Firstly why Midland, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Midland
• State: Texas
• Population: 159,044 people
• Midland’s quick summary would be Celebrated for its significant role in the oil industry and the vibrant Midland County Civic Center.

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: 9,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 6,000 annually
• Net Migration: 3000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 300

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a strong economy in the oil industry attracting workers

Perk #1: Midland Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 63%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $60,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Midland is $67,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7000 in positive 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 & Midland’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 80 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,263
• Property Tax %: 1.5%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $950
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Midland
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Midland, Odessa, Andrews, Kermit, and probably could include Stanton
• Avg. Age of Homes in Midland: 35 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

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 & Midland’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Midland are  Energy, Manufacturing, and Agriculture
• Midland Job Scene: strong job market centered on energy and manufacturing
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech scene centered around energy and engineering sectors , ,
• Midland Resident’s pay $900 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Midland: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 50 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 6

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 Midland

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $85 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-20 runs through Midland linking it to other areas in West Texas
• Commute Time: 20 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on I-20
• Transportation Score: 27 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Midland: 49,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Midland: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 60 of 100
• Local Airport: Midland International Air and Space Port

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: Midland’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Midland is best described as hot summers mild winters with low precipitation
• Winter Weather in Midland i’d describe as cool with dry weather
• Spring Weather in Midland can be described as warm and dry
• Summer’s in Midland are mostly hot and dry
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Midland is usually warm and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 43 days in summer
• Days in a row in Midland below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 14 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely maintained with minimal pollution
• Midland Winter Air average air quality often impacted by industrial 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: Midland Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Midland 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Midlands’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Midland County 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 & Midland Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Midland only Doctors is about 25
• Local Hospitals here is  2
• Full-time Midland only Police Officers is about 150
• Crime Rate Index: 35/100

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

• Midland’s Monthly utility bill average is $85
• Midland’s Monthly Gym Membership: $36
• Midland’s Water Quality Score: 74

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 Midland

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: oil industry town with a family-friendly vibe and community focus
• You might enjoy shows at the Midland Center for the Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Midland  features local bars and eateries offering a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying after-work evenings

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 Midland

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features casual dining options and local favorites
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 20 scattered around Midland
• The Popular Sports Team is Midland RockHounds
• Top Level Political Climate in Midland can be described as politically conservative area focused on oil and local economy
• Midland’s Longer standing religious establishment is Midland Evangelical Free 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: Midland Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Midland has 20 Parks?
• Midland College Park is Midland’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Midland Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and cultural events

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: Midland Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Midland can be described as rapidly growing urban center with a focus on oil and industry
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Midland hiking local trails attending local fairs picnics
• The Cities people commute to from Midland are Midland 15 miles away West-Odessa 16 miles away Andrews 30 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 Midland 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.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic jams on I-20. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Midland’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Midland is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Midland are Midland 15 miles away West-Odessa 16 miles away Andrews 30 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 35 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Midland has 0 days in a row below freezing and 43 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Midland people have an average (positive or negative) $7000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   300 homeless people living in Midland. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically conservative area focused on oil and local economy 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 Midland.

Retiree & Senior Life in Midland

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from property tax breaks targeted at senior residents
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Cottages
• Midland Senior Center offers various activities wellness programs and resources for seniors

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 Midland, Texas?

If Midland, 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 Midland, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!