Climate & Environment in Houston, TX
Updated 2026 • Air quality, water quality, CO2 emissions & energy costs
Houston's average Air Quality Index is 2 — rated Good by EPA standards.
Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The AQI measures air pollution on a 0–500 scale. Lower is better. Here's how Houston's air quality compares:
With an average AQI of 2, Houston falls in the Good range. The area experienced 52 days with poor air quality over the past year, which is above average. The worst recorded AQI was 5.0, remaining within acceptable limits even at peak pollution.
Environmental Quality in Houston, TX
Key environmental health indicators that affect daily life, outdoor activities, and long-term wellbeing for residents of Houston.
CO2 Emissions Breakdown for TX
TX's total CO2 emissions are 663.5 million metric tons (21.8 tons per capita). This is above the US average of ~14 tons per person, often driven by heavy industrial activity or fossil-fuel-based electricity generation.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2021 data. Values in million metric tons of CO2.
⚡ Energy Costs in TX
Energy prices affect monthly household budgets and are an important factor when evaluating the cost of living in Houston, TX.
Residents of TX benefit from electricity prices that are 16.4¢ – 14.5¢ = lower than the national average. This means lower monthly utility bills compared to many other states, making Houston more affordable for energy-intensive households.
What Houston's Environment Means for You
Air Quality: Houston, TX enjoys good air quality with an average AQI of 2, well within EPA's "Good" range (0–50). Residents can expect safe conditions for outdoor exercise, gardening, and recreational activities year-round.
Water Quality: Houston's drinking water scores 6/10. This is an acceptable rating, meaning the water supply generally meets safety standards. Some residents choose to use filtration for taste preferences. water quality is acceptable; low contamination present.
Carbon Footprint: TX's per-capita CO2 emissions are 21.8 metric tons per year (total state emissions: 663.5 million metric tons). This is above the national average of ~14 tons, often due to heavy industrial activity or reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation. If environmental impact is important to your relocation decision, this is worth considering.
Energy Costs: Electricity in TX costs 14.47¢ per kWh, which is below the US average of 16.41¢/kWh. This translates to lower monthly utility bills for Houston residents.
Houston, TX Environment Overview
How's the environment in Houston, TX? The area experiences excellent air quality with an average AQI of 2 — well below concerning levels. Water quality is rated 6/10. This page covers air pollution trends, water safety, and environmental factors that affect daily life.
Environmental Pros & Cons of Houston, TX
Pros
- •Warm weather all year round
- •Plenty of family-friendly activities
- •Active arts and music scene
- •Vibrant nightlife options available
- •Numerous parks and green spaces
- •Good job market for many fields
- •Diverse culture and activities
- •Great food scene in the city
- •Relatively low cost of living
- •Strong sense of community support
Cons
- •Limited public transportation options
- •Public schools can be lacking
- •Income inequality in neighborhoods
- •High humidity and heat levels
- •Political divide in local views
- •Some areas show racial tensions
- •Reports of high crime rates
- •Traffic congestion is frequent
- •Healthcare access can be uneven
- •Risk of flooding in some areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
The cost of living in Houston, TX is 0% equal to the national average, with a cost of living index of 100 (where 100 represents the U.S. average). Housing typically accounts for the largest portion of living expenses. See full cost of living breakdown →
Is Houston, TX a safe place to live? ▼
Houston, TX is average in terms of safety, with crime rates near the national average. Safety varies significantly by neighborhood. View detailed Houston crime statistics →
What are the best neighborhoods in Houston, TX? ▼
The best neighborhoods in Houston, TX depend on your priorities. For families, look for areas near top-rated schools with lower crime rates. For affordability, neighborhoods vary in price depending on proximity to amenities and schools. Explore Houston on our interactive map →
How are the taxes in Houston, TX? ▼
Tax rates in Houston, TX include state and local components. The cost of living index of 100 reflects a moderate cost environment compared to the national average. View detailed Houston tax information →
How does Houston, TX compare to nearby cities? ▼
Houston, TX offers comparable costs to nearby communities. With a cost of living index of 100, median home prices of $0, and a crime rate of 0 per 1,000 residents, you can compare these metrics side-by-side. Use the compare feature to evaluate specific cities.
What is the weather like in Houston, TX? ▼
Weather in Houston, TX varies by season. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 1. View detailed Houston climate & environment data →
Explore More About Houston, TX
📅 Last Updated: February 2026
Sources: EPA Air Quality System (AQS), U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), NOAA, U.S. Census Bureau