Is Navasota Safe, Pros and cons of living in Navasota

Navasota, Texas, offers a blend of small-town charm and accessibility to larger metropolitan areas, situated about 70 miles northwest of Houston and 25 miles south of College Station (as reported by Relocation Guide). This city, whose motto is “Where History Lives,” presents a unique appeal for those seeking a community-oriented atmosphere and a more relaxed lifestyle (as reported by Relocation Guide). Its economy is supported by diverse sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education, with major employers such as the Navasota Independent School District and CHI St. Joseph Health (as reported by Relocation Guide).

The cost of living in Navasota is notably reasonable, standing 10% lower than the national average and 4% lower than the Texas average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability is significantly influenced by housing costs, which are 33% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents also benefit from lower costs for utilities, groceries, and transportation, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage their budget effectively (as reported by Relocation Guide).

Is it Safe to Live in Navasota?

Crime Rates

Navasota’s crime rate is a complex issue, with varying perspectives from different sources. One analysis indicates a crime rate of 40.99 per 1,000 residents annually, suggesting a higher rate than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This perspective also notes that residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with a lower chance of being a victim of crime in that area compared to the west neighborhoods (as reported by AreaVibes).

Conversely, another assessment places Navasota among the bottom 10% of U.S. cities for violent crime, labeling it as one of the nation’s less safe areas with a violent crime rate of 785 per 100,000 people (as reported by AreaVibes). This view translates to a 1 in 128 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (as reported by AreaVibes). However, this same report indicates zero homicides in the most recently reported crime year (as reported by AreaVibes).

Property Crime

Property crime statistics in Navasota present a mixed picture. One report details a property crime rate of 1772 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a 1 in 57 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Navasota (as reported by AreaVibes).

Another analysis, referencing FBI data, indicates a property crime rate of 18 per one thousand population, suggesting an above-average chance of becoming a victim compared to other communities across America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). These figures highlight the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and taking necessary precautions.

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing Costs

Housing in Navasota is notably more affordable than in many other parts of the country. The median home price is 31% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Recent data shows a median listing price of $284,000 and a median sale price that has fallen year-over-year by 4.38% (as reported by Realtor.com, Orchard). This indicates a softer pricing environment that could be beneficial for buyers.

Rental costs are also relatively low. The median rent asked is $898, which is 38% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). More recent figures place the average rent at $1,200 per month, though year-over-year rent prices have seen a decrease of 22.22% (as reported by Zillow, Zumper). This suggests that renters may find more favorable terms compared to previous periods.

Overall Cost of Living

Navasota’s overall cost of living is significantly lower than both the national and state averages. It is 10% lower than the U.S. national average and 4% lower than the Texas state average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to various categories, including housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and utilities (as reported by Salary.com).

For example, housing costs are 33% lower than the national average, and food expenses are 9.1% below average (as reported by Salary.com). This financial feasibility contributes to Navasota being considered one of America’s less expensive cities, making it an appealing choice for individuals and families aiming to manage their expenses effectively (as reported by Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

The economic landscape of Navasota is supported by a variety of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and education (as reported by Relocation Guide). Key employers in the area include the Navasota Independent School District, CHI St. Joseph Health, and several agricultural firms, contributing to a diverse job market (as reported by Relocation Guide).

The presence of these established organizations, alongside a nurturing environment for small businesses, creates a range of employment opportunities for residents (as reported by Relocation Guide). This diversity in employment sectors helps to stabilize the local economy and provide varied career paths.

Employment and Income

Navasota’s employment rate stands at 92.8%, with a workforce of 3,544 residents (as reported by Point2Homes). The majority of the working population, 68.4%, is employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes). The unemployment rate is reported at 4.6% (as reported by Niche).

The median household income in Navasota is approximately $51,276 (as reported by Point2Homes, Navasota Demographics). However, there are varying figures for median income, with one source indicating a median household income of $46,194 (as reported by Livability.com) and another stating $50,463 (as reported by ZoomProspector). The average per capita income is $42,917 (as reported by Navasota Demographics).

Climate and Weather

Temperatures

Navasota experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures typically range from 38°F to 97°F throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hot season extends from late May to late September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 88°F (as reported by Time and Date).

August is generally the hottest month, with average highs around 94°F and lows of 74°F (as reported by Time and Date). Conversely, the cool season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 68°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 43°F and highs of 61°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Precipitation

The annual precipitation in Navasota averages around 45 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with May typically being the wettest month, receiving an average of 4.2 inches of rain (as reported by Time and Date). The month with the least rainfall is usually July, with an average of 2.1 inches (as reported by Time and Date).

Wet days, defined as days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation, are more common from May to early July, with a greater than 30% chance of a wet day during this period (as reported by Time and Date). June typically sees the most wet days, averaging 10.4 days with measurable precipitation.

Education and Schools

School District Performance

The Navasota Independent School District (ISD) operates six schools, serving approximately 3,030 students (as reported by Niche, SchoolDigger). The district as a whole is ranked 822 out of 961 school districts in Texas and holds a 1-out-of-5-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger). This indicates that the district faces significant challenges, with most schools performing below state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Navasota High School received a “C” rating from the Texas Education Agency, reflecting acceptable performance in student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps (as reported by Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). However, overall testing ranks for Navasota public schools are in the bottom 50% of Texas public schools, with average math proficiency at 31% and reading proficiency at 39% (as reported by Niche).

Notable Schools

Among the Navasota ISD schools, Brule Elementary School is noted as a higher-performing institution, often exceeding district and state averages on STAAR test scores, particularly in reading and math (as reported by SchoolDigger). Other top-ranked public schools include W B Bizzell Academy and John C Webb Elementary School (as reported by Niche).

Despite these pockets of success, many schools within the district face challenges, potentially linked to high poverty levels. All schools report a significant percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, highlighting socioeconomic factors that may impact student outcomes (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Demographics

Population and Diversity

Navasota is home to approximately 8,542 people (as reported by Niche). The population has been growing, with projections indicating a 2026 population of around 8,983 (as reported by Navasota Demographics). The racial makeup of Navasota includes a significant Hispanic population at 37.1%, followed by White residents at 36.4% and Black or African American residents at 24.3% (as reported by Navasota Demographics).

Citizenship is high, with 95.8% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population stands at 9.21%, which is comparable to the national average (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Navasota is 32.3 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (52.7%) compared to males (47.3%) (as reported by ZoomProspector, Niche).

Household and Income Statistics

Navasota has about 2,735 households, with an average of 2.8 members per household (as reported by Point2Homes, ZoomProspector). Of these, 67.6% are considered families, while 32.4% are individuals living alone or with non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income is around $51,276 (as reported by Navasota Demographics).

Income levels vary by age group, with households led by residents aged 25 to 44 having a median income of $64,118 (as reported by Point2Homes). Those aged 45 to 64 earn a median of $44,973 (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of the population, 85.7%, lives above the poverty line (as reported by Point2Homes).