What to know when moving to Lubbock, TX
Lubbock at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 88.5% of residents are renters and the median household income is $27,255.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to Texas Tech University, a major educational institution in the area.
- The Reality Check:
- A high poverty rate of 49.2% suggests economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 0.8% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,048.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Lubbock has a population of about 8,641, with a significant majority (88.5%) renting their homes. The community is characterized by a relatively low median household income of $27,255, which correlates with a high poverty rate of 49.2%. Education is partly supported by Texas Tech University, where many residents pursue higher education.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high-income area or strong public transportation options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,048, while the median home value is $101,500.
- 25.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a mixed educational background.
- The poverty rate stands at 49.2%, highlighting economic challenges in the community.
- With 88.5% of residents renting, the area skews heavily towards renters.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Texas, crime rates show some promising trends. The state annual rate for violent crime is 345.5 per 100,000 residents, slightly above the national rate of 325.3. Property crime is at 1,797.7 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 1,546.9 but has seen a 23.1% decrease since 2022.
- Violent crime: 345.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 21.8% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,797.7 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 23.1% since 2022.
- Notable trend: Homicides have decreased by 35.1% since 2022, with a current rate of 4.6 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education in Lubbock includes a total of 7 postsecondary institutions, with 6 providing College Scorecard data.
- Covenant School of Nursing and Allied Health
- Lubbock Christian University
- Texas College of Cosmetology-Lubbock
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy-Lubbock
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Lubbock County sees an annual precipitation of about 12.2 inches, with 43 rainy days each year. The area experiences minimal snowfall, averaging only 0.5 inches annually and about 4 snow days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Mackenzie Main City Park - 4.5 stars (2,007 reviews)
- Museum at Texas Tech University - 4.7 stars (1,244 reviews)
- Adventure Park - 4.1 stars (1,151 reviews)
- Maxey Park - 4.5 stars (1,088 reviews)
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.