Town in Galveston County, part of the Houston metro

Living in Clear Lake Shores, TX

A-

134th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 81 of 100
31st of 125 in the Houston area

We give Clear Lake Shores an A-. It ranks 134th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and education levels, and trails on getting around and cost of living. It is a strong pick for families, retirees and remote workers.

  • Good for families
  • Good for retirees
  • Good for remote workers
  • Pricey
  • Well connected
  • Cost of living scores low (13 of 100)
  • Getting around scores low (12 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Clear Lake Shores isSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthClear Lake Shores
Where Clear Lake Shores is in Texas.
Population
1,298+1.2% since 2020
Median rent
$1,80829% higher than Texas
Median home value
$463,40063% higher than Texas
Household income
$111,818Median
Average commute
33 minOne way
Violent crime
0Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Clear Lake Shores

Clear Lake Shores sits about 27 miles from downtown Houston, in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metro. 1,298 people lived here in 2025, up 1.2% from 2020. It is suburban.

Places locals use include Deep Hole Park, Sundial Park and Jarboe Bayou Park.

The median age is 54.0, 16% of households have children, 76% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $111,818 a year (42% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Clear Lake Shores

  • Low violent crime. 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 100% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $111,818, 42% higher than the Texas median.
  • Plenty close to home. 2 grocery stores, 16 restaurants and 5 parks are mapped in town.

Cons of living in Clear Lake Shores

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $1,808, 29% higher than the Texas median.
  • Higher unemployment. 7.3% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 33 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of coastal flooding and hurricanes as very high here.

Who Clear Lake Shores suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: violent crime is 100% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 84% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 42% higher than the Texas median, with 16 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 78% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 7.8% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 100% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 94% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 98% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,808 is 29% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 93% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,808 is 29% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 5% for people on a budget.

Clear Lake Shores report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Clear Lake Shores with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade D-

    Median rent $1,808, homes cost 4.1x income.

    13 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C

    Median household income $111,818, 7.3% unemployed.

    45 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade B+

    Not enough data.

    74 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade B-

    0 violent crimes per 100k, 3,775 property crimes per 100k.

    63 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade A+

    2 grocery stores, 16 restaurants, 5 parks mapped in town.

    96 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade D-

    Average commute 33 min, 15% work from home.

    12 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade A

    49% have a bachelor’s degree.

    91 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade B+

    7.8% of adults uninsured.

    79 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade C-

    76% of homes owner-occupied.

    37 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade A

    98% of homes have broadband.

    91 of 100 vs US towns

Where Clear Lake Shores stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $111,81842% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 49%15 points higher than Texas (34%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 76%13 points higher than Texas (63%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $1,80829% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 33 min26% higher than Texas (27 min)
  • Vacant homes: 16%6 points higher than Texas (9.4%)

Cost of living in Clear Lake Shores

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Clear Lake Shores is $1,808 a month, 29% higher than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $72,000 a year. Right now 56% 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 $463,400, 63% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $2,537 before tax, or $3,012 with property tax. That is $1,204 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 Clear Lake Shores pays $5,710 a year, 35% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in Clear Lake ShoresStudio$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 rent29% higher than Texas$1,808$1,403$1,413
Median home value63% higher than Texas$463,400$283,800$332,700
Home value to income15% higher than Texas4.1x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent4 points higher than Texas56%52%51%
Median property tax per year35% higher than Texas$5,710$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them13 points higher than Texas76%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas198919921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$3,012
Mortgage payment
$2,537
Property tax
$476
Median rent, for comparison
$1,808

Based on a $463,400 home in Clear Lake Shores, 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 Clear Lake Shores safe?

In 2025, Clear Lake Shores Police Department reported 0 violent crimes and 49 property crimes. That works out to 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 100% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 3,775 property crimes per 100,000, 81% higher than the state rate.

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 Clear Lake Shores by yearTexas020242025

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

Violent crime
0
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
3,775
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Clear Lake Shores by yearTexas3,77520242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Daily life in Clear Lake Shores

Everyday places mapped inside Clear Lake Shores, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Deep Hole Park, Sundial Park, Jarboe Bayou Park.

The average one-way commute is 33 minutes, 26% longer than the Texas average. 15% 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 27 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Clear Lake Shores work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $111,818, income per person is $63,508, unemployment is 7.3% and 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
2
Pharmacies
1
Restaurants
16
Cafes
2
Bars
5
Parks
5
Gyms
1
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
1
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income42% higher than Texas$111,818$78,476$80,734
Income per person56% higher than Texas$63,508$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate2 points higher than Texas7.3%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty lineAbout the same as Texas15%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher15 points higher than Texas49%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher12 points higher than Texas98%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance12 points lower than Texas7.8%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet6 points higher than Texas98%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute26% higher than Texas33 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from homeAbout the same as Texas15%14%15%
Workers who work from home15%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk1.0%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Clear Lake Shores

Under 1817%
18 to 3410%
35 to 6448%
65 and over24%

Median age 54.0 years. 16% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White87%
Hispanic or Latino5.1%
Black2.5%
Asian0.7%
Other or more than one race4.2%

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

Weather in Clear Lake Shores

Clear Lake Shores has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 92°F and January lows about 46°F. There are about 76 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 60 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Clear Lake Shores40°60°80°100°64J67F73M78A85M90J92J92A88S82O72N66DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Houston Nwso, 6 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very low, coastal flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is moderate and hail risk is low. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

  • River floodingVery low
  • Coastal floodingVery high
  • HurricanesVery high
  • TornadoesModerate
  • HailLow
  • Heat wavesLow
  • WildfiresLow
  • Winter stormsVery low
  • Strong windVery low

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 Clear Lake Shores

Nearby, Kemah gets a D+, Seabrook gets a B+ and El Lago 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. D+KemahTown, 2,168 people1 mi
  2. B+SeabrookSmall city, 13,768 people2 mi
  3. A+El LagoTown, 2,997 people2 mi
  4. A+Taylor Lake VillageTown, 3,721 people3 mi
  5. A-Nassau BayTown, 5,230 people3 mi
  6. FBacliffTown, 9,541 people4 mi

Clear Lake Shores 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. 28A-Nassau Bay5,230 people25 mito downtown
  5. 29A-Winnie3,290 people60 mito downtown
  6. 30A-Panorama Village2,525 people42 mito downtown
  7. 31A-Clear Lake Shores1,140 people27 mito downtown
  8. 32A-Brookside Village1,565 people14 mito downtown
  9. 33A-Meadows Place4,689 people15 mito downtown
  10. 34B+Deer Park33,967 people18 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of houston

Living in Clear Lake Shores: common questions

Is Clear Lake Shores, TX a good place to live?

We give Clear Lake Shores an A-. It ranks 134th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and education levels, and trails on getting around and cost of living. It is a strong pick for families, retirees and remote workers.

How much does it cost to live in Clear Lake Shores?

Median rent in Clear Lake Shores is $1,808 a month, 29% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $463,400, 63% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 4.1x 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 $3,012, including property tax.

Is Clear Lake Shores safe?

In 2025, Clear Lake Shores Police Department reported 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 100% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 3,775 per 100,000, 81% higher than the Texas rate.

Does Clear Lake Shores flood?

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

What is the weather like in Clear Lake Shores?

Summers in Clear Lake Shores peak at about 92°F in July, and January nights fall to about 46°F. Expect around 76 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 60 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Clear Lake Shores?

The average one-way commute is 33 min, 26% higher than the Texas average. About 15% of workers work from home. It is about 27 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.