Los Angeles CA vs Midland TX — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Los Angeles, CA
California · Population: 3,857,897
- Median HH Income$80,366
- Median Home Price$956,465
- Unemployment7.9%
- Bachelor's+37.8%
Midland, TX
Texas · Population: N/A
- Median HH IncomeN/A
- Median Home Price$330,788
- UnemploymentN/A
- Bachelor's+N/A
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Los Angeles
3,857,897
Midland
N/A
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Los Angeles
N/A
Midland
N/A
Median Age
Los Angeles
36.9
Midland
N/A
Foreign Born
Los Angeles
35.8%
Midland
N/A
White
Los Angeles
37.3%
Midland
N/A
Black
Los Angeles
8.5%
Midland
N/A
Asian
Los Angeles
12.0%
Midland
N/A
Hispanic
Los Angeles
47.2%
Midland
N/A
Spanish at Home
Los Angeles
N/A
Midland
N/A
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Midland, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,857,897 | N/A | - |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 36.9 | N/A | - |
| Foreign Born | 35.8% | N/A | - |
| White | 37.3% | N/A | - |
| Black | 8.5% | N/A | - |
| Asian | 12.0% | N/A | - |
| Hispanic | 47.2% | N/A | - |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Los Angeles
$80,366
Midland
N/A
Per Capita Income
Los Angeles
$46,270
Midland
N/A
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Los Angeles
$77,230
Los Angeles +
Midland
$63,758
Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles
7.9%
Midland
N/A
Poverty Rate
Los Angeles
16.6%
Midland
N/A
Bachelor's Degree+
Los Angeles
37.8%
Midland
N/A
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Midland, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $80,366 | N/A | - |
| Per Capita Income | $46,270 | N/A | - |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $77,230 | $63,758 | Los Angeles + |
| Unemployment Rate | 7.9% | N/A | - |
| Poverty Rate | 16.6% | N/A | - |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 37.8% | N/A | - |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Los Angeles
$956,465
Midland
$330,788
Midland +
Homeownership Rate
Los Angeles
36.3%
Midland
N/A
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Midland, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $956,465 | $330,788 | Midland + |
| Homeownership Rate | 36.3% | N/A | - |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Los Angeles
503
Midland
442
Midland +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Los Angeles
2388
Midland
2339
Midland +
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Midland, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 503 | 442 | Midland + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 2388 | 2339 | Midland + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Los Angeles
27.3%
Los Angeles +
Midland
36.0%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Los Angeles
11.9%
Midland
11.3%
Midland +
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Los Angeles
17.4%
Los Angeles +
Midland
17.6%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Los Angeles
13.2%
Los Angeles +
Midland
19.6%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Los Angeles
15.9%
Los Angeles +
Midland
18.8%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Los Angeles
11.9%
Los Angeles +
Midland
12.5%
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Midland, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | 27.3% | 36.0% | Los Angeles + |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | 11.9% | 11.3% | Midland + |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | 17.4% | 17.6% | Los Angeles + |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | 13.2% | 19.6% | Los Angeles + |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | 15.9% | 18.8% | Los Angeles + |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | 11.9% | 12.5% | Los Angeles + |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Los Angeles
62.6°F
Los Angeles +
Midland
65.6°F
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Los Angeles
12.8 in
Los Angeles +
Midland
14.8 in
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Midland, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 65.6°F | Los Angeles + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 12.8 in | 14.8 in | Los Angeles + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Los Angeles
7.9 µg/m³
Los Angeles +
Midland
9.2 µg/m³
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Los Angeles
75.0%
Los Angeles +
Midland
55.0%
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Midland, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 7.9 µg/m³ | 9.2 µg/m³ | Los Angeles + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 75.0% | 55.0% | Los Angeles + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Los Angeles
33.8 min
Midland
N/A
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Midland, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 33.8 min | N/A | - |
Which City is Right for You?
Midland offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $330,788. On public safety, Midland is safer with a violent crime rate of 442 per 100,000 residents, compared to 503 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.9 µg/m³). For overall health outcomes, Los Angeles scores better with a lower obesity rate of 27.3%.
Compare More Cities
Los Angeles, CA vs New York, NYChicago, IL vs Los Angeles, CAHouston, TX vs Los Angeles, CALos Angeles, CA vs Phoenix, AZLos Angeles, CA vs Philadelphia, PALos Angeles, CA vs San Antonio, TX