Charlotte, North Carolina and Northwest Harris, Texas each offer a unique lifestyle that caters to different needs and preferences. The two cities vary significantly not only in culture and landscape but also in their demographics, cost of living, economy, and so on. The comparison detailed in the ensuing sections provides comprehensive information considering residents looking to relocate as well as potential tourists.
The crime rates in both Charlotte and Northwest Harris are slightly above the national average, but it's important to look at specific neighborhoods when considering safety. In Charlotte, the central business district and the University area traditionally have higher crime rates than the citywide average. In contrast, Northwest Harris's crime rates can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another but generally observes a more uniform crime rate.
Cost of Living
Generally, Charlotte has a lower cost of living than Northwest Harris when you consider overall expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. Housing, in particular, is quite affordable in Charlotte, with home prices well below the national average. However, NW Harris's overall cost is more influenced by specifics like healthcare and transportation costs that can run higher.
Income Tax
North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 5.25%. Texas is one of the seven states with no state income tax, making Northwest Harris more appealing to those with a higher income.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Charlotte run around 0.83% whereas Northwest Harris, being in Texas, observes significantly higher property taxes, with rates hovering around 1.89%.
Sales Tax
North Carolina has a statewide sales tax rate of 4.75%, and with Charlotte's local tax, the total comes to approximately 7.25%. In contrast, Texas boasts no state sales tax but the total in Northwest Harris, including local taxes, can reach as high as 8.25%.
Income
Type
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Estimated median household income
$70,869
$91,482
Estimated per capita income
$44,593
$43,231
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
93.2
102.4
If you make $50,000 in Charlotte, you will have to make $54,936 in Northwest Harris to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Charlotte, located in the Piedmont region, is characterized by rolling hills and lush greenery. It is approximate to both mountains and beaches. Northwest Harris is flatter and has a proximity to the Gulf of Mexico's coastline for beach-goers.
Geographical information
Type
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Land area
242.3 sq. miles
437.4 sq. miles
Population density
3,631.1 people per sq. mile
1,061.5 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Charlotte, NC Northwest Harris, TX
Education
Both cities offer a range of education opportunities. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is the second-largest public school district in North Carolina, offering a diversity of high-rated schools. Meanwhile, Northwest Harris falls within the boundaries of several school districts, with many highly-rated as well. For higher education, Charlotte houses several universities and colleges including UNC Charlotte, whereas Northwest Harris residents have easy access to higher education institutions in nearby Houston.
Charlotte’s economy is driven by the banking and financial services sector, with many major banks holding offices here, including Bank of America. Additionally, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing also contribute significantly. Northwest Harris's economy, on the other hand, is strongly influenced by its proximity to Houston, with a wide range of industries including healthcare, energy, and manufacturing.
Biggest Employers
In Charlotte, the largest employers are Atrium Health, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. On the other hand, Northwest Harris residents often work in Houston, where the top employers include Texas Medical Center, Houston Independent School District, and City of Houston.
In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northwest Harris (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
2020
66.8%
56.0%
31.6%
42.7%
1.6%
1.3%
2016
62.3%
54.0%
32.9%
41.6%
4.8%
4.4%
2012
60.8%
49.4%
38.3%
49.3%
0.9%
1.3%
2008
62.0%
50.5%
37.6%
48.9%
0.5%
0.6%
2004
51.7%
44.6%
48.0%
54.9%
0.3%
0.5%
2000
48.4%
43.0%
51.1%
54.4%
0.5%
2.6%
1996
48.6%
45.2%
45.9%
49.2%
5.5%
5.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
9.0%
14.2%
19.0%
26.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
18.1%
1.8%
3.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
2.3%
0.0%
1.1%
0.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.2%
1.0%
1.3%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.3%
1.8%
1.1%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.1%
1.9%
0.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
1.5%
1.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
0.9%
1.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
2.9%
1.2%
1.6%
Weather
Charlotte has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. Northwest Harris, located in southeastern Texas, experiences a humid subtropical climate as well but with a bit more summer heat and higher humidity levels. Both regions can be susceptible to hurricanes, although Northwest Harris is more prone due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.
Weather and climate
Type
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Temperature - Average
61°F
68.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
72.3%
80.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
41%
37%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
93%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
46%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
44.5 in
48.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
10.2 in
0.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
18.1%
15%
Sunshine amount - Average
69.8%
60.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
14%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
70%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
43%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Average climate in Northwest Harris, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Charlotte
Charlotte
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
2018
75
95
0.24
N/A
6.3
5.1
27.8
23.5
N/A
N/A
15.5
N/A
8.2
8.7
0.2
N/A
2017
77
94
0.25
N/A
7.0
4.7
28.0
25.2
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
8.8
8.5
0.2
0.5
2016
82
93
0.25
N/A
7.6
5.7
28.7
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.5
0.2
0.4
2015
76
100
0.25
N/A
8.1
6.1
27.6
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
9.3
0.2
0.1
2014
76
88
0.26
0.28
8.5
6.7
26.3
22.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
9.6
0.3
0.1
2013
71
104
0.29
0.29
8.4
6.6
25.5
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
10.3
0.3
0.1
2012
95
107
0.28
0.30
8.7
7.1
27.3
24.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
10.6
0.3
0.2
2011
94
115
0.34
0.32
10.1
6.8
28.9
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.2
11.3
0.6
0.6
2010
97
104
0.33
0.26
11.8
7.5
28.0
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.6
11.1
1.0
0.8
2009
82
114
0.30
0.27
10.0
6.8
25.4
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
11.0
0.9
0.9
2008
102
104
0.32
0.35
11.2
8.0
27.6
24.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
11.9
2.1
1.4
2007
108
123
0.37
0.37
13.9
9.1
29.1
23.2
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
13.0
3.0
1.7
2006
107
130
0.44
0.39
13.9
9.0
27.3
25.0
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.8
11.6
3.3
1.5
2005
109
132
0.53
0.42
14.6
9.7
30.6
25.3
0.000
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.2
13.3
2.7
2.6
2004
89
125
0.53
0.44
14.6
10.0
28.9
22.9
0.001
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
2.8
2003
85
144
0.57
0.62
15.6
10.8
27.6
23.5
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
2.4
2002
103
124
0.63
0.55
15.3
10.5
32.6
22.5
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.7
1.5
2001
108
148
0.72
0.44
17.5
12.0
32.3
22.2
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.9
2.0
2000
107
133
0.79
0.50
18.0
10.8
32.6
23.0
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
111.5%
179.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
79%
67.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
32%
Transportation
Charlotte offers numerous transportation options including the LYNX Light Rail, city buses, and biking paths. Commute times can be relatively short depending on the area. For Northwest Harris, public transportation options are more limited, but residents typically rely on car commuting with access to a high-capacity freeway network.
Transport
Type
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
0
FAA registered aircraft
439
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
12
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Bicycle
0.1%
0.1%
Bus
1.2%
2.5%
Carpooled
8.7%
11.3%
Car alone
86.2%
81.5%
Railroad
0.4%
0%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
1.5%
0.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Average
29.6 min
31.3 min
Real Estate
Real estate is generally more affordable in Charlotte compared to Northwest Harris, with a median home cost that's well below the national average. Northwest Harris offers a variety of real estate options but tends to be more expensive due to its proximity to Houston and the demand generated there.
Neighborhoods
Charlotte is known for its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. From the culture-rich NoDa to the posh Myers Park, there's a place for everyone. Similarly, Northwest Harris, a largely suburban area, offers different neighborhoods with varying characteristics, catering to families, young professionals, and retirees.
Houses and residents
Type
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
Houses
393,631
149,181
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.9
Houses occupied
365,269 (92.8%)
141,708 (95%)
Houses occupied by owners
193,930 (53.1%)
100,076 (70.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
171,339 (46.9%)
41,632 (29.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,482
$1,182
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$445,491
$300,799
Estimated median house or condo value
$321,400
$307,883
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.6
7.5
Renting percentage
42.6%
28.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,624.8
341.1
Household income disparities
44.1%
38.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
3,089 (2.1%)
15,158 (16.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,553 (7.2%)
105 (0.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
142,912 (97.9%)
76,541 (83.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
171 (0.1%)
3,826 (4.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,532 (9.3%)
4,244 (4.6%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
0.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,780
12,608
State government workers
16,519
7,312
Unpaid family workers
1,214
552
Industries and Occupations
Charlotte is a major U.S. financial hub, being the second-largest banking center in the country after New York, while also having significant healthcare and retail sectors. Northwest Harris shares Houston's diverse economic base which spans oil and gas, aeronautics, and health care.
Charlotte boasts a high-quality healthcare system, with well-known institutions like Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Northwest Harris utilizes many of the world-class healthcare facilities in neighboring Houston, like the renowned Texas Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have robust infrastructures. Charlotte boasts a constantly growing skyline with a well-developed transportation system, including a light rail system. NW Harris, being a suburban area of the larger Houston metropolitan area, leverages well-established Houston's infrastructure, including an extensive highway system and public transit services.
Infrastructure
Type
Charlotte
Northwest Harris
TV stations
16
27
Nuclear power plants nearby
2
0
Culture and Food
Charlotte has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous theaters, art galleries, museums, and a thriving culinary scene that spans a range of global cuisine. Being part of the Houston metropolitan area, Northwest Harris enjoys diversity in its cultural and culinary offerings, with Tex-Mex cuisine, barbeque, and an array of other international foods.
Sports Teams
Charlotte is home to the Charlotte Hornets (NBA) and the Carolina Panthers (NFL). The city also has a strong NASCAR presence. Northwest Harris residents generally support Houston's sports teams, which include the Houston Texans (NFL), the Houston Rockets (NBA), and the Houston Astros (MLB), amongst others.
Charlotte, NC
Northwest Harris, TX
Charlotte, NC and 
Northwest Harris, TX : 928.4 miles
