Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Galveston, TX
Thinking about moving to Galveston, TX? This island city of 53,695 residents offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle, affordable housing with a median home price around $263,000, and average rents near $1,295. Enjoy a quick average commute of just 19 minutes, 67% sunny days, and warm Gulf weather year-round. While property crime rates are higher than average, Galveston is home to reputable medical centers, local colleges, and a vibrant mix of cultures. Explore the city's unique blend of beach living, historic charm, and Texas hospitality below.
Demographics - Galveston, TX
Demographics - Galveston, TX
Galveston is home to about 53,700 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The city features a mix of ethnic backgrounds, with a notable 21% speaking a language other than English at home, reflecting its rich cultural tapestry.
Population:
53,695
Density:
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
21.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
56.0%
Black:
17.2%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
24.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Galveston, TX?
Galveston provides a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a median home value around $263,000 and average rent at $1,295 for renters. Utilities and healthcare costs are close to U.S. averages, while groceries and housing remain more affordable, making the city accessible for a range of budgets.
Median House Value:
$263,000
Gross Rent:
$1,295
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,630
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$570
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.4
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
87.3
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
96.0
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
95.2
Crime
Is Galveston, TX a safe place to live?
Galveston experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 3,372 incidents per 100,000 people, and a violent crime rate of 414 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 30 chance of property crime, so it's wise to stay vigilant, especially in busy or tourist areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
414
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,372
Crime Index:
3,786
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 241
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 30
Weather
What is the weather like in Galveston, TX year-round?
Residents enjoy Galveston's mild coastal climate, with winter lows in the upper 40s, summer highs near 89°F, and about 67% sunny days each year. The city receives nearly 49 inches of rainfall annually, making for lush greenery and a pleasant outdoor lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
48°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
63°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
77°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
64°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Galveston's neighborhoods offer a median household income of $54,600 and a family income of $65,400, though the poverty rate is higher at 20.7%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are a swift 19 minutes, making for an easygoing coastal community.
Median Income:
$43,000
Household Income:
$54,600
Family Income:
$65,400
Per Capita Income:
$31,000
Income Male:
$39,500
Income Female:
$32,400
Poverty Rate:
20.7%
Non English Speakers:
21.0%
Rent:
$1,295
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
19.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.5%
Bachelors or More:
26.8%
Education
How are the schools in Galveston, TX?
Galveston provides a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Ball High School and Parker Elementary, as well as higher education at Texas A&M University at Galveston and Galveston College. Student–teacher ratios are favorable, and both public and private schooling options are available for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Ball High School
Street:
4115 Ave O
Phone:
409-766-5700
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Parker Elementary School
Street:
6802 Jones Dr
Phone:
409-761-6700
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
O'Connell College Preparatory School
Street:
1320 Tremont St
Phone:
409-765-5534
Students:
140
Colleges
Name:
Texas A&M University at Galveston
City:
Galveston
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,200
Name:
Galveston College
City:
Galveston
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Galveston boasts comprehensive healthcare options, including the University of Texas Medical Branch and specialized pediatric care, supported by 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 81% of the population has health insurance coverage, ensuring accessible local medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Health
Address:
301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX 77555
Phone:
(409) 772-1011
Type:
General & Teaching Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Shriners Hospitals for Children – Galveston
Address:
815 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550
Phone:
(409) 770-6600
Type:
Pediatric Specialty Hospital
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
81.3%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Galveston, TX?
The local housing market features a median home price of $263,000, with just under half of residents owning their homes. Rent for a typical two-bedroom averages $1,295, and the market has seen modest price appreciation and a relatively low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$263,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,295
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Galveston residents are managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, with services available online or at the nearby Houston office. The DMV offers a range of resources for new residents updating their documents or registering vehicles in Texas.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2110 East Governors Circle, Houston, TX 77092
Phone:
1-888-368-4689
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.