Talk of Pearland

After publishing data showing Pearland’s high property-tax burden, a fair question came up repeatedly:

“If it’s so expensive, why do people still want to live here?” The answer is simple — and supported by data. Pearland consistently ranks as one of the strongest all-around communities in Texas when it comes to safety, schools, amenities, and quality of life.

Here’s the fuller picture.

🛡️ Public Safety: Crime Rates Well Below Average Safety is one of the most important factors for families choosing where to live — and Pearland performs strongly.

According to FBI-based crime data:

Violent crime in Pearland is roughly 73% lower than the national average, at about 96 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also below the U.S. average, at approximately 1,440 incidents per 100,000 residents. While no city is crime-free, Pearland’s overall crime profile places it well below national norms, particularly for violent offenses — a key reason families feel comfortable putting down roots here.

Source: HomeSnacks (FBI crime data)

🎓 Strong Schools That Drive Demand Education remains one of Pearland’s biggest draws. Pearland Independent School District (PISD): Serves roughly 21,000 students Ranked Top 30 out of 876 school districts in Texas Reports approximately 70% reading proficiency and 62% math proficiency

Maintains consistently high graduation rates For many families, school quality isn’t just a benefit — it’s the deciding factor. Pearland’s schools continue to rank among the most competitive in the state, helping sustain long-term community stability. Sources: Niche.com, Pearland ISD

🏆 National Recognition for Quality of Life Pearland’s appeal isn’t just local.

In recent national evaluations, U.S. News & World Report placed Pearland among the top cities in the United States based on:

quality of life desirability economic stability infrastructure community appeal

These rankings consider far more than home prices — they measure how livable a city actually is for residents. Source: U.S. News & World Report (via regional reporting)

🌳 Amenities That Support Daily Life

Pearland offers a level of amenities that many cities its size are still trying to build:

A broad park and trail system Recreation centers and sports facilities Modern libraries and civic buildings Well-maintained public spaces

These aren’t luxury add-ons — they’re part of everyday life for residents and contribute directly to Pearland’s reputation as a family-friendly city.

🚗 Location Without the Chaos

Pearland sits in a rare geographic sweet spot:

Close to Houston and the Texas Medical Center Easy access to major highways Near the Gulf Coast without coastal congestion That combination allows residents to work, commute, and travel easily — while still returning home to a quieter, more predictable environment.

🏘️ Stability and Long-Term Value

Pearland’s high homeownership rate contributes to:

Neighborhood stability Consistent upkeep Strong community investment

Property values have remained resilient over time, reflecting sustained demand from families and professionals who choose Pearland intentionally — not accidentally.

🌤️ The Honest Part

Pearland isn’t perfect. Property taxes are high Growth creates infrastructure pressure

Cost of living is higher than many Texas cities But here’s the key reality:

Those pressures exist because Pearland is desirable. Cities with weak schools, higher crime, and poor amenities don’t have these conversations — because people aren’t competing to live there.

Pearland’s challenges are the byproduct of success, not decline.

🌟 The Bottom Line

Pearland consistently delivers:

Lower crime than national averages Highly ranked public schools National recognition for quality of life Strong amenities and infrastructure A prime regional location Stable, invested neighborhoods It’s not cheap. It’s not perfect. But it remains one of the most complete, well-rounded places to live in Texas — and the data supports that conclusion.

For more local reporting, data, and community coverage, visit

Why Pearland Is One of the Best Places to Live in Texas By Snell