What to know when moving to Midland, TX
Midland at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A rapidly growing area where 24.3% of residents live in poverty and 35.3% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income sits at $57,679, which is relatively strong for the region.
- The Reality Check:
- High poverty rate at 24.3% means financial challenges for some residents.
- Commute:
- Only 0.2% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,336.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Midland is characterized by a significant number of renters at 35.3%, indicating a community with a diverse set of living situations. With a median household income of $57,679, the area has a mix of economic conditions, reflected in the 24.3% poverty rate. The education level is modest, with only 18.6% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher, suggesting a community that may skew towards lower educational attainment.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a highly educated community or robust public transit options, as the public transit usage is only 0.2%.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,336, making it a feasible option for many.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $204,000, which is relatively affordable.
- Poverty rate stands at 24.3%, indicating economic challenges for a portion of the population.
- Renter percentage is 35.3%, showing a healthy rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Texas, the crime rates indicate a notable trend over recent years. The state has a violent crime rate of 345.5 per 100,000 compared to the national rate of 325.3, which is slightly higher.
- Violent crime: 345.5 per 100,000 (Texas) vs. 325.3 per 100,000 (national)
- Property crime: 1,797.7 per 100,000 (Texas) vs. 1,546.9 per 100,000 (national)
- Notable trend: Violent crime has decreased by 21.8% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Midland has a local educational landscape that includes:
- 1 postsecondary institution, Midland College.
- 1 institution with College Scorecard data.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Midland County experiences around 12.9 inches of annual precipitation with 45 rainy days per year. The area also sees minimal snowfall, with only 0.4 inches annually, making it easy to plan outdoor activities.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Permian Basin Petroleum Museum - 4.8 stars, 1,069 reviews
- Dennis the Menace Park - 4.7 stars, 1,153 reviews
- Midland Park Mall - 4.3 stars, 4,984 reviews
- Beal Park - 4.5 stars, 874 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.