Relocating or visiting a new city involves considering various factors, and the decision can significantly impact your lifestyle and experiences. When comparing Phoenix, Arizona, and Northwest Harris, Texas, you'll find different features, advantages, and drawbacks. Phoenix is a much larger city, featuring a diverse landscape, a strong economy, and a unique blend of cultures. Northwest Harris is more of a community in Harris County and is smaller in comparison but offers its own charm with more familiar weather patterns for those familiar with the South, a lower cost of living, and proximity to Houston.
Like most cities, both Phoenix and Northwest Harris have areas with higher crime rates than others. However, overall, Phoenix has a higher crime rate than Northwest Harris. It's advisable, whether you're relocating or visiting either place, to research the neighborhoods thoroughly and take standard safety precautions, like anywhere else.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Phoenix is generally lower than in Northwest Harris. This is true in terms of housing, groceries, and healthcare. However, the average income in Northwest Harris is higher, which could offset the difference in cost of living.
Income Tax
Arizona has a state income tax, with rates ranging from 2.59% to 4.54%. Texas, however, does not have a state income tax, which is a significant financial consideration.
Property Tax
In Phoenix, the median property tax is approximately $1,364 per year. Northwest Harris, on the other hand, has a higher median property tax, around $3,578.
Sales Tax
The city and state sales tax in Phoenix, Arizona, is 8.6%, while in Northwest Harris, Texas, it is 8.25%.
Income
Type
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Estimated median household income
$68,435
$91,482
Estimated per capita income
$35,073
$43,231
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
101.2
102.4
If you make $50,000 in Phoenix, you will have to make $50,593 in Northwest Harris to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by mountains, which offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of hiking and exploration opportunities. Northwest Harris, in the Houston metropolitan area, is characterized by flat plains.
Geographical information
Type
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Land area
474.9 sq. miles
437.4 sq. miles
Population density
3,421.1 people per sq. mile
1,061.5 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Phoenix, AZ Northwest Harris, TX
Education
When it comes to education, Phoenix boasts numerous highly-rated public, charter, and private schools, along with well-known universities like Arizona State University. Northwest Harris also has a solid educational foundation with a variety of educational options, including part of the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District and proximity to Houston's higher education institutions.
Phoenix has a robust economy with strong sectors in real estate, financial services, manufacturing, and healthcare. Northwest Harris, however, has a more localized economy, with major sectors in oil, gas extraction, healthcare, and retail trade.
Biggest Employers
In Phoenix, the biggest employers are the State of Arizona, Walmart, and Banner Health. For Northwest Harris, since it relies heavily on Houston, the largest employers come from this nearby city, like Texas Medical Center, ExxonMobil, and Kroger.
In Phoenix (Maricopa County), 43.6% voted for Democrats and 54.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northwest Harris (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
2020
50.2%
56.0%
48.0%
42.7%
1.8%
1.3%
2016
44.9%
54.0%
47.7%
41.6%
7.5%
4.4%
2012
43.6%
49.4%
54.3%
49.3%
2.1%
1.3%
2008
44.0%
50.5%
54.5%
48.9%
1.5%
0.6%
2004
42.4%
44.6%
57.0%
54.9%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
43.0%
43.0%
53.4%
54.4%
3.6%
2.6%
1996
44.5%
45.2%
47.2%
49.2%
8.2%
5.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.6%
18.1%
4.3%
3.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.9%
14.2%
6.5%
26.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.8%
0.3%
2.0%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.7%
1.5%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
2.0%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
1.0%
1.3%
1.4%
VINEYARD USA
0.3%
0.1%
0.6%
0.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.2%
2.9%
1.0%
1.6%
Weather
In terms of weather, Phoenix is known for its hot desert climate, with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months. Northwest Harris, on the other hand, experiences a more humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Weather and climate
Type
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Temperature - Average
71.5°F
68.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
37.5%
80.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
48%
37%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
60%
93%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
56%
Precipitation - Yearly average
8.7 in
48.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0.6 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
35.3%
15%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
60.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
16%
24%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
95%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
43%
Wind speed - Average
6.6 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Phoenix, Arizona
Average climate in Northwest Harris, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Phoenix
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
2018
156
95
0.38
N/A
15.2
5.1
28.5
23.5
34.8
N/A
8.6
8.7
0.6
N/A
2017
120
94
0.41
N/A
15.9
4.7
28.6
25.2
34.9
N/A
7.6
8.5
1.4
0.5
2016
114
93
0.44
N/A
15.8
5.7
27.3
23.7
30.6
N/A
7.7
8.5
0.4
0.4
2015
102
100
0.46
N/A
17.6
6.1
27.1
23.1
26.2
N/A
7.9
9.3
0.9
0.1
2014
117
88
0.46
0.28
19.6
6.7
27.6
22.3
37.0
N/A
8.5
9.6
1.1
0.1
2013
130
104
0.43
0.29
19.9
6.6
27.9
23.7
35.3
N/A
8.4
10.3
0.9
0.1
2012
157
107
0.44
0.30
21.2
7.1
28.1
24.8
41.9
N/A
8.8
10.6
1.3
0.2
2011
203
115
0.47
0.32
20.0
6.8
28.3
27.0
41.3
N/A
9.6
11.3
0.9
0.6
2010
100
104
0.48
0.26
19.9
7.5
26.9
25.0
31.2
N/A
8.3
11.1
0.9
0.8
2009
108
114
0.52
0.27
20.1
6.8
25.6
25.1
38.2
N/A
N/A
11.0
1.8
0.9
2008
106
104
0.48
0.35
21.4
8.0
26.6
24.5
39.6
N/A
N/A
11.9
2.4
1.4
2007
129
123
0.54
0.37
23.5
9.1
25.2
23.2
47.6
N/A
N/A
13.0
2.4
1.7
2006
131
130
0.66
0.39
25.3
9.0
24.4
25.0
50.8
N/A
N/A
11.6
2.3
1.5
2005
109
132
0.74
0.42
25.9
9.7
22.2
25.3
44.6
N/A
N/A
13.3
2.5
2.6
2004
98
125
0.77
0.44
25.5
10.0
23.4
22.9
32.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2.8
2003
101
144
0.90
0.62
26.8
10.8
23.7
23.5
42.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
2.4
2002
111
124
0.98
0.55
28.7
10.5
23.6
22.5
41.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.5
2001
106
148
1.00
0.44
28.6
12.0
22.3
22.2
37.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
2.0
2000
117
133
1.14
0.50
29.9
10.8
24.6
23.0
45.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2.1
Natural disasters
Type
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
179.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
2,597.6%
67.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
32%
Transportation
Phoenix is served by buses, light rail, and shared mobility options. Commuting times vary based on distance and mode of transit. In Northwest Harris, most people commute by car, and it also has access to Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County services, which includes bus and light rail.
Transport
Type
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Amtrak stations
3
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
0
FAA registered aircraft
1
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Bicycle
0.4%
0.1%
Bus
1.8%
2.5%
Carpooled
12.2%
11.3%
Car alone
81.8%
81.5%
Motorcycle
0.4%
0.1%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.4%
0.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Average
28.6 min
31.3 min
Real Estate
In Phoenix, real estate is relatively affordable, with a variety of options from downtown condos to suburban homes. The real estate market in Northwest Harris is also diverse, with prices tending to be higher due to its proximity to Houston.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods catering to different lifestyles. Phoenix has urban areas like Downtown and Roosevelt Row, while Northwest Harris offers suburban communities like Cypress and Willowbrook.
Houses and residents
Type
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
Houses
644,625
149,181
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.9
Houses occupied
602,039 (93.4%)
141,708 (95%)
Houses occupied by owners
354,237 (58.8%)
100,076 (70.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
247,802 (41.2%)
41,632 (29.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,605
$1,182
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$375,817
$300,799
Estimated median house or condo value
$352,600
$307,883
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.8
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
7.5
Renting percentage
42.4%
28.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,357.5
341.1
Household income disparities
43.9%
38.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
3,634 (1.5%)
15,158 (16.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,949 (5.2%)
105 (0.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
246,434 (98.5%)
76,541 (83.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
624 (0.2%)
3,826 (4.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,890 (6.8%)
4,244 (4.6%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
0.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
48,122
12,608
State government workers
30,385
7,312
Unpaid family workers
1,048
552
Industries and Occupations
The primary industries in Phoenix include technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, offering jobs ranging from healthcare workers to engineers. Northwest Harris leans heavily on the energy, healthcare, and retail sectors.
Both cities offer high-quality healthcare. Phoenix is home to Mayo Clinic and Banner Health. Northwest Harris relies on Houston's extensive healthcare network, which includes highly-rated institutions like Houston Methodist and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
As a large city, Phoenix has a robust infrastructure, including an international airport, several highways, and a light rail system. In contrast, Northwest Harris relies heavily on Houston's infrastructure, with highway and access to George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Infrastructure
Type
Phoenix
Northwest Harris
TV stations
22
27
Culture and Food
Phoenix is known for its food scene influenced by Mexican culture, while Northwest Harris enjoys Southern and Tex-Mex cuisines. Phoenix also hosts cultural events, including the Phoenix Art Museum and the annual Phoenix Film Festival. Northwest Harris benefits from Houston's cultural events like Houston's Theater District and Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Sports Teams
In Phoenix, sports enthusiasts can cheer for teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), Phoenix Suns (NBA), and Arizona Cardinals (NFL). Northwest Harris residents can support Houston-based teams like the Astros (MLB), Rockets (NBA), and Texans (NFL).
Phoenix, AZ
Northwest Harris, TX
