With around 30 million citizens, Texas is the second-largest state in the union. Many individuals who are looking for pleasant weather, diverse cultures, and economic opportunities have made it a popular destination. But Texas has had some significant problems recently, which have made the state less appealing and even intolerable for some of its residents. These are the seven Texas towns where residents are escaping as quickly as possible.
Austin
Texas’s capital, Austin, is among the nation’s fastest-growing cities. It is renowned for its liberal politics, thriving music scene, and tech sector. Nevertheless, as it battles to keep up with the flood of people and the rising expense of living, Austin has also become a victim of its own success. The New Yorker reported that “stifling traffic and unaffordable restaurants” are now the hallmarks of Austin. Austin’s real estate costs have surged to become some of the highest in the nation. It’s becoming more and more difficult for the many people who relocated to Austin because of the city’s innovation and culture.
Houston
Houston is the fourth-biggest metropolis in the United States and the largest in Texas. It serves as a worldwide center for trade, energy, and healthcare. But Houston is also vulnerable to weather-related events like heat waves, floods, and storms. Hurricane Harvey wreaked havoc on the city in 2017, uprooting thousands of residents and resulting in damage worth billions of dollars. Millions of Texans were left without water and electricity in 2021 due to a winter storm, which highlighted the state’s shoddy infrastructure and electrical system. In addition, Houston experiences high rates of crime, traffic congestion, and air pollution.
Dallas
Dallas is the ninth-biggest city in the United States and the third-largest in Texas. It is a significant hub for culture, business, and finance. But Dallas also has some significant issues that deter some folks from moving there. Almost 25% of people in Dallas live below the federal poverty level, making it one of the most impoverished large American cities. Dallas is one of the top 10 most dangerous cities in the US and has a high rate of violent crime. Dallas also experiences hot, muggy summers that frequently reach temperatures beyond 100°F.
El Paso
The population of El Paso, a border city in western Texas, is roughly 700,000. The city is rich in history and culture, with a significant Mexican and Native American influence. El Paso is less appealing to some people due to certain issues, nevertheless. One of the most remote places in the country is El Paso, as the closest big metropolis is more than 500 miles away. In addition, El Paso has a low level of educational attainment, a high unemployment rate, and a poor median income. El Paso also has a high crime rate, particularly near the border where violence and drug trafficking are prevalent.
Lubbock
The population of Lubbock, a city in northwest Texas, is roughly 260,000. It is a significant agricultural hub and the location of Texas Tech University. But Lubbock also has several disadvantages that deter some people from moving there. One of the most conservative American cities, Lubbock has significant religious and political sway. In addition, teen pregnancies, STDs, and abortion rates are high in Lubbock. The climate in Lubbock is similarly harsh, with frequent tornadoes, droughts, and dust storms.
Odessa
Odessa is a city in western Texas that is home to roughly 120,000 people. It is a significant center for the oil and gas sector, which gives the city a large number of employment and income. Odessa does, however, have several drawbacks that deter certain individuals from moving there. Odessa has one of the highest housing and living costs of any city in Texas. Odessa is one of the top 10 most hazardous cities in Texas due to its high crime rate. Together with low-quality healthcare, education, and leisure opportunities, Odessa also has a low standard of living.
Beaumont
The population of Beaumont, a city in southeast Texas, is roughly 120,000. With a long history in the oil and lumber sectors, it is a significant port and industrial hub. Beaumont does, however, have several issues that detract from its allure for certain individuals. With high levels of ozone, particulate matter, and hazardous chemicals, Beaumont is among the most polluted cities in the United States. With about a third of its residents living below the federal poverty line, Beaumont likewise has a high rate of poverty. In addition, there is a significant chance of earthquakes, floods, and storms in Beaumont.
Statistical Data:
| Town | Population (approx.) | Key Features | Challenges/Issues |
| Austin | Not specified | Liberal politics, thriving music scene, tech sector | Stifling traffic, unaffordable restaurants, surging real estate costs, difficulty in coping with population influx |
| Houston | 2.3 million | Global trade, energy, healthcare hub | Vulnerable to weather-related events, high crime rates, traffic congestion, air pollution, infrastructure issues |
| Dallas | 1.3 million | Culture, business, finance hub | High poverty rates, violent crime, hot summers reaching over 100°F |
| El Paso | 700,000 | Border city, rich history and culture | Remote location, low educational attainment, high unemployment, low median income, high crime rates near the border |
| Lubbock | 260,000 | Agricultural hub, home to Texas Tech University | Conservative city, high influence of religion and politics, high rates of teen pregnancies, STDs, and abortion, harsh climate |
| Odessa | 120,000 | Oil and gas sector center | High housing and living costs, high crime rate, low-quality healthcare, education, and leisure opportunities, low standard of living |
| Beaumont | 120,000 | Industrial hub with a history in oil and lumber | High pollution levels, significant poverty rates, risk of earthquakes, floods, and storms |
Read More: 7 Wyoming Towns Are Losing Residents As Soon As Possible
In summary
Texas is a big, diversified state that offers its citizens a lot of chances and attractions. Nonetheless, Texas faces significant obstacles that have reduced its appeal and rendered it intolerable for certain residents. People are escaping Texas locations such as Austin, Houston, Dallas, El Paso, Lubbock, Odessa, and Beaumont as quickly as possible. Numerous issues plague these cities, including high living expenses, a high crime rate, bad infrastructure, unfavorable weather patterns, and low life quality. Even if these places may still appeal to some people, many others are searching elsewhere for better options.