary, middle, and high schools in the state if you’re considering moving to Texas:

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