2027 MNM LIVABILITY INDEX

Corpus Christi

Texas (TX)
Best for: Beach lovers, military families and value-conscious households who want Gulf access, short commutes and affordable housing.
Corpus Christi TX 2027 livability
Large City
2027 CITY CLASSLarge City300,000–999,999 residents
Modern Livability82.9/ 100
AT A GLANCE

Everyday numbers

Population317,247
Median Home$197,000
Median Rent$1,175
Median Household Income$65,000
Cost of Living~92.5 (US=100; 2024 metro/region)
Average Commute19.6 min
Unemployment~5.0% metro (2026)
Metro AreaCorpus Christi, TX
2027 MODERN LIVABILITY SCORECARD

How this city actually lives

Twelve dimensions capture both hard data and the everyday experience traditional lists tend to miss.

82.9overall
Housing & Financial Reality97.0

Housing burden, taxes, insurance, utilities and what local incomes actually buy.

Ease of Living91.0

Errands, commute friction, parking, services and the effort required for daily life.

Safety & Stability67.0

Personal, neighborhood, road and environmental stability.

Economic Opportunity75.0

Jobs, wages, career mobility, employer diversity and economic resilience.

Health & Wellness80.0

Healthcare access, activity, mental wellness, healthy food and environmental health.

Beauty & Sense of Place90.0

Scenery, architecture, trees, cleanliness, public realm and distinct sense of place.

Mobility & Congestion61.0

Traffic delay, commute reliability, walking, cycling and transit usefulness.

Nature & Escape98.0

Trails, water, mountains, parks, public lands and how easily residents can escape.

Diversity & Belonging93.0

Diversity, integration, accessibility, newcomer friendliness and community connection.

Climate & Environment77.0

Comfortable weather, air quality, severe weather and environmental exposure.

Community & Culture86.0

Restaurants, arts, events, third places, recreation and social life.

Infrastructure & Connectivity78.0

Broadband, utilities, airport, highways, transit and essential connectivity.

THE THINGS OLD-SCHOOL LISTS MISS

What daily life feels like

Traffic / CongestionLow to moderate. Short commutes and manageable traffic are meaningful quality-of-life strengths.
Weekend EscapeOutstanding. Major natural assets are close enough to shape normal weekends and often ordinary weekdays.
WalkabilityAbout 40/100 citywide Walk Score. The city is car-dependent overall, so neighborhood choice strongly affects everyday convenience.
Airport AccessVery good. The local commercial airport is convenient and supports strong regional or national connectivity.
Outdoor AccessExceptional. Nature is a defining part of daily life, with unusually strong access to trails, water, mountains, beaches or wilderness.
Healthcare AccessStrong. Major hospital systems provide practical emergency, primary and specialty care.
Air QualityMixed to generally good. Heat, traffic emissions, smoke, dust or regional weather patterns can periodically worsen conditions.
Third Places / Social LifeVery good. Restaurants, parks, cafés, community events and cultural venues support a healthy social ecosystem.
EDITORIAL VIEW

More than a number

Trajectory: Stable
WHY IT STANDS OUT

Why we chose it

Corpus Christi is the #63 most populous U.S. city in the Census Bureau's 2025 estimates and stands out in the 2027 MNM Livability Index for affordable housing; beaches; short commute; boating; fishing; port economy. The score balances housing, ease of living, safety, opportunity, wellness, beauty, mobility, nature, belonging, climate, culture and infrastructure. Its clearest tradeoffs are wind and heat; hurricane risk; lower wages; limited high-end job diversity.

REAL LIFE

What living here actually feels like

Corpus Christi feels relaxed, coastal and practical, with wind, water and outdoor recreation shaping daily life.

STRENGTHS

Where it shines

Affordable housing; beaches; short commute; boating; fishing; port economy.

TRADEOFFS

Where it falls short

Wind and heat; hurricane risk; lower wages; limited high-end job diversity.

ALL 2027 RANKINGS

Where Corpus Christi ranks