Founded: 1836 (incorporated 1837)
Head Official: Mayor Bill White (since 2004)
City Population
1980: 1,595,138
1990: 1,654,348
2000: 1,953,631
2003 estimate: 2,009,690
Percent change, 1990–2000: 18.0%
U.S. rank in 1980: 5th
U.S. rank in 1990: 4th (State rank: 1st)
U.S. rank in 2000: 6th (State rank: 1st)
Metropolitan Area Population
1980: 2,753,000
1990: 3,321,926
2000: 4,177,646
Percent change, 1990–2000: 25.8%
U.S. rank in 1980: 9th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 1990: 10th (CMSA)
U.S. rank in 2000: 10th (CMSA)
Area: 601.69 square miles (2000)
Elevation: Ranges from sea level to about 50 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 68.8° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 47.84 inches
Major Economic Sectors: services, finance/insurance/real estate, trade, government
Unemployment rate: 5.5% (December 2004)
Per Capita Income: $20,101 (1999)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 149,247
Major Colleges and Universities: Rice University, University of Houston, Texas Southern University
Daily Newspaper: Houston Chronicle