What to know when moving to Stafford, TX
TL;DR: Stafford at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 59.9% of residents are renters and the median household income is $73,290.
- The Major Draw:
- With a median gross rent of $1,436, it's a more affordable option compared to many nearby areas.
- The Reality Check:
- Public transit use is low at just 0.6%, so a car is necessary for most residents.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median home value of $241,200 if you plan to buy.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Stafford has a population of about 32,722, with a significant portion of the community (59.9%) renting their homes. The education level is decent, with 38.2% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The area's median household income of $73,290 provides a stable economic base, but the 12.5% poverty rate indicates some challenges within the community.
Probably not your spot if you prefer public transit, as only 0.6% of residents use it to commute.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,436, making it relatively affordable.
- Median home value is $241,200, so buying a home may require a significant upfront investment.
- 38.2% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a fairly educated population.
- The poverty rate stands at 12.5%, which shows some economic diversity.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Texas, the overall crime trends show a decrease in both violent and property crimes over recent years.
- Violent crime: 345.5 per 100k, which is slightly higher than the national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,797.7 per 100k, which is 16.2% higher than the national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 35.1% since 2022, now at 4.6 per 100k.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Stafford has access to a variety of educational institutions, making it a good option for students.
- Total postsecondary institutions nearby: 30
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 27
- Notable local schools include North American University and Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Stafford.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Fort Bend County experiences about 31.6 inches of rain annually, spread over approximately 80 rainy days. This means preparing for wet weather is key, especially in spring and summer when rainfall is more frequent.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Hermann Park - Rating: 4.7 (30,042 reviews)
- Memorial Park - Rating: 4.8 (10,661 reviews)
- Sugar Land Memorial Park - Rating: 4.7 (2,475 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.