What to know when moving to College Station, TX
College Station at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A college town with 45.7% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 88.9% of people renting their homes.
- The Major Draw:
- The nearby Texas A&M University attracts a large student population, contributing to a vibrant community.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 46.0%, the local economy shows some strain.
- Commute:
- Just 4.0% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Median rent is $1,085, so budget accordingly.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
College Station is primarily a rental community, with 88.9% of residents renting their homes. The median household income stands at $31,278, which reflects the college town dynamic. With nearly half of the residents holding a bachelor's degree, the area attracts a highly educated population due to the presence of Texas A&M University. However, the poverty rate is significantly high at 46.0%, indicating economic challenges for some residents.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high-income area or extensive public transit options, as only 4.0% of residents rely on public transit.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,085, making it relatively affordable compared to many urban areas.
- With a median owner-occupied home value of $241,000, homeownership is possible but may still be out of reach for some.
- A significant 88.9% of residents are renters, highlighting the town's student population and rental demand.
- Community education levels are notable, with 45.7% having a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The poverty rate is 46.0%, suggesting economic challenges for many residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
The crime data reflects trends at the state level for Texas, which may not fully represent the local experience.
- Violent crime rate in Texas is 345.5 per 100,000 residents, slightly above the national average of 325.3.
- Property crime rate is 1,797.7 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 1,546.9.
- Notably, the violent crime rate has decreased by 21.8% from 2022 to 2025.
- The homicide rate stands at 4.6 per 100,000, just above the national average of 4.3.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
College Station has access to several educational institutions, primarily focused on higher education.
- Total postsecondary institutions: 5
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 4
- Notable schools include Texas A&M University-College Station and Texas A&M University-System Office.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations (NCES) + College Scorecard (ED).
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, College Station offers several parks and outdoor spaces that are great for recreation.
- Stephen C. Beachy Central Park - 4.6 stars (1,410 reviews)
- Wolf Pen Creek Park - 4.7 stars (1,182 reviews)
- Veterans Park and Athletic Complex - 4.7 stars (1,039 reviews)
- George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum - 4.7 stars (610 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).