Small city in Harris County, part of the Houston metro

Living in Bellaire, TX

A+

8th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 97 of 100
8th of 125 in the Houston area

Bellaire gets an overall grade of A+ and ranks 8th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on education levels and errands and things to do, and trails on cost of living. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers.

  • Good for families
  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for retirees
  • Good for remote workers
  • Top-rated schools
  • Pricey
  • Well connected
  • Cost of living scores low (20 of 100)
  • River flooding risk is very high
:en:Bellaire, Texas water tower
Photo: WhisperToMe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
17,434+1.4% since 2020
Median rent
$2,67290% higher than Texas
Median home value
$1,037,500266% higher than Texas
Household income
$244,015Median
Average commute
21 minOne way
Violent crime
137Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Bellaire

Bellaire sits about 7 miles from downtown Houston, in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metro. 17,434 people lived here in 2025, up 1.4% from 2020. It is densely built.

Places locals use include Evelyn's Park, Feld Park and Mulberry Park.

The median age is 43.1, 41% of households have children, 88% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $244,015 a year (211% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Bellaire

  • Strong public schools. 100% of the 5 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Low violent crime. 137 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 65% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $244,015, 211% higher than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 21 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Plenty close to home. 4 grocery stores, 85 restaurants and 15 parks are mapped in town.

Cons of living in Bellaire

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $2,672, 90% higher than the Texas median.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of river flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes as very high here.

Who Bellaire suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 65% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 90% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 211% higher than the Texas median, with 85 restaurants and 9 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 99% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA strong fit: 6.1% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 65% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 93% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 97% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $2,672 is 90% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 94% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $2,672 is 90% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 11% for people on a budget.

Bellaire report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Bellaire with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade D

    Median rent $2,672, homes cost 4.3x income.

    20 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade A+

    Median household income $244,015, 3.7% unemployed.

    95 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade A+

    5 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    97 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade C+

    137 violent crimes per 100k, 2,605 property crimes per 100k.

    49 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade A+

    4 grocery stores, 85 restaurants, 15 parks mapped in town.

    98 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade B-

    Average commute 21 min, 25% work from home.

    57 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade A+

    83% have a bachelor’s degree.

    100 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade A+

    6.1% of adults uninsured.

    96 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade B

    88% of homes owner-occupied.

    65 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade A

    97% of homes have broadband.

    92 of 100 vs US cities

Where Bellaire stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $244,015211% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 83%50 points higher than Texas (34%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 88%25 points higher than Texas (63%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $2,67290% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Home value to income: 4.3x18% higher than Texas (3.6x)

Cost of living in Bellaire

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Bellaire is $2,672 a month, 90% higher than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $107,000 a year. Right now 52% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,261 for a one-bedroom, $1,497 for a two-bedroom and $2,017 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $1,037,500, 266% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $5,679 before tax, or $6,512 with property tax. That is $3,840 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Bellaire pays $10,000+ a year, 136% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Bellaire

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in BellaireStudio$1,2331 bedroom$1,2612 bedrooms$1,4973 bedrooms$2,0174 bedrooms$2,502
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent90% higher than Texas$2,672$1,403$1,413
Median home value266% higher than Texas$1,037,500$283,800$332,700
Home value to income18% higher than Texas4.3x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas52%52%51%
Median property tax per year136% higher than Texas$10,000+$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them25 points higher than Texas88%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199619921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$6,512
Mortgage payment
$5,679
Property tax
$833
Median rent, for comparison
$2,672

Based on a $1,037,500 home in Bellaire, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Bellaire safe?

In 2025, Bellaire Police Department reported 24 violent crimes and 456 property crimes. That works out to 137 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 65% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,605 property crimes per 100,000, 25% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime is up about 191% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Bellaire by yearTexas13720212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
137
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,605
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Bellaire by yearTexas2,60520212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Bellaire Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Bellaire

Bellaire has 5 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Houston ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Kolter Elementary, Condit Elementary and Horn Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 93 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
97
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
93
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • AKolter ElementaryElementary, Houston ISD95 of 100
  • ACondit ElementaryElementary, Houston ISD93 of 100
  • AHorn ElementaryElementary, Houston ISD93 of 100
  • APin Oak MiddleMiddle, Houston ISD93 of 100
  • ABellaire High SchoolHigh, Houston ISD92 of 100

Daily life in Bellaire

Everyday places mapped inside Bellaire, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Evelyn's Park , Feld Park, Mulberry Park.

The average one-way commute is 21 minutes, 21% shorter than the Texas average. 25% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

Downtown Houston is about 7 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Bellaire work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $244,015, income per person is $119,378, unemployment is 3.7% and 83% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
4
Pharmacies
12
Restaurants
85
Cafes
9
Bars
6
Parks
15
Gyms
15
Hospitals and urgent care
10
Childcare
6
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income211% higher than Texas$244,015$78,476$80,734
Income per person193% higher than Texas$119,378$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.7%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line11 points lower than Texas2.4%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher50 points higher than Texas83%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher13 points higher than Texas99%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance14 points lower than Texas6.1%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet6 points higher than Texas97%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute21% lower than Texas21 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home11 points higher than Texas25%14%15%
Workers who work from home25%
Workers who take transit0.5%
Workers who walk1.0%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Bellaire

Under 1827%
18 to 3411%
35 to 6443%
65 and over19%

Median age 43.1 years. 41% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White60%
Hispanic or Latino11%
Black0.6%
Asian23%
Other or more than one race6.5%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Bellaire

Bellaire has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 93°F and January lows about 44°F. There are about 109 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 54 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Bellaire40°60°80°100°63J67F73M79A86M91J93J94A90S82O72N65DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Houston-Port, 11 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is low. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

  • River floodingVery high
  • Coastal floodingVery low
  • HurricanesVery high
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailLow
  • Heat wavesHigh
  • WildfiresVery low
  • Winter stormsLow
  • Strong windLow

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

Places near Bellaire

Nearby, Southside Place gets an A+, West University Place gets an A+ and Hunters Creek Village gets an A+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. A+Southside PlaceTown, 1,706 people1 mi
  2. A+West University PlaceSmall city, 14,982 people2 mi
  3. A+Hunters Creek VillageTown, 4,390 people5 mi
  4. APiney Point VillageTown, 3,097 people5 mi
  5. A+Hilshire VillageTown, 1,220 people6 mi
  6. A+Bunker Hill VillageTown, 3,829 people6 mi

Bellaire in the Houston area

How it ranks among 125 places in the metro.

  1. 1A+Taylor Lake Village3,721 people25 mito downtown
  2. 2A+Bunker Hill Village3,829 people9 mito downtown
  3. 3A+West University Place14,982 people6 mito downtown
  4. 5A+Southside Place1,706 people6 mito downtown
  5. 6A+Spring Valley Village4,290 people7 mito downtown
  6. 7A+Cinco Ranch18,611 people23 mito downtown
  7. 8A+Bellaire17,206 people7 mito downtown
  8. 9A+Sugar Land110,016 people20 mito downtown
  9. 10A+El Lago2,997 people25 mito downtown
  10. 11A+The Woodlands121,002 people28 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of houston

Living in Bellaire: common questions

Is Bellaire, TX a good place to live?

Bellaire gets an overall grade of A+ and ranks 8th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on education levels and errands and things to do, and trails on cost of living. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers.

How much does it cost to live in Bellaire?

Median rent in Bellaire is $2,672 a month, 90% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $1,037,500, 266% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 4.3x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $6,512, including property tax.

Is Bellaire safe?

In 2025, Bellaire Police Department reported 137 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 65% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,605 per 100,000, 25% higher than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Bellaire?

We found 5 rated public school campuses inside Bellaire. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 97 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

Does Bellaire flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Bellaire as very high, and coastal flooding as very low. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes and heat waves. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Bellaire?

Summers in Bellaire peak at about 93°F in July, and January nights fall to about 44°F. Expect around 109 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 54 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Bellaire?

The average one-way commute is 21 min, 21% lower than the Texas average. About 25% of workers work from home. It is about 7 miles from downtown Houston.

Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.