Odessa, Texas, located in the heart of West Texas, is known for its rich oil history, vibrant culture, and friendly community. As one of the key cities in the Permian Basin, Odessa offers a unique blend of economic opportunity and cultural diversity. The city's dynamic growth and commitment to community make living in Odessa a rewarding experience.
Residents of Odessa enjoy a variety of recreational activities and cultural events. The city's numerous parks, sports complexes, and recreational facilities provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The Odessa Meteor Crater, a significant geological landmark, and the Presidential Archives and Leadership Library are popular attractions that offer educational and recreational experiences.
Odessa's cultural scene is enriched by its diverse population and vibrant arts community. The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center hosts a range of performances, including concerts, theater productions, and dance shows. The Ellen Noël Art Museum and the Permian Playhouse further contribute to the city's cultural landscape, offering residents access to visual and performing arts.
The cost of living in Odessa is relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for families and young professionals. The housing market includes a variety of options, from single-family homes to modern apartments. The city's economy is driven by the oil and gas industry, healthcare, and education, providing numerous job opportunities for residents.
Public transportation in Odessa is provided by EZ-Rider, which operates bus routes throughout the city. Odessa's climate features hot summers and mild winters, allowing for year-round outdoor activities. Overall, Odessa offers a blend of economic opportunity, cultural richness, and community spirit, making it a desirable place to live.
Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Crime
This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.
Schools
The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.
Ratings
AreaVibes collected feedback from local residents in the area through surveys and polls, and the results did not show a favorable view of things like local amenities and the safety of the area.
Odessa, Texas is a mid-sized city with a population of 122,630 people. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Odessa residents are White, 6% Black and 2% Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Odessa are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 37% of the population also speak Spanish. If you are a young adult or student, you might be pleased to know that the average age of all Odessa residents is 30.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Odessa, Texas could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Odessa, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, education and more.
Using data and statistics Odessa has received a livability score of 73 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 86th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Odessa ranks very well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Odessa ranks poorly for, including: amenities (D), crime (D-) and education (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Odessa apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Odessa real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Odessa. Median real estate prices in Odessa come in at $159,700, which is 11.9% higher than the Texas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Odessa, the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 3.8% lower than the Texas average.
| Statistic | Odessa | Texas | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 82.4% | 80.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.9% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.4% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 1.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.9% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
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