Houston

The City in Brief

Founded: 1836 (incorporated 1837)

Head Official: Mayor Bill White (since 2004)

City Population

1980: 1,595,138

1990: 1,654,348

2000: 1,953,631

2003 estimate: 2,009,690

Percent change, 1990–2000: 18.0%

U.S. rank in 1980: 5th

U.S. rank in 1990: 4th (State rank: 1st)

U.S. rank in 2000: 6th (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 2,753,000

1990: 3,321,926

2000: 4,177,646

Percent change, 1990–2000: 25.8%

U.S. rank in 1980: 9th (CMSA)

U.S. rank in 1990: 10th (CMSA)

U.S. rank in 2000: 10th (CMSA)

Area: 601.69 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Ranges from sea level to about 50 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 68.8° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 47.84 inches

Major Economic Sectors: services, finance/insurance/real estate, trade, government

Unemployment rate: 5.5% (December 2004)

Per Capita Income: $20,101 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 149,247

Major Colleges and Universities: Rice University, University of Houston, Texas Southern University

Daily Newspaper: Houston Chronicle