Living in The Woodlands, TX
The Woodlands is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Texas, with about 121,000 residents (Census Bureau, 2020-2024 average). It has no city government of its own; the county provides most services. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (98.6 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population
- 121,002ACS 2020-2024 average
- Median home value
- $511,7003.6 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,822/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $140,701median, per year
- Price level
- 98.6US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 64° / 95°lows 44° / 76°
- Average commute
- 27 min22% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: Montgomery County, Harris County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 141 ft
Metro area: Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX
Cost of living in The Woodlands
The median home in The Woodlands is worth $511,700 and the median household earns $140,701 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.6 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,822 a month, about 16% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metro area at 98.6, with housing at 104.5 and goods at 100.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $74,000 here. Texas has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Texas is 8.2%.
What would my salary be worth in The Woodlands?
The Woodlands weather
Average highs run from 64°F in January to 94°F in July, and January nights average 44°F. It gets 52 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. Expect about 111 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are November to April.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit The Woodlands
People and work
The median resident is 40.6 years old, and 66% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 72% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 27 minutes; 22% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 40.6464th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 66%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 73%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,79643.3 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%1% walk, 0% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 5.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 2000median year
Who moves to The Woodlands, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Austin (Travis County), Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and San Antonio (Bexar County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Austin (Travis County), Fort Worth (Tarrant County) and San Antonio (Bexar County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Montgomery County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, lightning, ice storm, hurricane.
Home prices
+3.4% in a year
Up 33% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
10% good days
46 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near The Woodlands
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Daikin Park 30 miles
- Lone Star College System 2 miles
- Houston City College 31 miles
- Rice University 32 miles
- University of Houston 33 miles
- University of Houston-Downtown 29 miles
- Prairie View A & M University 29 miles
- Texas Southern University 32 miles
- University of St Thomas 31 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near The Woodlands
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| George Bush Intercontinental Airport IAH | 16 mi | 23,349,157 |
| William P. Hobby Airport HOU | 38 mi | 7,116,967 |
| Easterwood Airport CLL | 58 mi | 68,316 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near The Woodlands
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Star College System | 2 mi | 45,188 | $15,874 | n/a |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in The Woodlands
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before February 13, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 25 and the first frost comes around December 9.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Houston Intercontinental Airport, TX, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for The Woodlands.
Wildfire smoke in The Woodlands
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered The Woodlands on about 159 days a year, including about 18 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in The Woodlands
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 44,062 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in The Woodlands
Downtown The Woodlands is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conroe Independent School District | Pre-K to 12 | 72,914 | 67 | 15.3 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Klein Independent School District (52,437 students), Spring Independent School District (33,590 students), Tomball Independent School District (22,913 students), Magnolia Independent School District (14,916 students), Montgomery Independent School District (9,889 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
The Woodlands's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to The Woodlands's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Charleston, SC79% matchCompare
- Palm Coast, FL77% matchCompare
- Orlando, FL71% matchCompare
- Deltona, FL69% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near The Woodlands
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Pros and cons of living in The Woodlands
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Homes are affordable for locals: the median home costs 3.6 years of median household income, lower than in three quarters of the cities we cover.
- Data Texas has no state income tax on wages.
- Data Winters are warm, with January highs around 64°F.
- Data A highly educated city: 66% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Data Summers are long and hot: about 111 days a year reach 90°F.
- Data Air quality is a concern: 46 days in 2025 were unhealthy at least for sensitive groups (EPA).
The Woodlands report card from locals
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The Woodlands through locals' eyes
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Cities near The Woodlands
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conroe, TX | 11 mi | 119,564 | $309,600 | 98.6 | Compare |
| Houston, TX | 24 mi | 2,397,315 | $277,800 | 98.6 | Compare |
| Sugar Land, TX | 39 mi | 107,726 | $430,200 | 98.6 | Compare |
| Missouri City, TX | 40 mi | 77,327 | $311,400 | 98.6 | Compare |
| Pasadena, TX | 40 mi | 148,539 | $209,600 | 98.6 | Compare |
| Baytown, TX | 43 mi | 86,561 | $197,300 | 98.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
The Woodlands ranks 13th of 47 in our best suburbs of Houston ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare The Woodlands with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is The Woodlands a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show homes that cost under four years of median income, no state income tax on wages, 6 comfortable months a year; the trade-offs are 111 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Compare The Woodlands side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of The Woodlands?
About 121,002, the Census Bureau's American Community Survey average for 2020 to 2024. As an unincorporated community, The Woodlands is not included in the yearly city population estimates.
How much do you need to earn to live in The Woodlands?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $74,000 in the The Woodlands area. The median household here earns $140,701.
When is the best time to visit The Woodlands?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, November to April are the most comfortable months. July averages 94°F and January 64°F for daytime highs.
What county is The Woodlands in?
Most of The Woodlands (84% of its land) is in Montgomery County. Smaller parts lie in Harris County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is The Woodlands in?
The Woodlands is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of The Woodlands?
About 141 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
No. Texas does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of The Woodlands. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Houston Intercontinental Airport, TX station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.