PEARLAND, Texas — Pearland is making national headlines as one of the most desirable places to call home.
The Houston-area suburb was ranked No. 3 overall in the U.S. News & World Report 2025–2026 Best Places to Live list and named the No. 1 Best Place to Live in Texas. It also came in No. 2 among medium-sized U.S. cities, according to the report.
Why Pearland ranks so high
The U.S. News rankings factor in affordability, quality of life, job market strength and overall desirability. Pearland earned an overall score of 7 out of 10, standing out as both family-friendly and economically strong.
The city is home to about 123,986 residents, with a median age of 35.9. Nearly 29% of the population is under 20, while 24% are between 45 and 64, according to the data. The community also has a higher share of married residents (58.5%) compared to the national average.
Affordable housing and strong value
Housing is one of Pearland’s biggest draws. The suburb scored an 8/10 on the Value Index, offering more affordability compared to similar-sized cities. The median home value is $319,753, well below the national average of $370,489. Renters can expect a median price of $1,403 per month…