Moving to Katy, Texas? Here’s What You Should Expect

Katy, Texas blends the charm of a railroad town with modern suburban living just 30 miles west of Houston. Known for its top-rated Katy ISD schools, family-friendly green spaces, and a thriving local economy, Katy has become one of the most desired zip codes in the U.S. Whether you’re drawn by its small‑town heritage or convenient access to the city, Katy offers a balanced lifestyle across generations.

Quick Facts about Katy, TX:

• Location: Approximately 30 miles west of downtown Houston.
• Top schools: Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) with 74 schools and a 94.9% graduation rate.
• Home prices: Median home value around $351,387 as of mid-2025.
• Property tax rate: Varies by neighborhood; for example, 1.85% in G W Cartwright and up to 3.67% in Sunterra.
• Population: Approximately 23,900 residents with a median age of 36.
• Major hospitals nearby: Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital and Houston Methodist West Hospital.
• Cost of living index: Approximately 89.2, indicating it's about 10.8% below the national average.

Schools

Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) is renowned for its commitment to educational excellence. Serving over 94,000 students across 74 schools, the district boasts a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, ensuring personalized attention for learners.

Katy ISD has received an "A" rating from the Texas Education Agency, reflecting its high academic standards. The district offers a diverse curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses, career and technical education, and fine arts programs. With a graduation rate of 94.9%, Katy ISD prepares students for success in higher education and beyond for communities like Candela, Elyson, and Fulshear Lakes.

Commute

Katy's proximity to Houston makes it a viable option for commuters. The city is approximately 30 miles west of downtown Houston, with travel times ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Interstate 10 (Katy Freeway) serves as the primary route, and public transportation options, such as FlixBus, offer additional commuting alternatives.

Despite potential traffic congestion during peak hours, many residents find the commute manageable, especially with flexible work arrangements. This is especially true for those living in the Jordan Ranch, Jubilee, and Grange.

Real estate trends

Katy's real estate market has experienced fluctuations in recent years. As of June 2025, the median home price was approximately $350,000, reflecting a 7.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Homes typically spend around 30 days on the market, indicating steady demand. The city offers a mix of housing options, from master-planned communities to established neighborhoods, catering to diverse preferences and budgets.

Cost of living

Katy offers a cost of living that is slightly below the national average. The overall cost of living index stands at 89.2, with housing costs being particularly affordable. The median home price is around $225,000, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $825 per month. These factors make Katy an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life in communities like Cane Island and Cross Creek West.

Demographics

Katy is home to approximately 23,900 residents, with a median age of 36 years. The population is diverse and is comprised of:

48.91% males and 51.09% females.

78.52% of residents are U.S.-born citizens, while 13.44% are naturalized citizens, and 8.04% are non-citizens.

91.1% of residents hold a high school diploma or higher, and 47.1% possess a bachelor's degree or higher.

Nearby healthcare

Katy residents have access to several reputable healthcare facilities. Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital is a 208-bed facility offering a range of services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized treatments.

Houston Methodist West Hospital provides advanced medical and surgical care, featuring state-of-the-art technology and a comprehensive range of specialties. Additionally, Texas Children's Hospital West Campus offers pediatric care with a 26-bed emergency center, ensuring comprehensive healthcare options for families.

City growth and development plans

Katy is experiencing a phase of robust growth with several transformative projects underway. A centerpiece is the 165-acre Texas Heritage Marketplace, a $400 million mixed-use development that broke ground in early 2025 at Texas Heritage Parkway and Interstate 10.

The development includes 750,000 sq ft of retail, 300,000 sq ft of medical offices, self-storage, and 550 apartment units, anchored by Target. Residents are expected to begin moving in by mid‑2026, with apartments opening in 2028.

Natural environment

Katy is surrounded by unique natural landscapes shaped by the Texas prairie and vibrant conservation initiatives. The Katy Prairie Conservancy maintains over 24,500 acres of prairie land across western Harris and Waller counties, including preserves like Nelson Farms Preserve, home to working rice fields and rich wildlife habitats, and Warren Ranch, one of the region’s largest prairie land reserves.

Residents also enjoy expansive Harris County parks such as John Paul Landing Park, which spans 865 acres and includes a 176-acre lake with an environmental education center. Nearby Paul D. Rushing Park features a 232-acre public greenspace with wildlife viewing areas and serene walking trails.

FAQs about living in Katy, Texas

Here are some commonly asked questions about what it is like to live in Katy, Texas.

Q: How safe is Katy, Texas?

Katy’s total crime rate is approximately 25.6 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, placing it slightly higher than the average U.S. city by population size. Violent crime occurs at 3 per 1,000, or a 1‑in‑334 chance of victimization, which remains below national averages. Property crime stands at 12.04 per 1,000 residents, roughly matching national rates. Residents generally consider the southwest area of Katy the safest, with some neighborhoods offering as low as a 1‑in‑65 risk, while northeast areas see higher rates.

Q: How far is Katy, Texas from Houston?

Katy is located about 30 miles (48 km) west of downtown Houston. The most common commuting route via Interstate 10 (the Katy Freeway) takes around 30 to 40 minutes, though rush-hour congestion can extend travel time significantly. Limited direct bus service (e.g. FlixBus) offers additional transit options, typically around 40 minutes in duration.

Q: What is there to do in Katy, Texas?

Katy offers a mix of entertainment and outdoor access. Key highlights include LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, known for its shopping, dining, and live events. Families enjoy Typhoon Texas Waterpark and Mary Jo Peckham Park, which also features mini-golf, trails, and an amphitheater. For indoor fun, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games and Momentum Climbing offer arcade and active recreation. Local favorites like No Label Brewing Co. and museums such as the Katy Heritage Museum deepen the cultural mix.

What makes Katy, Texas stand out

Katy blends historic small-town charm with modern suburban conveniences and a thriving local economy. In 2025, it ranked among the top 10 entrepreneurial cities in the U.S., driven by over 6,600 new small businesses and a supportive talent pipeline from campuses like UH‑Katy and HCC‑Katy. The city also earned recognition as one of Texas’s best places to retire, praised for its strong healthcare access, recreation centers, and walkable commercial hubs like LaCenterra and Mary Jo Peckham Park.