RANK #886 / 996 · POP 350,801 · TX
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.4%
Galveston County, Texas, is a coastal area known for its distinctive island city, Galveston, which boasts Victorian architecture and a rich history as a major port. Located on the Gulf Coast, about an hour southeast of Houston, the county offers a unique blend of beach town atmosphere and historical significance. Residents and visitors enjoy 32 miles of Gulf Coast beaches, along with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, and exploring nature preserves like Galveston Island State Park and East End Lagoon Nature Park & Preserve. The climate is humid and subtropical, with mild winters, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. Commutes within the county vary, with options including personal vehicles, public bus services, and park-and-ride shuttles, particularly for those traveling to and from the mainland for work or school.
Life in Galveston County offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle, attracting a mix of families, retirees, and those working in the region. The economy is largely driven by tourism, healthcare, education, and maritime industries. Major institutions like the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) contribute to the healthcare and education sectors, drawing students and professionals to the area. The Port of Galveston also plays a significant role, handling cruise and cargo operations. While the county experiences economic growth, particularly in tourism, it also faces challenges related to managing housing costs and preparing for tropical storms. Several school districts serve the county, including Galveston ISD, Clear Creek ISD, and Friendswood ISD.
Below national median (4.7x)
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Offshore Wind Farm (Galveston Area Lease)
Various (Shell, TotalEnergies, etc.)
|
$3,700M | Proposed |
|
Port of Galveston 20-Year Strategic Master Plan (Cruise, Cargo, Commercial)
Port of Galveston
|
$2,400M | Planned |
|
Hidden Lakes Reliability Project (Battery Energy Storage System)
GridStor
|
$440M | Under Construction |
|
Shepard Energy Storage (Battery Energy Storage System)
Undisclosed
|
$250M | Proposed |
|
Galveston County Bond Initiative (Roads, Facilities, Flood Control, San Luis Pass Bridge)
Galveston County
|
$186M | Planned |
|
Legacy Master-Planned Community (League City)
Undisclosed
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Galveston County has a Boom Town Index score of 11/100, ranking #886 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.1% and a median household income of $83,913, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Galveston County is $260,600 with median rent at $1,301/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.322, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.1%. Home values changed -3.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.51% of Galveston County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.