Texas City-League City
RANK #834 / 996 NAT · #46 / 69 TX · POP 350,801
1YR FORECAST: -0.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +15%
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.
Below national median (4.7x)
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.5x 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.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
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 996 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Galveston County scores just 16/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #834 of 996 counties. Job growth at +0.1% and median household income of $83,913 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Galveston County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $260,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $1,301/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Galveston County's population is growing — up +1.1% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.1%). Home values shifted -3.4% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
In significant numbers — 5.51% of Galveston County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.