Lubbock TX

In Lubbock, the rent-to-income burden runs around 23% — refreshingly manageable by national standards. Median income sits at $60,895 and median rent is $1,182/month. 52% of renters are cost-burdened (30%+ of income on housing). Landlords are winning; everyone else is treading water. Median home value: $212,400 — that's 3.5× the median income. With a median age of 31, this is a young city — high energy, high turnover, and a lot of people figuring out adulthood simultaneously. Employment picture: 5.17% unemployment — a average employment landscape. Poverty rate: 18.9% — well above the national average. The headline economic numbers hide a bifurcated city. Average commute: 16 minutes — mercifully short. Violent crime: 88.3/100k avg monthly rate (11149 reported); Property crime: 347.3/100k avg monthly rate (43787 reported). Lubbock was founded in 1890 — that's 136 years of history baked into the streets. The city covers 123.6 sq miles at 2,143 people/sq mile — spread out. Elevation: 3,255 ft — high-altitude living. Known as: "Hub City". RoastMyCity overall score: 70/100 — Solid Choice.