Firstly why Lubbock, Texas?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Lubbock
- State: Texas
- Population: 258,862 people
- Lubbock’s quick summary would be Known for its rich musical heritage, including being the birthplace of Buddy Holly, and Texas Tech University.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 10,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 9,000 annually
- Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,500
- Number of Homeless people: 600
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to Texas Tech University attracting students and families
Perk #1: Lubbock Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $47,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Lubbock is $47,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $0 neutral cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Lubbock’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,132
- Property Tax %: 1.5%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
- Rent for an average house: $1,500
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Lubbock
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Lubbock, Wolfforth, Slaton, Shallowater, and probably could include Idalou
- Avg. Age of Homes in Lubbock: 63 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Lubbock’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Lubbock are Education, Healthcare, and Agriculture
- Lubbock Job Scene: steady job market primarily in healthcare and education
- The General Tech Scene: limited tech presence focused on local services and education initiatives , ,
- Lubbock Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Lubbock: 8.25%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 90 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 5
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Lubbock
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $80 on average per person
- Freeway Access: U.S. Route 84 provides access through Lubbock toward the southwest
- Commute Time: 21 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy evening traffic on University Avenue
- Transportation Score: 24 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Lubbock: 100,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.4
- No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Lubbock: txdmv.gov
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
- Local Airport: Lubbock Preston Smith International
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Lubbock’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
- General Weather in Lubbock is best described as has hot summers and mild winters with low annual precipitation
- Winter Weather in Lubbock i’d describe as cool with some rain
- Spring Weather in Lubbock can be described as warm with rain possible
- Summer’s in Lubbock are mostly hot and dry
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Lubbock is usually warm and sunny
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 25 days in summer
- Days in a row in Lubbock below Freezing: 10
- Average Annual Rainfall: 19 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely maintained with few concerns
- Lubbock Winter Air generally good air quality with few pollution sources
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Lubbock Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Lubbock 4
- While the number of trade schools inside Lubbocks’s city limits are 2
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Lubbock Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Lubbock Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Lubbock only Doctors is about 50
- Local Hospitals here is 3
- Full-time Lubbock only Police Officers is about 280
- Crime Rate Index: 40/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Lubbock’s Monthly utility bill average is $80
- Lubbock’s Monthly Gym Membership: $37
- Lubbock’s Water Quality Score: 68
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Lubbock
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: home to a university known for its music and arts scene
- You might enjoy performances at the Buddy Holly Center
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Lubbock features a vibrant nightlife with a mix of bars clubs and live music catering to students and locals alike
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Lubbock
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes local diners and a variety of casual dining options
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Lubbock
- The Popular Sports Team is Lubbock High School
- Top Level Political Climate in Lubbock can be described as conservative city focused on local economy and agriculture
- Lubbock’s Longer standing religious establishment is Lubbock First Baptist Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Lubbock Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Lubbock has 30 Parks?
- Maxey Park is Lubbock’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Lubbock Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and biking
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Lubbock Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Lubbock can be described as moderate pace with a focus on agriculture and education
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Lubbock exploring parks hiking local trails attending community events
- The Cities people commute to from Lubbock are Dallas 14 miles away Garland 8 miles away Sunnyvale 10 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Lubbock or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: heavy evening traffic on University Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Lubbock’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Lubbock is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Lubbock are Dallas 14 miles away Garland 8 miles away Sunnyvale 10 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Lubbock has 10 days in a row below freezing and 25 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Lubbock people have an average (positive or negative) $0 neutral cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
600 homeless people living in Lubbock. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general conservative city focused on local economy and agriculture could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Lubbock.
Retiree & Senior Life in Lubbock
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can qualify for tax relief aimed at challenging financial obligations
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
- Lubbock Senior Center hosts various activities health resources and social gatherings for older adults
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Lubbock, Texas?
If Lubbock, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Lubbock, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!