Northwest Harris, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana, offer diverse experiences to residents and tourists alike, but each city has unique characteristics. Northwest Harris is located in a rapidly growing area of Houston with access to opportunities in various industries, while New Orleans is a city rich in culture, music, and food. The comparison between these two cities would focus on various elements like crime rates, cost of living, education quality, work opportunities, industries, infrastructure, and more.
In terms of crime and safety, both cities have their challenges and differences. Northwest Harris, being a part of the Houston metropolitan area, has a crime rate that is somewhat higher than the national average, but lower than some parts of Houston. On the other hand, New Orleans has struggled with high crime rates, particularly in terms of violent crime. However, it's worth noting that tourist areas are generally safer, as authorities focus heavily on these places.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Northwest Harris is lower compared to New Orleans. Everything from housing, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transportation tends to be cheaper in Northwest Harris. Notably, New Orleans has a slightly higher cost of living than the national average, especially in terms of housing within the city center and touristy places.
Income Tax
Texas, and thus Northwest Harris, does not impose a state income tax, making it an attractive place for many working individuals and families. Conversely, Louisiana, including New Orleans, does implement a state income tax, which is progressive in nature and ranges from 2% to 6%.
Property Tax
Property tax in Northwest Harris is higher than in New Orleans, due to its state's lack of income tax. New Orleans' property tax tends to be lower since the state collects revenue from both property and income taxes.
Sales Tax
The overall sales tax rate in Northwest Harris is 8.25%, which is a combination of Texas’ state sales tax of 6.25% and a maximum of 2% local sales tax. New Orleans, on the other hand, has a total sales tax rate of 9.45%, contributed by the state tax of 4.45% and the maximum local levy of 5%.
Income
Type
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Estimated median household income
$91,482
$46,942
Estimated per capita income
$43,231
$35,587
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
102.4
97.9
If you make $50,000 in New Orleans, you will have to make $52,298 in Northwest Harris to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Northwest Harris is characterized by subtropical vegetation and flat plains with a few minor rivers. New Orleans, on the other hand, is known for its unique geographical setting, located below sea level and surrounded by water bodies, including the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain.
Geographical information
Type
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Land area
437.4 sq. miles
180.6 sq. miles
Population density
1,061.5 people per sq. mile
2,087.8 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Northwest Harris, TX New Orleans, LA
Education
On the education front, both cities have access to a mix of public and private schools. Northwest Harris, being part of the Cy-Fair Independent School District, boasts some prominent schools and community colleges. On the other hand, New Orleans' recovery school district has led to significant improvement in its public schools over the past decade, and it is also home to universities like Tulane University and Loyola University.
When it comes to work and economy, Northwest Harris is part of the larger Houston metropolitan area, which offers a robust economy with opportunities in healthcare, education, and the oil and gas industry. New Orleans' economy is driven mostly by tourism, but it also has thriving healthcare and higher education sectors.
Biggest Employers
In Northwest Harris, some of the biggest employers are within the education, healthcare, and energy sectors. These include companies like Cy-Fair ISD, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Exxon Mobil. In contrast, New Orleans' biggest employers span sectors from tourism to healthcare, including Ochsner Health System, Tulane University, and several hotel and casino chains.
In Northwest Harris (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In New Orleans (Orleans Parish), 80.5% voted for Democrats and 17.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
2020
56.0%
83.6%
42.7%
15.1%
1.3%
1.3%
2016
54.0%
81.1%
41.6%
14.7%
4.4%
4.2%
2012
49.4%
80.5%
49.3%
17.8%
1.3%
1.7%
2008
50.5%
79.6%
48.9%
19.1%
0.6%
1.3%
2004
44.6%
77.8%
54.9%
21.8%
0.5%
0.4%
2000
43.0%
76.2%
54.4%
21.8%
2.6%
2.0%
1996
45.2%
90.7%
49.2%
8.2%
5.6%
1.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
30.9%
3.6%
16.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
4.3%
26.8%
13.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
0.5%
1.6%
1.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
1.5%
1.4%
4.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.5%
1.5%
3.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
1.1%
1.7%
1.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.6%
0.1%
0.6%
Weather
Weather-wise, Northwest Harris enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. New Orleans shares a similar climate pattern, but it has a bit more rainfall throughout the year. Both cities are susceptible to hurricanes, with New Orleans having a slightly higher risk due to its coastal location.
Weather and climate
Type
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
69.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
80.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
93%
91%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
48.5 in
62.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
0.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
16.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
48%
Wind speed - Average
8.1 mph
8.7 mph
Average climate in Northwest Harris, Texas
Average climate in New Orleans, Louisiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
New Orleans
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
2018
95
75
N/A
N/A
5.1
5.5
23.5
27.9
19.6
N/A
8.7
9.5
N/A
1.1
2017
94
73
N/A
N/A
4.7
6.0
25.2
27.6
18.8
N/A
8.5
9.5
0.5
1.6
2016
93
71
N/A
N/A
5.7
6.7
23.7
29.1
16.5
N/A
8.5
9.4
0.4
1.7
2015
100
76
N/A
N/A
6.1
6.3
23.1
26.5
17.5
N/A
9.3
8.8
0.1
1.3
2014
88
79
0.28
N/A
6.7
6.7
22.3
25.6
17.7
N/A
9.6
7.7
0.1
2.0
2013
104
73
0.29
N/A
6.6
6.5
23.7
25.8
17.8
N/A
10.3
7.4
0.1
2.6
2012
107
84
0.30
N/A
7.1
7.8
24.8
26.8
24.0
N/A
10.6
10.0
0.2
2.5
2011
115
93
0.32
N/A
6.8
7.8
27.0
27.0
24.9
N/A
11.3
8.8
0.6
2.1
2010
104
89
0.26
N/A
7.5
7.8
25.0
27.5
26.7
N/A
11.1
9.5
0.8
2.9
2009
114
81
0.27
N/A
6.8
7.6
25.1
26.5
N/A
N/A
11.0
9.1
0.9
2.8
2008
104
81
0.35
N/A
8.0
9.3
24.5
27.3
N/A
N/A
11.9
10.0
1.4
3.0
2007
123
97
0.37
N/A
9.1
9.1
23.2
28.4
N/A
N/A
13.0
10.2
1.7
3.6
2006
130
93
0.39
N/A
9.0
9.7
25.0
28.7
N/A
N/A
11.6
11.2
1.5
N/A
2005
132
93
0.42
0.58
9.7
9.0
25.3
24.7
N/A
N/A
13.3
10.6
2.6
N/A
2004
125
96
0.44
0.68
10.0
9.5
22.9
21.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.3
2.8
N/A
2003
144
91
0.62
0.84
10.8
9.9
23.5
19.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.5
2.4
N/A
2002
124
68
0.55
0.61
10.5
9.3
22.5
20.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
N/A
2001
148
88
0.44
0.81
12.0
10.2
22.2
20.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
N/A
2000
133
105
0.50
0.55
10.8
11.3
23.0
24.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.1
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
179.3%
125.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
67.9%
44.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
21%
Transportation
Both cities offer public transportation options. Northwest Harris benefits from the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), which provides bus, light rail, and lift van service. In contrast, New Orleans has buses and iconic streetcars, providing an old-world charm to daily commuting. However, car-ownership is higher in Northwest Harris due to spread-out neighborhoods.
Transport
Type
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Amtrak stations
0
1
Amtrak stations nearby
0
1
FAA registered aircraft
0
201
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Bicycle
0.1%
1.4%
Bus
2.5%
3.3%
Carpooled
11.3%
9%
Car alone
81.5%
79.9%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0%
0.5%
Walked
0.8%
3.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Average
31.3 min
27.7 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Northwest Harris is generally more affordable compared to New Orleans. There is also a high availability of suburban-style homes, condos, and apartments. In contrast, real estate in New Orleans offers a rich mix of options from historic mansions in the Garden District to quaint creole townhouses in the French Quarter, but prices are higher due to higher demand and historical significance.
Neighborhoods
Northwest Harris is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, great schools, and abundance of shops and restaurants. In contrast, New Orleans offers a mix of neighborhoods from the lively French Quarter to the quiet, picturesque Garden District, each with their own unique charm.
Houses and residents
Type
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
Houses
149,181
194,701
Average household size (people)
2.9
2.3
Houses occupied
141,708 (95%)
158,827 (81.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
100,076 (70.6%)
83,516 (52.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
41,632 (29.4%)
75,311 (47.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,182
$1,126
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$300,799
$470,732
Estimated median house or condo value
$307,883
$279,100
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.8
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
7.5
6.3
Renting percentage
28.6%
52.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
341.1
1,078.3
Household income disparities
38.3%
53.1%
Housing units without a mortgage
15,158 (16.5%)
629 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
105 (0.1%)
3,326 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
76,541 (83.5%)
47,733 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
3,826 (4.2%)
296 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
4,244 (4.6%)
4,588 (9.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.3%
5.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
12,608
9,492
State government workers
7,312
9,130
Unpaid family workers
552
527
Industries and Occupations
Northwest Harris sees a vast collection of occupations, including professionals, managers, healthcare workers, and salespeople. The oil & gas industry, which Houston area widely known for, also offers plentiful job opportunities. On the contrary, New Orleans has a hospitality & services-lead job market complemented by healthcare and academia.
Both cities have high-quality healthcare facilities. Northwest Harris is served by the Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, among others, and it is near the Texas Medical Center in Houston. New Orleans also has quality healthcare providers like the Ochsner Medical Center and Tulane Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Northwest Harris benefits from its inclusion in the rapidly developing infrastructure of Houston. In contrast, New Orleans boasts unique historical architecture, with some infrastructure strains to manage frequent floods, city’s below-sea-level locations, and old-age drain systems. Infrastructure in Northwest Harris is generally newer and better maintained.
Infrastructure
Type
Northwest Harris
New Orleans
TV stations
27
15
Culture and Food
The culture in Northwest Harris is diverse, reflecting the multicultural Houston metropolitan area. There's a mix of Southern, Mexican, Asian, and other cultural influences, making for a vibrant food scene. In comparison, New Orleans is famous worldwide for its unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American cultures and a dynamic culinary scene known for dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.
Sports Teams
In the sports arena, Northwest Harris residents predominantly support Houston's teams, including the Astros (MLB), Texans (NFL), and Rockets (NBA). Conversely, New Orleans has its own dedicated fan base for the Saints (NFL) and Pelicans (NBA).
Northwest Harris, TX
New Orleans, LA
Northwest Harris, TX and 
New Orleans, LA : 329.4 miles
