Texas Living Report — July 11, 2026

With a population of nearly 29.3 million, Texas is the second most populous state in the nation, and its growth shows no signs of slowing. For anyone considering a move here, the numbers paint a compelling picture of opportunity and trade-offs. The state’s median household income sits at $73,035 per year, while the cost of living remains relatively moderate compared to coastal hubs, though rising demand is testing affordability in many metros.

The housing market offers a mix of accessibility and competition. The median home value across Texas is $238,000, a figure that still allows first-time buyers a foothold in many areas, especially outside the hottest urban cores. Renters, meanwhile, face a median of $1,251 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. That translates to roughly 20.6% of gross monthly income for a household earning the median income—a reasonable housing burden by conventional standards, though that percentage climbs in cities like Austin or Dallas, where rents push higher. The state’s median age of 35.2 reflects a relatively young workforce, and the unemployment rate as of May 2026 stands at 4.3%, slightly below the national average, signaling a job market that continues to draw workers from across the country.

Texas’s economic draw is broad. Remote workers, families seeking more space for their money, and retirees looking to stretch their savings all find reasons to relocate here. The absence of a state income tax is a perennial lure, particularly for high earners and those on fixed incomes. Yet the poverty rate of 13.6%—a touch above the national average—reminds that opportunity is not evenly distributed. The state’s job growth has been fueled by sectors like energy, technology, healthcare, and logistics, but wages in service and retail roles often lag behind housing costs in fast-growing cities.

Quality of life in Texas is as varied as its geography. From the piney woods of East Texas to the arid plains of the Panhandle, climate and culture shift dramatically. Major cities offer sprawling suburban developments, vibrant culinary scenes, and a sports obsession that verges on religion. But the state’s size can also mean long commutes, extreme heat, and a reliance on air conditioning for much of the year. In terms of data coverage, Finklick tracks just one city in Texas—a reminder that for all its population, much of the state remains rural and less monitored by national metrics.

Looking ahead, Texas faces a crossroads. Continued population growth—projected to surpass 30 million soon—will strain infrastructure, water resources, and electric grids. The state’s political leadership is betting on deregulation and business-friendly policies to sustain

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 11, 2026.