Houston, Texas, and the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee, provide unique opportunities and challenges in relation to various factors including safety, weather, economy etc. Houston, being the fourth-largest city in the US, has a vibrant economy and diverse culture but also faces issues like higher cost of living and traffic congestion. The Metropolitan Government, on the other hand, offers a blend of urban and suburban living, a lower cost of living, but has relatively less job diversity as compared to Houston.
Houston has higher crime rates compared to national averages, with property crimes being more prevalent than violent crimes. Despite significant improvements over the years, safety remains a concern. In contrast, the Metropolitan Government area has a lower crime rate, although it's still higher than the national average. Both cities have undertaken various community-based initiatives to improve safety.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Houston is relatively lower than the national average, with housing being quite affordable. However, residents have to contend with higher expenses such as transportation due to the city's sprawling nature. The Metropolitan Government area also offers a reasonable cost of living, although housing prices have been rising due to the region's growth.
Income Tax
Texas, including Houston, does not impose a state income tax. On the other hand, Tennessee has no state income tax for wages but does tax interest and dividends, which can impact some residents of the Metropolitan Government area.
Property Tax
Houston's property tax rates are higher than the national average. In contrast, the Metropolitan Government area has some of the lowest property tax rates in Tennessee, making it attractive for homeowners.
Sales Tax
Houston residents face a combined city and state sales tax rate of 8.25%, while residents in the Metropolitan Government area pay a sales tax rate of 9.5%.
Income
Type
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$65,348
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$43,994
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
97.9
If you make $50,000 in Houston, you will have to make $50,360 in Metropolitan Government to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston is a flat coastal city and it's elevation makes it prone to flooding. The Metropolitan Government area, on the other hand, is known for its rolling hills and green spaces.
Geographical information
Type
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Land area
579.4 sq. miles
502.3 sq. miles
Population density
3,949.2 people per sq. mile
1,236.2 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Houston, TX Metropolitan Government, TN
Education
Houston is home to several highly-rated public and private schools, and several renowned universities such as Rice University and the University of Houston. The Metropolitan Government area also has a range of quality educational opportunities from pre-K to tertiary level, including Vanderbilt University.
Houston's diverse economy is fueled by the energy, aerospace, and healthcare sectors. The city has a low unemployment rate and presents many opportunities for professionals. The Metropolitan Government area has a more concentrated economy, mainly powered by healthcare, education, and music industries.
Biggest Employers
Houston's biggest employers represent the city's diverse economy and include ExxonMobil, Memorial Hermann Health System, and Walmart. The Metropolitan Government area's largest employers are primarily in the healthcare and education sectors, including Vanderbilt University and Hospital Corporation of America.
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Metropolitan Government (Davidson County), 58.5% voted for Democrats and 39.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Houston
Metropolitan Government
2020
56.0%
65.0%
42.7%
32.6%
1.3%
2.3%
2016
54.0%
60.1%
41.6%
34.1%
4.4%
5.7%
2012
49.4%
58.5%
49.3%
39.9%
1.3%
1.6%
2008
50.5%
60.0%
48.9%
39.0%
0.6%
1.0%
2004
44.6%
54.9%
54.9%
44.6%
0.5%
0.4%
2000
43.0%
57.9%
54.4%
40.4%
2.6%
1.7%
1996
45.2%
79.3%
49.2%
18.1%
5.6%
2.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Houston
Metropolitan Government
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
4.9%
3.6%
2.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
14.1%
26.8%
19.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
0.8%
1.6%
1.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.5%
1.4%
1.8%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.3%
1.5%
0.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
1.1%
1.7%
1.7%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.8%
0.5%
0.9%
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
0.0%
1.0%
0.1%
0.5%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
1.3%
Weather
Houston is known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters. Flooding can be a significant issue during hurricane season. The Metropolitan Government, in contrast, has a more moderate climate with four distinct seasons, including cold winters. It's less prone to severe weather events, making it potentially more appealing to those sensitive to weather extremes.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
58.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
75.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
49 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
17.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
17.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
59.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
23%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
65%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
42%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
7.7 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in Metropolitan Government, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Metropolitan Government
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Houston
Metropolitan Government
2018
102
71
0.19
0.40
9.2
13.8
21.5
24.1
N/A
N/A
15.2
N/A
10.0
9.2
0.3
0.2
2017
96
70
0.16
0.38
9.4
14.4
23.1
26.8
N/A
N/A
15.3
N/A
9.1
8.7
0.3
0.1
2016
91
90
0.16
0.42
10.4
16.1
22.7
26.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
10.1
0.2
0.0
2015
109
68
0.15
0.43
10.1
15.5
21.7
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
10.8
0.2
0.1
2014
98
66
0.24
N/A
10.4
N/A
21.8
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
9.8
0.3
1.4
2013
106
62
0.25
N/A
11.1
N/A
23.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.6
9.7
0.4
N/A
2012
115
81
0.25
N/A
11.6
N/A
23.8
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.1
11.0
0.5
2.3
2011
118
81
0.27
N/A
10.8
N/A
24.6
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.5
11.0
0.8
1.7
2010
110
80
0.25
N/A
12.8
N/A
22.8
24.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
12.2
1.1
2.2
2009
115
72
0.21
N/A
10.5
N/A
22.1
22.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.4
11.5
1.0
2.4
2008
105
81
0.30
N/A
13.1
N/A
22.1
25.7
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.4
13.4
1.3
2.5
2007
119
99
0.31
N/A
15.2
N/A
20.5
27.4
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.5
15.5
1.9
2.7
2006
134
93
0.32
0.69
14.6
N/A
22.3
24.9
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.0
14.9
2.3
2.9
2005
126
104
0.42
0.56
16.3
N/A
22.8
23.5
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.9
16.9
3.5
3.1
2004
137
83
0.44
0.61
17.7
N/A
20.4
22.0
0.010
0.006
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
2.6
2003
146
93
0.62
0.67
17.0
N/A
20.9
18.5
0.009
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
3.2
3.8
2002
128
92
0.55
0.68
16.1
N/A
19.7
20.2
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.3
1.7
4.3
2001
147
95
0.44
0.90
18.4
N/A
19.6
19.5
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.6
2.5
4.5
2000
136
97
0.50
0.75
17.0
N/A
22.0
19.8
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
4.1
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
169%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
296.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
17%
Transportation
Houston offers extensive public transit options, including buses and light rail. However, commute times can be long due to the city's expansive size. The Metropolitan Government area relies heavily on personal vehicles for commuting, although public transit options are improving.
Transport
Type
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
1
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Bicycle
0.5%
0.1%
Bus
2.4%
1.6%
Carpooled
11.1%
13.3%
Car alone
81.2%
78.6%
Railroad
0.1%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Average
32 min
23.7 min
Real Estate
Despite being a large metro area, Houston real estate is relatively affordable. Housing options are diverse, ranging from apartments in high-rise buildings downtown to suburban homes. The Metropolitan Government area’s real estate market is also diverse but rising prices, driven by high demand and growth, are a concern.
Neighborhoods
Houston's neighborhoods cater to various lifestyles, from the bustling Downtown to the peaceful suburbs. Similarly, the Metropolitan Government area has a mix of vibrant urban neighborhoods like East Nashville and quieter suburban areas such as Belle Meade.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
Metropolitan Government
Houses
1,028,763
252,977
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.3
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
237,405 (93.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
131,384 (55.3%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
106,021 (44.7%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$1,207
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$226,967
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$350,700
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
6.4
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
503.7
Household income disparities
49%
45.5%
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
32,597 (28.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
342 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
83,416 (71.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
8,009 (6.9%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
9,691 (8.4%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
0.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
75,956
20,090
State government workers
38,359
13,081
Unpaid family workers
2,429
668
Industries and Occupations
Houston's dominant industries are energy, healthcare, and aerospace. Many Houstonians work in technical and managerial positions. The Metropolitan Government area is globally known for its music and healthcare industries, and a large portion of the working population is in office and administrative support roles.
Houston is synonymous with quality healthcare with the presence of the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex globally. The Metropolitan Government area, it's home to leading health institutions like Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
Metropolitan Government
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Houston boasts world-class infrastructure, including major airports, modern highways, and public transit systems. Still, traffic congestion can be a problem. The Metropolitan Government area's infrastructure is less extensive but is rapidly improving due to ongoing development and growth.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
Metropolitan Government
TV stations
26
19
Culture and Food
Houston is famous for its diverse food scene, celebrated Rodeo, and a vibrant arts scene such as Theatre District. The Metropolitan Government area is globally known as "Music City" and also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, rich history, and arts.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts in Houston can enjoy watching professional teams like the Houston Astros (MLB), Houston Texans (NFL), and Houston Rockets (NBA). The Metropolitan Government area is home to the Tennessee Titans (NFL) and Nashville Predators (NHL).
Houston, TX
Metropolitan Government, TN
Houston, TX and 
Metropolitan Government, TN : 666.3 miles
