Town in Chambers County, part of the Houston metro

Living in Stowell, TX

F

699th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 6 of 100
111th of 125 in the Houston area

Stowell gets an overall grade of F and ranks 699th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and schools, and trails on jobs and income and errands and things to do.

  • Well connected
  • Jobs and income scores low (1 of 100)
  • Errands and things to do scores low (3 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Stowell isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthStowell
Where Stowell is in Texas.
Population
1,823
Median rent
$84240% lower than Texas
Median home value
$121,60057% lower than Texas
Household income
No dataMedian
Average commute
28 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in Stowell

Stowell sits about 61 miles from downtown Houston, in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands metro. About 1,823 people live here. It is small-town and rural in feel, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2002).

The median age is 40.4, 55% of households have children and 74% of homes are owned by the people living in them.

Pros of living in Stowell

  • Strong public schools. 75% of the 4 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $842, 40% lower than the Texas median.

Cons of living in Stowell

  • Higher unemployment. 15% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • Higher poverty. 49% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Errands mean a drive. Compared with similar Texas places, fewer homes here are within a mile of a grocery store, pharmacy, park or clinic.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of coastal flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes as very high here.

Who Stowell suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 75% of rated schools earn an A or B. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 24% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 1% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 19% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 2% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 100% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $842 is 40% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 63% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $842 is 40% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 14% for people on a budget.

Stowell report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Stowell 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 $842.

    31 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade F

    15% unemployed.

    1 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade B

    4 rated campuses, 75% rated A or B.

    72 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: no grade

    No full year of crime data from local police.

    No score vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade F

    1 grocery store, 5 restaurants, 1 park mapped in town.

    3 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade D-

    Average commute 28 min, 0% work from home.

    10 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D

    10% have a bachelor’s degree.

    22 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D-

    19% of adults uninsured.

    15 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D+

    74% of homes owner-occupied.

    24 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade A+

    100% of homes have broadband.

    99 of 100 vs US towns

Where Stowell stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $84240% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 74%12 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 100%9 points higher than Texas (91%)

Worse than Texas

  • People below the poverty line: 49%35 points higher than Texas (14%)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 76%24 points higher than Texas (52%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 10%23 points lower than Texas (34%)

Cost of living in Stowell

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Stowell is $842 a month, 40% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $34,000 a year. Right now 76% 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 $121,600, 57% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $666 before tax, or $809 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 Stowell pays $1,720 a year, 59% lower 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 StowellStudio$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 rent40% lower than Texas$842$1,403$1,413
Median home value57% lower than Texas$121,600$283,800$332,700
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent24 points higher than Texas76%52%51%
Median property tax per year59% lower than Texas$1,720$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them12 points higher than Texas74%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas200219921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$809
Mortgage payment
$666
Property tax
$143
Median rent, for comparison
$842

Based on a $121,600 home in Stowell, 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.

Schools in Stowell

Stowell has 4 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 75% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by East Chambers 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.

Schools grade
72
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
85
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

  • BEast Chambers High SchoolHigh, East Chambers ISD89 of 100
  • BEast Chambers ElementaryElementary, East Chambers ISD87 of 100
  • BEast Chambers PriElementary, East Chambers ISD87 of 100
  • CEast Chambers Junior HighMiddle, East Chambers ISD77 of 100

Daily life in Stowell

Everyday places mapped inside Stowell, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Gregory Park.

The average one-way commute is 28 minutes, 6% longer than the Texas average. 0% 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 61 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Stowell work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

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

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Income per person54% lower than Texas$18,891$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate10 points higher than Texas15%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line35 points higher than Texas49%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher23 points lower than Texas10%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher4 points higher than Texas90%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insuranceAbout the same as Texas19%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet9 points higher than Texas100%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute6% higher than Texas28 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home14 points lower than Texas0%14%15%
Workers who work from home0%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Stowell

Under 1831%
18 to 3415%
35 to 6449%
65 and over5.9%

Median age 40.4 years. 55% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White26%
Hispanic or Latino59%
Black15%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race0%

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

Weather in Stowell

Stowell has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 91°F and January lows about 43°F. There are about 68 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 60 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Stowell40°60°80°100°62J66F71M77A83M89J91J92A88S81O72N64DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Anahuac, 15 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 high. 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
  • HailHigh
  • Heat wavesVery high
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsModerate
  • Strong windHigh

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 Stowell

Nearby, Winnie gets an A-, Hamshire gets an A+ and Fannett 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-WinnieTown, 3,290 people3 mi
  2. A+HamshireTown, 1,388 people7 mi
  3. AFannettTown, 1,654 people13 mi
  4. D+AnahuacTown, 2,892 people18 mi
  5. C-Bolivar PeninsulaTown, 2,951 people24 mi
  6. A+Beauxart GardensTown, 1,276 people24 mi

Stowell 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. 108D-Prairie View8,431 people41 mito downtown
  5. 109FBacliff9,541 people31 mito downtown
  6. 110FBaytown85,205 people25 mito downtown
  7. 111FStowell1,823 people61 mito downtown
  8. 112FWaller3,108 people38 mito downtown
  9. 113FSouth Houston16,033 people13 mito downtown
  10. 114FHighlands6,335 people20 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of houston

Living in Stowell: common questions

Is Stowell, TX a good place to live?

Stowell gets an overall grade of F and ranks 699th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and schools, and trails on jobs and income and errands and things to do.

How much does it cost to live in Stowell?

Median rent in Stowell is $842 a month, 40% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $121,600, 57% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $809, including property tax.

Are the schools good in Stowell?

We found 4 rated public school campuses inside Stowell. 75% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 72 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Stowell flood?

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

What is the weather like in Stowell?

Summers in Stowell peak at about 91°F in July, and January nights fall to about 43°F. Expect around 68 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 60 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Stowell?

The average one-way commute is 28 min, 6% higher than the Texas average. About 0% of workers work from home. It is about 61 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.