RANK #711 / 1001 NAT · #21 / 72 TX · POP 358,990
1YR FORECAST: -1.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +16%
Galveston County, Texas, is a coastal area known for its distinctive island city, Galveston, which boasts Victorian architecture and a rich history as a major port. Located on the Gulf Coast, about an hour southeast of Houston, the county offers a unique blend of beach town atmosphere and historical significance. Residents and visitors enjoy 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches, along with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, and exploring nature preserves like Galveston Island State Park and East End Lagoon Nature Park & Preserve. The climate is humid and subtropical, with mild winters, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. Commutes within the county vary, with options including personal vehicles, public bus services, and park-and-ride shuttles, particularly for those traveling to and from the mainland for work or school.
Life in Galveston County offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle, attracting a mix of families, retirees, and those working in the region. The economy is largely driven by tourism, healthcare, education, and maritime industries. Major institutions like the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) contribute to the healthcare and education sectors, drawing students and professionals to the area. The Port of Galveston also plays a significant role, handling cruise and cargo operations. While the county experiences economic growth, particularly in tourism, it also faces challenges related to managing housing costs and preparing for tropical storms. Several school districts serve the county, including Galveston ISD, Clear Creek ISD, and Friendswood ISD.
Galveston County is one of 76 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of -1.4% runs above the profile's typical -3.7%.
See all 76 Sun Belt Post-Surge Correction counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 14.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Galveston County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Offshore Wind Farm (Galveston Area Lease)
Various (Shell, TotalEnergies, etc.)
|
$3,700M | Proposed |
|
Port of Galveston 20-Year Strategic Master Plan (Cruise, Cargo, Commercial)
Port of Galveston
|
$2,400M | Planned |
|
Hidden Lakes Reliability Project (Battery Energy Storage System)
GridStor
|
$440M | Under Construction |
|
Shepard Energy Storage (Battery Energy Storage System)
Undisclosed
|
$250M | Proposed |
|
Galveston County Bond Initiative (Roads, Facilities, Flood Control, San Luis Pass Bridge)
Galveston County
|
$186M | Planned |
|
Legacy Master-Planned Community (League City)
Undisclosed
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
At 28/100, Galveston County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 1001 counties we track. Median income of $86,105 combined with job growth of +3.0% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Galveston County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $314,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,404/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Galveston County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.2% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +3.0% clip. Home values shifted -1.4% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.51% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Galveston County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.