Baytown, TX: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Baytown: The Data Profile (2026)

Baytown represents a specific archetype of the Gulf Coast industrial economy. With a population of 85,651, it functions as a mid-sized satellite city within the Greater Houston metropolitan area. The economic profile reveals a distinct disparity: the median income sits at $57,421, which is 23.0% lower than the national median of $74,580. This wage suppression is structurally linked to the educational attainment rate, which is 16.0%—less than half the US average of 33.1%.

Target Demographic: The statistical target for Baytown in the post-2026 remote/hybrid era is the "Commuting Optimizer." This profile fits individuals or families who require access to the Houston job market or major logistics hubs (petrochemicals/shipping) but prioritize housing affordability over wage maximization. It is less suitable for the purely remote worker seeking high-end amenities or the highly educated professional seeking a peer group density.

Cost of Living Analysis

The primary economic driver for Baytown is the 12.0% discount on housing compared to the national baseline. While wages are lower, the cost of living index across sectors remains below average, though the gap is narrowing. The "Housing Index" of 88.0 is the critical leverage point for disposable income.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single person earning the median income of $57,421 takes home approximately $4,200 monthly after taxes. With a total estimated cost of living of $2,531, the theoretical disposable income is $1,669. However, for a family of 4 on a single median income, the margin is razor-thin: $4,200 income minus $6,301 expenses results in a -$2,101 deficit. Dual-income households are statistically necessary for financial stability here.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the city's strongest asset. The median home price is significantly lower than the national curve, and the rent-to-income ratio is manageable. The Price/SqFt metric highlights the value retention in the area, sitting 11.1% below the US average.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Buying is mathematically favorable in Baytown. The median home price of $225,000 allows for a monthly mortgage (at 6.5% interest) of roughly $1,420, which is comparable to renting a 3-bedroom unit ($1,650). Given the high property crime rate, however, buyers must factor in security costs. Renting offers flexibility for those unwilling to commit to the local industrial economic cycle.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO & Commute: In 2026, Baytown's economy remains tethered to physical industries. The 4.2% unemployment rate is effectively at full employment, suggesting stability in blue-collar sectors (refining, manufacturing). However, the "Return to Office" (RTO) mandates in Houston (approx. 25-30 miles west) create significant friction. Average commute times to central Houston range from 45 to 65 minutes via I-10.

Industry Stability: The local economy is heavily exposed to energy sector volatility. While stable now, the 16.0% college education rate suggests a lack of economic diversification. Remote work penetration is lower here than in the national average, meaning residents are more exposed to physical RTO mandates.

Quality of Life Audit

While the air quality is surprisingly good, the internal health metrics of the population are concerning. The city suffers from "industrial diet" syndrome—high rates of obesity and diabetes correlate with the local food culture and lifestyle.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Violent Crime: 446 per 100k (US avg: 380). This is 17.4% higher than the national average.
• Property Crime: 2,876 per 100k (US avg: 2,000). This is 43.8% higher than the national average. Residents must invest in home security systems.
• Air Quality: Despite the industrial base, the AQI is 48 (Good), and PM2.5 is 7.0 µg/m³, well below the EPA standard of 12.0 µg/m³.
• Schools: The low college attainment rate (16.0%) suggests the K-12 system may struggle to compete with affluent suburbs.
• Weather: Currently 65.0°F and cloudy. Expect high humidity and hurricane risks in the summer/fall.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: You get 33.8% more housing for your money compared to the national average.
• Air Quality: Surprisingly clean air (AQI 48) for a refinery town.
• Job Stability: Low unemployment (4.2%) in industrial sectors.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Extremely high obesity (39.5%) and diabetes (14.0%) rates.
• Safety: Property crime is 43.8% above the US average.
• Wage Ceiling: Median income is $57,421, significantly below the national standard.

Final Recommendation:
Baytown is a "Value Play" for the industrial workforce. It is recommended for blue-collar workers, logistics professionals, or families who need to be within driving distance of Houston but cannot afford the city's inflated prices. It is not recommended for remote tech workers, retirees concerned with safety/health metrics, or those seeking a high-education peer group.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Baytown?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 is sufficient to cover the $2,531 monthly expenses and save $1,000+. For a family of 4, a household income of at least $85,000 is required to avoid living paycheck-to-paycheck.

2. How does Baytown's value compare to nearby Pasadena or League City?
Baytown is 12.0% cheaper than the national average, whereas League City is roughly 5% above average. You sacrifice school quality and safety stats for the $225,000 median home price in Baytown.

3. Is the property crime rate a dealbreaker?
With property crime at 2,876 per 100k (vs 2,000 national), it is a significant factor. Budget $50-$100/month for a monitored security system and avoid street parking for vehicles.

4. When is the best time to move to Baytown?
Move in October or November. The weather drops from the 90°F+ summer highs to the 65°F range, and the hurricane risk subsides. Avoid moving during the summer months due to extreme humidity and heat.