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| Need to Know Information About Houston and the Region |
Once you’ve settled in to your new home, you’ll want to learn more about Houston and the region, including population and climate information, local government structure, a Houston historical timeline and essentials like police, fire and Houston Public Library information. You’ll also find information about obtaining a driver’s license, registering your vehicle and getting around in the region, whether it’s in your car, via mass transit or light rail. You’ll feel like a local in record time!
An attitude of “can do” among Houstonians ensures that the region remains open to opportunity and big ideas. A few examples are the creation of the Port of Houston in 1914; the Johnson Space Center, now celebrating 50 years and where space flight became a reality; the Texas Medical Center, recognized as the world’s largest medical center; home of the Astrodome, which when it was built, became the eighth wonder of the world; and a community that supports one of the largest cultural districts in the U.S.
Looking back at Houston’s history, the credit for the region’s entrepreneurial spirit lies squarely with its founders, two real estate brokers named John and Augustus Allen, who purchased 6,642 acres of land near Buffalo Bayou for $1.40 per acre to develop the “great interior commercial emporium of Texas.” Their dream has evolved into the fourth most populous city in the nation, one that supports a $416.6 billion Gross Area Product. If the Houston region were an independent nation, its economy would rank 30th in the world, ahead of Belgium, Malaysia, Venezuela, Sweden and Greece.
population
According to the U.S. Census, Houston’s population is among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. Houston is part of a 10-county region consisting of Harris County, the nation’s third-most populous, and nine other counties including Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto and Waller. Based on the most recent U.S. Census estimate, Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown is the sixth-largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the U.S. with a population of 5.7 million. Within the MSA, Houston is the center of economic and cultural activity.
Geography
Houston is located in the state of Texas and encompasses 640 square miles. The Houston MSA covers more than 10,000 square miles and is almost the midpoint between the nation’s two coasts, making it is an excellent distribution point for businesses.
The region represents a wide range of vegetation, from the piney woods of The Woodlands and Lake Conroe to the north to the prairie grasslands of Katy to the west to the sandy, coastal environment of Galveston and Clear Lake to the south. The official altitude of the city of Houston is 49 feet; elevations in the MSA range from sea level to 460 feet.
Nicknamed the “Bayou” city, Houston is known for its intricate system of bayous that run through the city and serve as part of Houston’s extensive drainage system. While they may be considered vital to the drainage of Houston’s relatively flat landscape, in many areas these bayous create a dramatic and beautiful backdrop for homes and businesses. The non-profit group Buffalo Bayou has gained local support for a 20-year master plan, Buffalo Bayou and Beyond, three miles of trails east of downtown, Sesquicentennial Park, the North Side Trail and the purchase of over 35 acres of land in the East End for park lands.
Climate
Practically all year long, the area’s residents can enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. Houston averages only 18 days per year with temperatures of 32oF or less and 99.6 days with high temperatures of 90oF or more. Temperatures rarely reach 100oF. Houston’s growing season averages 300 days. The normal frost-free period extends from Feb. 14 to Dec. 11.
Houston has had only 14 measurable snowfalls since 1939. A statistically average year contains 90.3 “clear” days, concentrated in October and November; 114.5 “partly cloudy” days, typical of June through September; and 160.3 “cloudy” days, common in December through May. Prevailing wind in Houston is south-southeasterly at a mean speed of 7.7 mph.
Traditionally, the wettest month is June, with an average of 5.35 inches, and July ranks as the sunniest month. Under these conditions, many are able to enjoy outdoor recreation and sports. When the weather gets warmer, residents appreciate the ubiquity of air conditioning.
Government Structure
Houston has a Mayor-Council form of government. The city's elected officials, serving concurrent two year terms, are: the Mayor, the City Controller and the 14 members of City Council. The City Charter provides the constitutional framework within which city government operates. The city's Code of Ordinances contains the laws of the city.
In Houston, the city government’s 23,000 employees are spread throughout 500 buildings, but the core of local government is still located in the downtown Civic Centre and City Hall. The Mayor serves as the Executive Officer of the city. As the city's chief administrator and official representative, the Mayor is responsible for the general management of the city and for ensuring that all laws and ordinances are enforced. The ground floor of City Hall houses the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and its Visitors Center. For more on city government, visit www.houstontx.gov.
An attitude of “can do” among Houstonians ensures that the region remains open to opportunity and big ideas. A few examples are the creation of the Port of Houston in 1914; the Johnson Space Center, now celebrating 50 years and where space flight became a reality; the Texas Medical Center, recognized as the world’s largest medical center; home of the Astrodome, which when it was built, became the eighth wonder of the world; and a community that supports one of the largest cultural districts in the U.S.
Looking back at Houston’s history, the credit for the region’s entrepreneurial spirit lies squarely with its founders, two real estate brokers named John and Augustus Allen, who purchased 6,642 acres of land near Buffalo Bayou for $1.40 per acre to develop the “great interior commercial emporium of Texas.” Their dream has evolved into the fourth most populous city in the nation, one that supports a $416.6 billion Gross Area Product. If the Houston region were an independent nation, its economy would rank 30th in the world, ahead of Belgium, Malaysia, Venezuela, Sweden and Greece.
population
According to the U.S. Census, Houston’s population is among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. Houston is part of a 10-county region consisting of Harris County, the nation’s third-most populous, and nine other counties including Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, San Jacinto and Waller. Based on the most recent U.S. Census estimate, Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown is the sixth-largest metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the U.S. with a population of 5.7 million. Within the MSA, Houston is the center of economic and cultural activity.
Geography
Houston is located in the state of Texas and encompasses 640 square miles. The Houston MSA covers more than 10,000 square miles and is almost the midpoint between the nation’s two coasts, making it is an excellent distribution point for businesses.
The region represents a wide range of vegetation, from the piney woods of The Woodlands and Lake Conroe to the north to the prairie grasslands of Katy to the west to the sandy, coastal environment of Galveston and Clear Lake to the south. The official altitude of the city of Houston is 49 feet; elevations in the MSA range from sea level to 460 feet.
Nicknamed the “Bayou” city, Houston is known for its intricate system of bayous that run through the city and serve as part of Houston’s extensive drainage system. While they may be considered vital to the drainage of Houston’s relatively flat landscape, in many areas these bayous create a dramatic and beautiful backdrop for homes and businesses. The non-profit group Buffalo Bayou has gained local support for a 20-year master plan, Buffalo Bayou and Beyond, three miles of trails east of downtown, Sesquicentennial Park, the North Side Trail and the purchase of over 35 acres of land in the East End for park lands.
Climate
Practically all year long, the area’s residents can enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. Houston averages only 18 days per year with temperatures of 32oF or less and 99.6 days with high temperatures of 90oF or more. Temperatures rarely reach 100oF. Houston’s growing season averages 300 days. The normal frost-free period extends from Feb. 14 to Dec. 11.
Houston has had only 14 measurable snowfalls since 1939. A statistically average year contains 90.3 “clear” days, concentrated in October and November; 114.5 “partly cloudy” days, typical of June through September; and 160.3 “cloudy” days, common in December through May. Prevailing wind in Houston is south-southeasterly at a mean speed of 7.7 mph.
Traditionally, the wettest month is June, with an average of 5.35 inches, and July ranks as the sunniest month. Under these conditions, many are able to enjoy outdoor recreation and sports. When the weather gets warmer, residents appreciate the ubiquity of air conditioning.
Government Structure
Houston has a Mayor-Council form of government. The city's elected officials, serving concurrent two year terms, are: the Mayor, the City Controller and the 14 members of City Council. The City Charter provides the constitutional framework within which city government operates. The city's Code of Ordinances contains the laws of the city.
In Houston, the city government’s 23,000 employees are spread throughout 500 buildings, but the core of local government is still located in the downtown Civic Centre and City Hall. The Mayor serves as the Executive Officer of the city. As the city's chief administrator and official representative, the Mayor is responsible for the general management of the city and for ensuring that all laws and ordinances are enforced. The ground floor of City Hall houses the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and its Visitors Center. For more on city government, visit www.houstontx.gov.
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