Small city in Harris County, part of the Houston metro
Living in South Houston, TX
182nd of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 5 of 100
113th of 125 in the Houston area
South Houston earns a grade of F on our index, 182nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on education levels and jobs and income.
- Jobs and income scores low (5 of 100)
- Safety scores low (10 of 100)
- Population
- 16,407+1.4% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,21214% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $189,30033% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $53,497Median
- Average commute
- 30 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 520Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in South Houston
South Houston sits about 13 miles from downtown Houston, in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metro. 16,407 people lived here in 2025, up 1.4% from 2020. It is densely built.
Places locals use include Ave A Park, South Houston City Park and Cristy Park.
The median age is 31.2, 48% of households have children, 55% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $53,497 a year (32% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in South Houston
- Lower rent. Median rent is $1,212, 14% lower than the Texas median.
- Plenty close to home. 11 grocery stores, 61 restaurants and 6 parks are mapped in town.
Cons of living in South Houston
- Higher unemployment. 8.3% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
- Higher poverty. 26% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
- Many adults uninsured. 40% of adults 18 to 64 have no health insurance, against 20% statewide.
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of coastal flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes as very high here.
Who South Houston suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 50% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 34% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 25% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 32% lower than the Texas median, with 61 restaurants and 3 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 28% for young professionals.
- RetireesNot the best fit: 40% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 34% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 14% for retirees.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 87% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,212 is 14% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 25% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,212 is 14% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 20% for people on a budget.
South Houston report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare South Houston 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 $1,212, homes cost 3.5x income.
43 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade F
Median household income $53,497, 8.3% unemployed.
5 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade C
4 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.
42 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade D-
520 violent crimes per 100k, 2,026 property crimes per 100k.
10 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade A+
11 grocery stores, 61 restaurants, 6 parks mapped in town.
96 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade D-
Average commute 30 min, 2.4% work from home.
9 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade F
10% have a bachelor’s degree.
1 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade F
40% of adults uninsured.
6 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade D
55% of homes owner-occupied.
18 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade D-
87% of homes have broadband.
14 of 100 vs US cities
Where South Houston stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median rent: $1,21214% lower than Texas ($1,403)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 10%24 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 40%20 points higher than Texas (20%)
- Median household income: $53,49732% lower than Texas ($78,476)
Cost of living in South Houston
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in South Houston is $1,212 a month, 14% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $48,000 a year. 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 $189,300, 33% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,036 before tax, or $1,243 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.
Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in South Houston pays $2,479 a year, 41% 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 South Houston
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent14% lower than Texas | $1,212 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value33% lower than Texas | $189,300 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas | 3.5x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent10 points higher than Texas | 62% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year41% lower than Texas | $2,479 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them7 points lower than Texas | 55% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1969 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,036
- Property tax
- $207
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,212
Based on a $189,300 home in South Houston, 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 South Houston safe?
In 2025, South Houston Police Department reported 84 violent crimes and 327 property crimes. That works out to 520 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 34% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,026 property crimes per 100,000, about the same as the state rate.
Violent crime has been fairly steady since 2021.
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, South Houston Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in South Houston
South Houston has 4 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 50% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Pasadena ISD.
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
- BSouth Houston ElementaryElementary, Pasadena ISD81 of 100
- BSouth Houston IntermediateMiddle, Pasadena ISD80 of 100
- CMatthys ElementaryElementary, Pasadena ISD78 of 100
- CSouth Houston High SchoolHigh, Pasadena ISD76 of 100
Daily life in South Houston
Everyday places mapped inside South Houston, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Ave A Park, South Houston City Park, Cristy Park.
The average one-way commute is 30 minutes, 14% longer than the Texas average. 2% 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 13 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in South Houston work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $53,497, income per person is $21,830, unemployment is 8.3% and 10% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income32% lower than Texas | $53,497 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person46% lower than Texas | $21,830 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate3 points higher than Texas | 8.3% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line12 points higher than Texas | 26% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher24 points lower than Texas | 10% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher28 points lower than Texas | 58% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance20 points higher than Texas | 40% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet4 points lower than Texas | 87% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute14% higher than Texas | 30 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home12 points lower than Texas | 2.4% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in South Houston
Median age 31.2 years. 48% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in South Houston
South Houston has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 93°F and January lows about 46°F. There are about 101 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 56 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Houston Hobby Ap, 4 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 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 floodingHigh
- Coastal floodingVery high
- 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 South Houston
Nearby, Pasadena gets a D+, Galena Park gets a B- and Brookside 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.
- D+PasadenaCity, 149,433 people4 mi
- B-Galena ParkSmall city, 10,487 people6 mi
- A-Brookside VillageTown, 1,565 people7 mi
- B+Deer ParkSmall city, 33,967 people7 mi
- C-Jacinto CityTown, 9,432 people7 mi
- APearlandCity, 127,514 people8 mi
South Houston 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
- 110FBaytown85,205 people25 mito downtown
- 111FStowell1,823 people61 mito downtown
- 112FWaller3,108 people38 mito downtown
- 113FSouth Houston16,033 people13 mito downtown
- 114FHighlands6,335 people20 mito downtown
- 115FHumble16,521 people16 mito downtown
- 116FBrookshire5,495 people34 mito downtown
Living in South Houston: common questions
Is South Houston, TX a good place to live?
South Houston earns a grade of F on our index, 182nd of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on errands and things to do and cost of living, and trails on education levels and jobs and income.
How much does it cost to live in South Houston?
Median rent in South Houston is $1,212 a month, 14% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $189,300, 33% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.5x 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 $1,243, including property tax.
Is South Houston safe?
In 2025, South Houston Police Department reported 520 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 34% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,026 per 100,000, about the same as the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in South Houston?
We found 4 rated public school campuses inside South Houston. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 42 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Does South Houston flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in South Houston as high, and coastal flooding as very 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 South Houston?
Summers in South Houston peak at about 93°F in July, and January nights fall to about 46°F. Expect around 101 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 56 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in South Houston?
The average one-way commute is 30 min, 14% higher than the Texas average. About 2.4% of workers work from home. It is about 13 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.