Is Waller Safe, Pros and cons of living in Waller
Is it Safe to Live in Waller?
Waller, Texas, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The overall crime rate in Waller is approximately 8% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This translates to about 0.23 daily crimes, comprising 0.04 violent crimes and 0.19 property crimes. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Waller is about 1 in 44 (as reported by AreaVibes).
When examining specific crime types, Waller’s violent crime rate is 15% higher than the national average, with 15 reported violent crimes equating to 414 per 100,000 individuals (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates are also above the national average, with Waller recording 68 property crimes, or 1,875 per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). While Waller is considered safer than 20% of U.S. cities, year-over-year crime has seen an increase of 5% (as reported by AreaVibes). However, it’s worth noting that Waller County, as a whole, has seen a decrease in crime rates in recent years, with a violent crime rate of 19.9, which is lower than the national average of 22.7 (as reported by Waller County Economic Development Partnership). The property crime rate in Waller County is also lower than the national average, at 28.9 compared to 35.4 (as reported by Waller County Economic Development Partnership).
Cost of Living
Waller offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. The overall cost of living in Waller, Texas, is 101, with the national average being 100 (as reported by AreaVibes). This indicates that Waller is slightly more expensive than the national average. However, other sources suggest a different picture, with Waller’s cost of living being 6% lower than the U.S. national average and 12% lower than the Texas state average (as reported by Salary.com). This discrepancy may be due to different calculation methodologies and the inclusion of various expense categories.
Housing expenses in Waller are notably lower than the national average, being 45% lower (as reported by Payscale) and approximately 20% lower than the national average (as reported by Waller County Economic Development Partnership). Renting a two-bedroom unit is also more affordable, costing 8.4% less than the national average (as reported by Waller County Economic Development Partnership). For utilities, prices are 9% lower than the national average, and transportation expenses, including gas prices, are 4% lower (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices in Waller are 2% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale), and healthcare costs are 4% lower (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
The housing market in Waller presents a strong and growing environment with competitive prices. The median home value in Waller, Texas, was approximately $287,061 as of March 2026, showing a 3.2% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). In Waller County, the median home price was $343,400, with home appreciation over the last 10 years reaching 98.7% (as reported by Waller County Economic Development Partnership). Recent data shows the median home price in Waller County was $347,990 in April 2026, a slight decrease of 0.1% year-over-year (as reported by Orchard).
For renters, the average rent in Waller, Texas, as of May 2026, is approximately $1,291 per month, which is 21% lower than the national average rent of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Rental prices for different unit sizes vary, with studios averaging around $1,250, one-bedroom apartments at $1,291, and two-bedroom apartments at $1,545 (as reported by Apartments.com). Three-bedroom rentals can be expected to cost $1,846 or more per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Income and Employment
The economic landscape of Waller shows a median household income that is on the lower side, with various figures reported. In Waller, the median household income was $39,969 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). Waller County’s median household income was $35,667 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). However, more recent data from 2020-2024 indicates a median household income of $80,400 for Waller County (as reported by USAFacts). The average annual salary for an average job in Waller, Texas, is $41,000, or $19.71 per hour (as reported by Zippia). ZipRecruiter reports a median wage of $48.8K per year for Waller, TX.
The unemployment rate in Waller County was 5.6% in 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). Employment in Waller, Texas, saw a decline of 6.19% from 2023 to 2024, with the number of employees decreasing from 1.68k to 1.58k (as reported by Data USA). The primary employment sectors for residents of Waller County are Retail Trade, Manufacturing, and Construction (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the Waller area include Daikin Texas Technology Park, Amazon Distribution Center, and H-E-B Distribution & Manufacturing Investments (as reported by Waller TX Economic Development and From Farmland to Fortune).
Climate
Waller, Texas, experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters, typical of a humid subtropical region. Throughout the year, temperatures in Waller generally range from 40°F in January to 96°F in August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The average annual precipitation is around 49 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather), with May typically being the wettest month, receiving an average of 5 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Summers in Waller are hot and can be oppressive, with average high temperatures ranging from 92-95°F and lows around 72°F from June to August (as reported by USDA Properties). High humidity levels, often exceeding 70%, are common during these months, necessitating robust air conditioning for comfort (as reported by USDA Properties). Winters are milder, with average highs in the 60s°F and lows in the 40s°F from December to February, though occasional freezes below 32°F can occur (as reported by USDA Properties). The area experiences about 154 days per year with comfortable weather, generally between mid-February to April and October to November (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education
The educational landscape in Waller is served by the Waller Independent School District (ISD), which received an overall “C” rating from the Texas Tribune Schools Explorer for 2024. This rating is based on student performance, academic progress, and the success of educating disadvantaged students (as reported by Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). The district has a significant minority enrollment, with 73% of the student body being Hispanic (as reported by Public School Review).
Within the district, Fields Store Elementary School has shown strong performance, ranking in the top 40% of Texas elementary schools and exceeding district and state averages in reading, math, and science proficiency (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Schultz Junior High also performs well, ranking in the top 55% of Texas middle schools and exceeding district and state averages in several subjects (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Waller High School has a strong 94.4% four-year graduation rate, though proficiency rates in subjects like Algebra I may require attention (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district serves approximately 9,283 students across 11 schools (as reported by Public School Review).
Demographics
Waller, Texas, is a city with a population of approximately 3,108 residents as of the most recent Census data (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The population is diverse, with White (Non-Hispanic) residents being the most common ethnic group, followed by Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and Hispanic residents (as reported by Data USA). Specifically, White residents make up about 47.5% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 26.4% and Black residents at 25.7% (as reported by Waller Demographics).
The gender distribution in Waller shows 40% males and 60% females (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Waller is around 27 years (as reported by Point2Homes), with a significant portion of the population falling into the younger adult age brackets. Approximately 19.6% of residents are children under 15, and 27% are between 15 and 24 years old (as reported by Point2Homes). In terms of household composition, Waller has 1,149 households, with an average of 3 members per household (as reported by Point2Homes). A larger percentage of households are renter-occupied (72%) compared to owner-occupied (28%) (as reported by RentCafe).
Pros and Cons of Living in Waller
Living in Waller, Texas, offers a unique blend of small-town charm with proximity to big-city amenities, presenting both advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The lower cost of living, particularly in housing and utilities, is a significant draw for many. This affordability, combined with a strong housing market experiencing appreciation, makes Waller an attractive place for both renters and homeowners. The town’s emphasis on community events and a natural setting provides a peaceful environment.
However, the safety aspect requires careful consideration, as Waller’s crime rates are higher than the national average. While Waller County as a whole shows improving crime statistics, the city itself presents a higher risk for both violent and property crimes. The job market, while supported by major employers like Daikin and Amazon, has seen a recent decline in employment numbers, and the median household income is relatively low. Additionally, the school district, while having some high-performing individual schools, received an overall “C” rating, indicating areas for improvement.
Job Market and Major Employers
Waller’s economic landscape is increasingly defined by its growing industrial and manufacturing sectors, attracting significant corporate investment. Major employers in the area include Daikin Texas Technology Park, a large HVAC manufacturing and distribution facility, and the Amazon Distribution Center, which supports regional e-commerce (as reported by From Farmland to Fortune). Other key companies include H-E-B Distribution & Manufacturing Investments and Elin Energy (as reported by From Farmland to Fortune). These large corporations have brought thousands of jobs and substantial development to the region, signaling a robust economic foundation (as reported by From Farmland to Fortune).
The employment growth in Waller County has been positive, with a 2.55% increase from 2023 to 2024, bringing the total number of employees to 27.8k (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents of Waller County are Retail Trade, Manufacturing, and Construction (as reported by Data USA). However, employment within the city of Waller itself saw a decline of 6.19% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Waller is around $41,000 (as reported by Zippia).
Community and Lifestyle
Waller offers a distinct lifestyle that balances the tranquility of a small town with convenient access to the amenities of the larger Houston metropolitan area. The community is known for its quiet, tree-dense neighborhoods, providing a serene environment for residents to relax (as reported by Apartments.com). Waller also hosts various community events, such as the Christmas Parade, fostering a close-knit atmosphere (as reported by Apartments.com). Proximity to attractions like Zube Park and the Showboat Drive-In, along with easy access to U.S. Route 290, enhances the convenience of living in Waller (as reported by Apartments.com).
The demographic profile of Waller indicates a younger population, with a median age of 27 (as reported by Point2Homes), and a majority of residents being renters (72%) rather than homeowners (28%) (as reported by RentCafe). While the town provides a peaceful setting, the higher crime rates compared to the national average are a factor to consider for those prioritizing safety. The educational system, represented by Waller ISD, has areas of strength but also faces challenges, as indicated by its overall “C” rating (as reported by Texas Tribune Schools Explorer).