Austin TX

In Austin, the rent-to-income burden runs around 22% — refreshingly manageable by national standards. Median income sits at $93,658 and median rent is $1,729/month. 46% of renters are cost-burdened (30%+ of income on housing). Landlords are winning; everyone else is treading water. Median home value: $555,300 — that's 5.9× the median income. 60% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — a highly educated workforce that drives (and inflates) this local economy. Employment picture: 4.69% unemployment — a healthy job market. Poverty rate: 12.0%. Average commute: 24 minutes — acceptable. Average high 79.7°F, low 60.9°F. 102 days per year above 90°F. 52.1 inches of annual precipitation. Violent crime: 41.5/100k avg monthly rate (19733 reported); Property crime: 300.4/100k avg monthly rate (142984 reported). Austin was founded in 1835 — that's 191 years of history baked into the streets. The city covers 305.1 sq miles at 3,211 people/sq mile — spread out. Elevation: 489 ft — modest elevation. Known as: "City of the Violet Crown". Austin has 10 sister cities — cosmopolitan on paper, at least. RoastMyCity overall score: 65/100 — It Depends.