Small city in Harris County, part of the Houston metro
Living in Deer Park, TX
42nd of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 79 of 100
34th of 125 in the Houston area
We give Deer Park a B+. It ranks 42nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and internet access, and trails on getting around and education levels. It is a strong pick for retirees and remote workers.
- Good for retirees
- Good for remote workers
- Hurricane risk is very high
- Tornado risk is very high
- Population
- 34,282-0.7% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,3186% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $264,6007% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $100,382Median
- Average commute
- 24 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 99Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Deer Park
Deer Park sits about 18 miles from downtown Houston, in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metro. 34,282 people lived here in 2025, down 0.7% from 2020. It is suburban.
Local spots people know include Bayou Bend Park, Dow Park Volleyball Sand Court and Park Meadows Park.
The median age is 38.0, 34% of households have children, 78% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $100,382 a year (28% higher than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Deer Park
- Low violent crime. 99 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 75% lower than the Texas rate.
- High incomes. The median household earns $100,382, 28% higher than the Texas median.
Cons of living in Deer Park
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hurricanes and tornadoes as very high here.
Who Deer Park suits
- FamiliesA strong fit: 67% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 75% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 80% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 28% higher than the Texas median, with 117 restaurants and 5 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 69% for young professionals.
- RetireesA strong fit: 17% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 75% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 85% for retirees.
- Remote workersA strong fit: 95% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,318 is 6% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 84% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,318 is 6% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 45% for people on a budget.
Deer Park report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Deer Park 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 C+
Median rent $1,318, homes cost 2.6x income.
55 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade C+
Median household income $100,382, 5.8% unemployed.
50 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade B-
9 rated campuses, 67% rated A or B.
60 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade B+
99 violent crimes per 100k, 1,028 property crimes per 100k.
73 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade B+
8 grocery stores, 117 restaurants, 38 parks mapped in town.
75 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade D+
Average commute 24 min, 9.0% work from home.
28 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade C-
27% have a bachelor’s degree.
33 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade C
17% of adults uninsured.
41 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade B-
78% of homes owner-occupied.
62 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade B+
95% of homes have broadband.
73 of 100 vs US cities
Where Deer Park stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 78%16 points higher than Texas (63%)
- Median household income: $100,38228% higher than Texas ($78,476)
- Home value to income: 2.6x27% lower than Texas (3.6x)
Worse than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 62%10 points higher than Texas (52%)
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 27%7 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 1.1%2 points lower than Texas (2.6%)
Cost of living in Deer Park
Deer Park renters pay a median of $1,318 a month, 6% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $53,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 62% 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 $264,600, 7% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,448 before tax, or $1,778 with property tax. That is $460 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 Deer Park pays $3,954 a year, 7% lower 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 Deer Park
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent6% lower than Texas | $1,318 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value7% lower than Texas | $264,600 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income27% lower than Texas | 2.6x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent10 points higher than Texas | 62% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year7% lower than Texas | $3,954 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them16 points higher than Texas | 78% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1982 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,448
- Property tax
- $330
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,318
Based on a $264,600 home in Deer Park, 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 Deer Park safe?
In 2025, Deer Park Police Department reported 34 violent crimes and 355 property crimes. That works out to 99 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 75% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,028 property crimes per 100,000, 51% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 38% 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 by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Deer Park Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Deer Park
Deer Park has 9 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 67% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by La Porte ISD and Deer Park ISD.
Top-rated campuses include College Park Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 82 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.
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
- ACollege Park ElementaryElementary, La Porte ISD91 of 100
- BDeer Park ElementaryElementary, Deer Park ISD88 of 100
- BDeer Park High SchoolHigh, Deer Park ISD85 of 100
- BBonnette Junior HighMiddle, Deer Park ISD84 of 100
- BDeer Park Junior HighMiddle, Deer Park ISD84 of 100
Best neighborhoods in Deer Park
We grade 5 areas inside Deer Park. The top three are Pecan Plantation (A), Park Place (A-) and Southwest Deer Park (B-). If price matters most, Pecan Plantation has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,100 a month. Southwest Deer Park is the priciest, at $2,140. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.
All 5 Deer Park neighborhoods, A to Z
- Central Deer Park (C+)
- Park Place (A-)
- Pecan Plantation (A)
- South Deer Park (D+)
- Southwest Deer Park (B-)
Daily life in Deer Park
Everyday places mapped inside Deer Park, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Bayou Bend Park, Dow Park Volleyball Sand Court, Park Meadows Park.
The average one-way commute is 24 minutes, 9% shorter than the Texas average. 9% 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 18 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Deer Park work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $100,382, income per person is $44,643, unemployment is 5.8% and 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income28% higher than Texas | $100,382 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person10% higher than Texas | $44,643 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas | 5.8% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line5 points lower than Texas | 9.2% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher7 points lower than Texas | 27% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher4 points higher than Texas | 90% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance2 points lower than Texas | 17% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet4 points higher than Texas | 95% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute9% lower than Texas | 24 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home5 points lower than Texas | 9.0% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Deer Park
Median age 38.0 years. 34% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Deer Park
Deer Park 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 daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Houston-Port, 10 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, coastal flooding risk is 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 floodingHigh
- Coastal floodingHigh
- HurricanesVery high
- TornadoesVery high
- HailLow
- Heat wavesHigh
- WildfiresLow
- 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 Deer Park
Nearby, Pasadena gets a D+, La Porte gets a C+ and Channelview gets a D. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- D+PasadenaCity, 149,433 people4 mi
- C+La PorteSmall city, 36,730 people5 mi
- DChannelviewSmall city, 43,605 people6 mi
- CCloverleafSmall city, 24,063 people6 mi
- FSouth HoustonSmall city, 16,033 people7 mi
- B-Galena ParkSmall city, 10,487 people8 mi
Deer Park in the Houston area
How it ranks among 125 places in the metro.
- 1A+Taylor Lake Village3,721 people25 mito downtown
- 2A+Bunker Hill Village3,829 people9 mito downtown
- 3A+West University Place14,982 people6 mito downtown
- 31A-Clear Lake Shores1,140 people27 mito downtown
- 32A-Brookside Village1,565 people14 mito downtown
- 33A-Meadows Place4,689 people15 mito downtown
- 34B+Deer Park33,967 people18 mito downtown
- 35B+Pinehurst4,266 people34 mito downtown
- 36B+Mont Belvieu9,020 people31 mito downtown
- 37B+Shoreacres1,580 people25 mito downtown
Living in Deer Park: common questions
Is Deer Park, TX a good place to live?
We give Deer Park a B+. It ranks 42nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and internet access, and trails on getting around and education levels. It is a strong pick for retirees and remote workers.
How much does it cost to live in Deer Park?
Renters in Deer Park pay a median of $1,318 a month, 6% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $264,600, 7% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.6x 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 $1,778, including property tax.
Is Deer Park safe?
In 2025, Deer Park Police Department reported 99 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 75% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,028 per 100,000, 51% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Deer Park?
We found 9 rated public school campuses inside Deer Park. 67% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 60 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
What are the best neighborhoods in Deer Park?
Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Deer Park are Pecan Plantation, Park Place and Southwest Deer Park. We score 5 areas in the city.
Does Deer Park flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Deer Park as high, and coastal flooding as high. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, coastal flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes and heat waves. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Deer Park?
Summers in Deer Park 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 Deer Park?
The average one-way commute is 24 min, 9% lower than the Texas average. About 9.0% of workers work from home. It is about 18 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.