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Midland, Texas, was founded in 1881 as the midway point between El Paso and Fort Worth. It is located on Interstate 20, is easily accessible, and boasts Midland International Air & Space Port. But what is it like to live there? Is Midland, Texas really bad?
What do the crime rate, housing, and job market look like? While it’s easy to read things that tell you how to feel, let’s look at some facts so you can decide for yourself if it is awful in Midland.
Midland, Texas is ideal for those who enjoy hot weather and spend their days in nature. The median income is pretty high and the employment rate is solid. However, if you are looking for a place with a lower-than-average crime rate or an excellent education level, this may not be your top choice.
Read on to learn about all Midland facts in detail.
How Bad Is Midland, Texas as a Place to Live?
Midland, Texas is actually considered one of the best places to live in Texas. The hot temperatures can be a drawback for some, however. The population is diverse and people are friendly, but the crime rate is higher than the national average.
To make your own decision about whether Midland, Texas, is bad or not, let’s take a look at what it’s like living there.
Weather and Climate in Midland, Texas
The climate in Midland, Texas, provides long and hot summers. Midland experiences less than five inches of snowfall and less than four days of snow per year.
The highest temperate ever recorded in the summer was 116 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature often soars into the ’90s or over 100 degrees. You will be living in the hot weather for over 100 days of the year.
Midland’s Natural Beauty
Midland, Texas houses some stunning areas of natural beauty to spend those hot days in or those rare cooler temps in to go with those scorching hot days of the summer.
Some natural beauty sights worth visiting in Midland, Texas are:
- Monahans Sandhills State Park
- Balmorhea State Park (home of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool)
- Big Bend National Park
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- I-20 Wildlife Preserve
Midland Demographics
The most recent American Community Survey (ACS) shows that the racial composition of Midland is:
- White: 80.64%
- Black or African American: 7.82%
- Asian: 2.18%
- Native American: 0.57%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.06%
- Other race: 6.41%
- Two or more races: 2.32%
The median age in Midland is 32 years approximately.
Midland is growing fast, especially since 2010. Between 2010 and 2018, Midland’s population has grown by 26%.
Workforce and Education
Overall, Midland has a mixed workforce of sales and office workers, professionals, and managers. Many Midland residents work in sales jobs (12.03%), management occupations (11.75%), and office and administrative support (9.55%).
In terms of education, almost 30% of Midland residents have at least a Bachelor’s degree, while that number is down to about 21% in the average American Community. However, the general education level is below the US average.
In 2018, the median individual income in Midland was $41,077, which is considered wealthy relative to the rest of Texas and the United States.
Midland Employment
The job market in Midland is pretty solid, with the employment rate sitting at about 68.9%. The unemployment rate is at 3.3%. So, to some, it’s a promising place for finding a new and well-paid job.
Midland Public Schools
There are two public school districts in Midland. The Greenwood Independent School District and the Midland Independent School District.
Greenwood Independent School District
There are four schools in this district, with 2,272 students enrolled. There are 17 students per classroom.
Midland Independent School District
There are 42 schools in this district, with 26,432 students enrolled and 17 students per classroom.
Midland Housing Market
The housing market in Midland currently looks like this:
- On average, a house stays on the market for no more than 40 days.
- The average rent is $1,400-$1800 per month.
- The median house value is usually around $300,000.
Midland Poverty Rates
Midland has an overall poverty rate of 9.16%.
The male poverty rate in Midland is at 7.93%, while the female poverty rate is at 10.44%. The most likely race in poverty in Midland is Hispanic, with 13.45% below the poverty level.
Midland Crime Rates
Overall, the crime rate in Midland is slightly higher than the US average. Numbers vary according to the type of crime, however.
Crime rates are probably the number one thing you think of when deciding if a city is bad or good as a place to live. There are multiple types of crime, including violent crimes, which seem to have risen in 2020 and 2021 compared to previous years. In addition, there are property crimes, hate crimes, and others.
Theft (including motor vehicle theft) occurrences have decreased in number in 2021.
Midland, Texas FAQs
Here are some commonly asked questions about Midland, Texas.
What is the nickname of Midland, Texas?
Midland, Texas earned its nickname “The Tall City because its downtown buildings are visible for miles on the horizon when one is approaching the city.
Is Midland, Texas a desert?
Yes, Midland is a desert, but it is also home to many sights of natural beauty and unique wildlife.
How big is Midland, Texas?
Midland, Texas is a larger medium-sized city with 36 constituent neighborhoods. Midland is also the 27th largest community in Texas. The city features over 225,000 square feet of different meeting spaces and unique museums. Midland has a population of about 141,194 (2020).
References
- https://www.visitmidland.com/plan-your-visit/about-midland/
- https://www.bestplaces.net/crime/?city1=54848072&city2=54848072
- https://www.midlandtxedc.com/community/history/
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Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
