Ultimate Guide to Galveston County, Texas

1. Where Is Galveston County Located?

Galveston County is located on the southeastern tip of Texas, bordered by Harris County to the north and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. It’s part of the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area, providing the perfect blend of urban access and beach-town tranquility.

The county seat is Galveston, a historic port city known for its beaches, Victorian architecture, and festive culture. Other prominent cities in the county include:

• Texas City

• League City

• Friendswood

• Dickinson

• Santa Fe

• La Marque

• Kemah

• Clear Lake Shores

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2. Galveston County at a Glance

Here are some fast facts about Galveston County:

• Population: Over 360,000 residents and growing

• Median Household Income: ~$79,000

• Median Home Price: ~$290,000 (varies by city)

• Climate: Humid subtropical, with mild winters and hot summers

• Proximity to Major Cities:

  • 30–60 minutes to Houston

  • 4 hours to San Antonio

  • 5 hours to Dallas

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3. Best Places to Live in Galveston County

League City

One of the fastest-growing communities in the area. Known for great schools, master-planned communities, and family-friendly neighborhoods.

Friendswood

An upscale suburb with a tight-knit community, excellent school districts, and low crime rates.

Galveston

Perfect for those seeking historic charm, arts and culture, and a walkable beach-town feel.

Texas City

More affordable housing, strong industrial presence, and growing retail corridors.

Kemah

A tourist hotspot famous for its boardwalk, marinas, and waterfront dining—ideal for lovers of nightlife and boating.

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4. Real Estate and Housing Market Overview

The housing market in Galveston County is diverse, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. You’ll find:

• Beachfront condos and cottages in Galveston

• Master-planned subdivisions in League City and Friendswood

• Affordable starter homes in Texas City and Santa Fe

• Luxury waterfront properties in Clear Lake Shores and Kemah

Median home prices hover around $290,000, but vary greatly depending on location and proximity to water.

Rental options are also available, with average rents around $1,500–$2,100 per month.

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5. Employment and Economic Landscape

Galveston County benefits from a diverse and stable economy, driven by:

• Healthcare & education (University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston)

• Tourism (cruise terminals, beach tourism, Moody Gardens)

• Port and logistics (Port of Galveston is a major cruise and cargo hub)

• Petrochemical industry (Texas City has one of the largest refineries in the U.S.)

• Aerospace & technology (close ties to NASA and Houston’s tech economy)

Top employers include:

• UTMB Health

• Marathon Petroleum

• American National Insurance

• Galveston ISD

• City of League City

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6. Education and Schools in Galveston County

The county is served by multiple top-performing school districts, including:

• Clear Creek ISD (League City, Friendswood): Highly rated for academics and extracurriculars

• Dickinson ISD

• Texas City ISD

• Galveston ISD

For higher education, Galveston County is home to:

• Texas A&M University at Galveston

• University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)

• College of the Mainland (Texas City)

Families will find a strong support system for education, both in public and private options.

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7. Things to Do in Galveston County

Living in Galveston County means never being bored. Some must-see and must-do attractions include:

Galveston Island

• Historic Pleasure Pier

• Moody Gardens

• Schlitterbahn Waterpark

• The Strand Historic District

• Annual Mardi Gras Festival

Kemah Boardwalk

A family-friendly amusement and dining destination on the waterfront.

Nature and Parks

• Galveston Island State Park

• Bayou Wildlife Zoo

• Lagoonfest in Texas City

• Numerous marinas, birding trails, and coastal reserves

You’ll find plenty of fishing, boating, kayaking, and beachcombing opportunities just minutes from home.

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8. Healthcare and Hospitals

Galveston County is well-equipped with healthcare facilities:

• UTMB Health Galveston – Level 1 trauma center and leading research hospital

• HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland (Texas City)

• Mainland Medical Center

• Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital (nearby)

You’ll have access to world-class healthcare without needing to travel far.

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9. Transportation and Commute

Galveston County offers easy access to Houston and surrounding areas:

• I-45 runs through the county, connecting Galveston to Houston in under an hour (traffic permitting)

• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) – ~30–40 minutes from League City

• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – ~1–1.5 hours from most of the county

• Cruise Terminal in Galveston – Gateway to the Caribbean

Public transportation options are limited, but the area is very car-friendly.

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10. Cost of Living in Galveston County

While not the cheapest in Texas, Galveston County still offers a reasonable cost of living, especially compared to major metros like Austin or Dallas.

• Housing: Affordable compared to coastal cities nationally

• Utilities: Slightly above average due to hot summers

• Groceries/Healthcare: On par with Texas averages

• Property Taxes: ~2.3–2.7% depending on city

In short, you get coastal living without coastal pricing.

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11. Community, Safety, and Culture

Community Vibes

Residents love the county’s blend of southern hospitality and laid-back beach energy. There’s a strong sense of community pride, and most cities are family-oriented.

Safety

• League City and Friendswood consistently rank among the safest cities in Texas.

• Galveston’s urban core has seen improvements in safety, especially in tourist districts.

Cultural Life

• Historic museums, art galleries, and seasonal festivals

• Local seafood restaurants and beach bars

• Strong traditions of holiday parades, Mardi Gras, and Juneteenth celebrations

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12. Weather and Climate

Galveston County has a humid subtropical climate, with:

• Hot, humid summers (highs in the 90s °F)

• Mild winters (rarely below freezing)

• Hurricane season: June through November

It’s important to understand flood zones and prepare for weather-related events, but modern infrastructure and warnings provide ample protection.

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13. Pros and Cons of Living in Galveston County

Pros

• Access to beaches and water activities

• Proximity to Houston

• Diverse economy

• Affordable cost of living

• Excellent schools (in select districts)

• Growing real estate value

Cons

• Humid weather and occasional flooding

• Traffic on I-45 during peak hours

• Limited public transit

• Hurricane risk (preparedness is key)

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Conclusion: Is Galveston County Right for You?

If you’re seeking a coastal lifestyle without the California price tag, Galveston County, Texas, delivers big. From family-friendly suburbs to bustling beach cities, there’s a neighborhood for everyone. Add in a strong job market, solid schools, and a robust cultural scene, and it’s easy to see why this area is booming.

Galveston County is more than just a vacation destination—it’s a place to call home.

Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm of Galveston, the suburban comfort of League City, or the adventurous spirit of Kemah, you’re sure to find your fit.