Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Odessa, TX
Considering a move to Odessa, TX? With about 114,000 residents, Odessa offers an affordable lifestyle—median home prices are just $185,000 and average rent is around $1,150. Expect plenty of sunshine, short 21-minute commutes, and a youthful, diverse population. While crime rates are a bit higher than average, Odessa features strong job opportunities in energy, solid local healthcare, and multiple school options. Check out cost of living, schools, and more details below to help plan your move!
Demographics - Odessa, TX
Demographics - Odessa, TX
Odessa is home to approximately 114,000 residents, with a youthful median age of 30.6 and a diverse community where nearly 38% speak a language other than English. The population density is about 3,000 people per square mile, reflecting a vibrant and active city atmosphere.
Population:
114,000
Density:
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.6
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
29.0%
Black:
5.5%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
64.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Odessa, TX?
Living in Odessa is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $185,000 and average rent around $1,150, making it an appealing choice for families and individuals alike. The overall cost of living index is 87.2, meaning expenses like groceries and housing are notably lower than the national average.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,470
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.2
Grocery:
88.0
Housing:
70.1
Utilities:
107.0
Transportation:
92.5
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Odessa, TX a safe place to live?
Odessa experiences slightly higher crime rates compared to national averages, with a 1 in 245 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 36 chance of property crime. Residents should remain aware, but the city also takes active steps toward community safety initiatives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
408
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,774
Crime Index:
3,182
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 245
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Odessa, TX year-round?
Residents enjoy a sunny climate with around 77% of days filled with sunshine and mild winters averaging highs near 59°F. Summers are warm but manageable, and the city receives low annual rainfall at just 14.6 inches.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
59°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
82°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
96°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
77%
Neighbors
Typical households in Odessa have a median income of $69,600, and the area features a diverse mix of backgrounds and educational levels. Average commutes are short at just over 21 minutes, and the poverty rate stands at 13.2%, reflecting both opportunity and economic diversity.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$69,600
Family Income:
$77,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,400
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$30,500
Poverty Rate:
13.2%
Non English Speakers:
38.0%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.4%
Education
How are the schools in Odessa, TX?
Odessa provides a range of educational options, including large public schools like Permian High and reputable private institutions such as St. John’s Episcopal School. The city is also home to Odessa College and the University of Texas Permian Basin, supporting both K-12 and higher education needs.
Public Schools
Name:
Permian High School
Street:
1800 E 42nd St
Phone:
432-456-0039
Students:
3,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.6
Name:
Nimitz Middle School
Street:
4900 Maple Ave
Phone:
432-456-0029
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. John's Episcopal School
Street:
401 N County Rd W
Phone:
432-337-6431
Students:
330
Colleges
Name:
Odessa College
City:
Odessa
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
University of Texas Permian Basin
City:
Odessa
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,800
Healthcare
Odessa offers access to major hospitals like Medical Center Hospital and Odessa Regional Medical Center, ensuring comprehensive emergency and surgical care. About 82% of residents have health insurance, and while physician availability is moderate, local healthcare resources are robust for a city of this size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Medical Center Hospital
Address:
500 W 4th St, Odessa, TX 79761
Phone:
(432) 640-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Odessa Regional Medical Center
Address:
520 E 6th St, Odessa, TX 79761
Phone:
(432) 582-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
81.9%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Odessa, TX?
The housing market in Odessa is stable, with a median home price of $185,000 and a strong owner-occupied rate of 61.7%. Rental options are plentiful, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,150 and a healthy vacancy rate making it easier for newcomers to find housing.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Odessa residents are served by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, which offers comprehensive vehicle services online and through its regional office in Corpus Christi. For driver’s licenses, registrations, and title needs, the DMV is accessible and user-friendly.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
802 N. Carancahua St., Suite 300, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
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.