Houston, Texas, and Denver, Colorado, are two vibrant cities in the US with distinct cultural landscapes and economic opportunities. While Houston is a sprawling city known for its space, energy, medical research, and food scenes, Denver is famous for its outdoor recreational activities, great beer scenes, and sports events. Each city presents its unique challenges and benefits in terms of crime rates, weather, cost of living, education, and other factors. This piece seeks to offer a comprehensive comparison of what it's like to live in these two cities.
Distance between
Houston, TX and
Denver, CO : 876.2 miles
Houston's population is larger by 222%. Its population has grown by 334,619 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Denver has grown by 156,827 people (28.3%) during that time.
Houston's crime rate is higher than Denver's, according to the FBI's recent crime reports. Both violent and property crime rates in Houston exceed national averages, posing significant concerns for residents and tourists. However, it's worth noting that crime is unevenly distributed and some neighborhoods are very safe. In contrast, Denver's crime rate is lower and closer to the national averages, making it a safer choice for both living and visiting.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 7,854 registered sex offenders living in Houston and 1,928 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Houston is 293 to 1; the ratio in Denver is 359 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Houston is near to than in Denver.
Cost of Living
The cost of living tends to be lower in Houston than in Denver. Housing costs in Houston are particularly affordable making it a great choice for homebuyers. On the other hand, Denver's faster-growing economy has caused a significant increase in the cost of living, particularly housing. However, higher wages and salaries in Denver can help to offset this.
Income Tax
A significant tax advantage for Houston residents is the lack of state income tax. Colorado, however, imposes a flat-rate state income tax of 4.63%.
Property Tax
Texas has one of the highest property tax rates in the country, which should be taken into consideration when buying property in Houston. On the other hand, Colorado's property tax rate is lower, making Denver potentially more affordable for homeowners in the long run.
Sales Tax
The sales tax is higher in Houston (8.25%) compared to Denver (7.65%), which can affect the overall cost of living.
Income
Type
Houston
Denver
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$81,630
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$52,690
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
111.3
If you make $50,000 in Houston, you will have to make $57,253 in Denver to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston is a coastal-plain city and prone to hurricanes, but offers proximity to the Gulf Coast. Denver, on the other hand, has the mountains at its doorstep offering fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.
Both cities are known for excellent education. Houston is home to several high-ranking universities and schools, including the renowned Rice University and the University of Houston. Denver also has its share of reputable institutions such as the University of Colorado Denver and Denver University. Both cities also have good public and private school options.
Houston's economy is more diversified with strong sectors in healthcare, energy, aerospace, and manufacturing. Denver's economy is more focused on telecommunications, technology, and tourism. Both cities enjoy a strong economy with a low unemployment rate, offering ample job opportunities for residents.
Biggest Employers
In Houston, some of the largest employers include Texas Medical Center, NASA's Johnson Space Center, and several major oil companies. Denver's economy is led by major employers like DISH Network, CenturyLink, and United Airlines.
There were 7,146 building permits issued in Houston in 2012 (4571 more than in 2011) compared to 1,550 building permits issued in Denver in 2012 (847 more than in 2011).
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Denver (Denver County), 73.9% voted for Democrats and 24.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
Denver
Houston
Denver
Houston
Denver
2020
56.0%
80.1%
42.7%
18.3%
1.3%
1.6%
2016
54.0%
74.2%
41.6%
19.0%
4.4%
6.8%
2012
49.4%
73.9%
49.3%
24.3%
1.3%
1.7%
2008
50.5%
75.8%
48.9%
23.2%
0.6%
1.0%
2004
44.6%
69.7%
54.9%
29.3%
0.5%
0.9%
2000
43.0%
62.0%
54.4%
30.9%
2.6%
7.0%
1996
45.2%
61.8%
49.2%
30.0%
5.6%
8.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
Denver
Houston
Denver
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
26.6%
3.6%
8.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
0.9%
26.8%
6.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
0.5%
1.6%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.1%
1.4%
3.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.3%
1.5%
2.3%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.4%
1.1%
2.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.7%
1.7%
3.0%
SALVATION ARMY
0.1%
1.1%
0.2%
0.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
2.1%
0.1%
4.3%
Weather
When it comes to weather, Houston and Denver could not be more different. Houston is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters which can make the city feel very hot for a large part of the year. Flash floods could occasionally be an issue in certain parts of the city. On the other hand, Denver, the 'Mile High City,' has a semi-arid, four-season climate, with moderate humidity, and abundant sunshine year-round, making it a preferred choice if you love outdoor activities and snowy winters.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
Denver
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
49.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
50.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
20%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
55%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
35%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
17 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
114 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
19.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
75.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
10%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
64%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
8.6 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in Denver, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
Denver
Houston
Denver
Houston
Denver
Houston
Denver
Houston
Denver
Denver
Houston
Denver
Houston
Denver
2018
102
100
0.19
0.50
9.2
25.4
21.5
27.9
N/A
N/A
29.2
N/A
10.0
8.6
0.3
0.7
2017
96
95
0.16
0.49
9.4
25.9
23.1
27.6
N/A
N/A
22.0
N/A
9.1
8.4
0.3
0.8
2016
91
90
0.16
0.53
10.4
27.7
22.7
27.2
N/A
N/A
22.6
N/A
8.6
8.7
0.2
1.0
2015
109
101
0.15
0.53
10.1
27.8
21.7
25.2
N/A
N/A
21.0
N/A
9.9
10.4
0.2
1.0
2014
98
94
0.24
0.53
10.4
25.4
21.8
24.6
N/A
N/A
25.1
N/A
10.2
10.1
0.3
1.3
2013
106
85
0.25
0.45
11.1
21.9
23.0
24.0
N/A
N/A
24.4
N/A
10.6
N/A
0.4
1.5
2012
115
91
0.25
0.33
11.6
18.9
23.8
26.2
N/A
N/A
24.9
N/A
11.1
N/A
0.5
1.4
2011
118
91
0.27
0.34
10.8
18.1
24.6
25.8
N/A
N/A
23.7
N/A
11.5
N/A
0.8
1.6
2010
110
82
0.25
0.43
12.8
16.3
22.8
23.6
N/A
N/A
26.4
N/A
11.4
N/A
1.1
1.0
2009
115
79
0.21
0.41
10.5
14.1
22.1
23.1
N/A
0.005
22.2
N/A
11.4
N/A
1.0
1.3
2008
105
85
0.30
0.43
13.1
17.3
22.1
26.0
0.006
0.008
25.2
N/A
12.4
N/A
1.3
1.6
2007
119
96
0.31
0.37
15.2
20.6
20.5
21.9
0.006
0.007
30.2
N/A
13.5
N/A
1.9
1.2
2006
134
89
0.32
0.51
14.6
19.0
22.3
22.1
0.006
0.008
28.0
N/A
13.0
N/A
2.3
1.4
2005
126
86
0.42
0.57
16.3
21.3
22.8
20.9
0.005
0.068
30.9
N/A
13.9
N/A
3.5
1.5
2004
137
82
0.44
0.60
17.7
21.2
20.4
19.2
0.010
0.012
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
1.8
2003
146
106
0.62
0.60
17.0
21.2
20.9
20.8
0.009
0.015
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
1.9
2002
128
86
0.55
0.65
16.1
19.2
19.7
20.4
0.007
0.014
35.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2.5
2001
147
95
0.44
0.86
18.4
23.6
19.6
18.6
0.008
0.012
32.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
2.6
2000
136
93
0.50
0.81
17.0
13.4
22.0
19.2
0.008
0.013
12.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
Denver
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
129.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
811.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
10%
Transportation
Denver has a more established public transit system with its light rail and bus system, provided by the Regional Transportation District. Houston's public transit includes the METRORail and bus system. Both cities are car-reliant, but Denver provides more bicycle-friendly infrastructure and walkable neighborhoods.
Transport
Type
Houston
Denver
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
2
2
FAA registered aircraft
1
602
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
28
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
Denver
Bicycle
0.5%
1.5%
Bus
2.4%
2.6%
Carpooled
11.1%
8.8%
Car alone
81.2%
81.1%
Railroad
0.1%
1.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
Denver
Average
32 min
29.4 min
Other means
27.1 min
24.2 min
Public transportation
47.6 min
38 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Houston
Denver
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
90.6%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
7.3%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Denver's real estate prices have been increasing at a faster rate than Houston's. However, both cities offer a variety of housing options, from urban lofts to suburban homes. Houston's real-estate market is more affordable, but Denver's market could offer better property value growth.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. Houston's most known areas include Downtown, the Museum District, and the Galleria. Denver offers popular neighborhoods such as LoDo (Lower Downtown), Capitol Hill, and Cherry Creek. Both cities offer unique cultural, shopping, and dining experiences in their neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
Denver
Houses
1,028,763
351,829
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.2
Median year apartment built
1985
1981
Median year house/condo built
1976
1966
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.4 years
11.3 years
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
326,634 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
164,429 (50.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
162,205 (49.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$1,674
Median monthly housing costs
$1,134
$1,626
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$970,375
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$541,500
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
4.6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.4
Median house price - detached houses
$348,048
$690,450
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$232,228
$668,727
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,330
$410,273
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$297,061
$487,647
Median house price - mobile homes
$68,903
$174,140
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$299,072
$568,100
Median house price - All housing units
$337,365
$644,007
Median house age
40
47
Renting percentage
54.6%
50%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
2,294.3
House value disparities
40.9%
26.4%
Household income disparities
49%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,539
$120,615
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$65,707
$77,011
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
2,112 (1.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
9,615 (7.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
123,690 (98.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
273 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
12,819 (10.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Houston
Denver
One, detached
43.2%
42.9%
One, attached
4.8%
8.3%
Two
2.2%
2.1%
3 or 4
4.4%
3.1%
5 to 9
7.1%
3.6%
10 to 19
10.9%
7.0%
20 to 49
7.7%
10.4%
50 or more
18.6%
22.0%
Mobile homes
0.9%
0.4%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
75,956
24,661
State government workers
38,359
15,204
Unpaid family workers
2,429
763
Industries and Occupations
Denver is a hotspot for professionals in the tech, tourism, and telecommunication sectors. Meanwhile, Houston is world-renowned for oil and gas, aerospace, and healthcare, housing some of the industry leaders.
Both cities offer excellent healthcare facilities. Houston is known for the Texas Medical Center, one of the largest in the world, and Denver is home to the top-ranked University of Colorado Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
Denver
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Houston impresses with its remarkable infrastructure, especially in healthcare, with the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. Denver also has a solid infrastructure, highlighted by its excellent airport, Denver International, and the well-planned road and metro system.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
Denver
Hospitals
156
16
TV stations
26
17
Arenas or stadiums
6
4
Bank branches located here
755
205
Bank institutions located here
81
43
Main business address for public companies
197
58
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Houston
Denver
1999
9,163
2,727
2000
0
2,698
2001
0
1,996
2002
0
1,591
2003
8,173
2,472
2004
11,803
3,789
2005
15,127
5,168
2006
16,911
5,506
2007
10,643
3,599
2008
4,410
1,902
2009
2,279
768
Culture and Food
Both cities are rich in culture and offer diverse culinary scenes. Houston, with its strong ties to Southern, Mexican, and Asian culture, provides an eclectic foodie experience. Denver serves up a mix of innovative culinary treats and is particularly known for its craft beer scene.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find both cities appealing. Houston hosts the Texans (NFL), Astros (MLB), Rockets (NBA), and Dynamo (MLS). Denver is home to the Broncos (NFL), Nuggets (NBA), Rockies (MLB), and Avalanche (NHL).
Houston, TX
Denver, CO
Houston, TX and 
Denver, CO : 876.2 miles
