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When considering a new location or workplace, the intelligence of the surrounding community is a vital factor for many individuals. The caliber of peers can significantly enhance or diminish one’s professional experience, making it crucial to find a city with a highly educated populace.
To aid in this search, Zippia has identified the Texas cities that stand out for their intellectual demographics. Understanding how to gauge the intelligence of a community is essential, and we turned to reliable demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau to establish our criteria.
We analyzed the percentage of residents with at least a high school diploma, the number of public and private schools per capita, and the ratio of libraries to bars across the 157 largest cities in Texas. Our analysis resulted in a list of the brightest cities in the state:
- Katy
- Tomball
- Sugar Land
- Boerne
- Humble
- Fredericksburg
- Kerrville
- Texarkana
- Orange
- Nederland
Continue reading to discover what makes these cities stand out academically, or scroll to the end for a comprehensive chart of our findings.
For additional insights on Texas careers, explore:
How We Identified the Smartest Cities in Texas
To pinpoint the smartest cities in Texas, we focused on locations with populations exceeding 10,000 and comprehensive data availability. This process identified 158 cities for our analysis.
We evaluated several criteria to distinguish the top performers:
Our data sources included census information from AreaVibes and insights from Yelp. We believe these criteria effectively reflect educational opportunities and potential advancements in academic achievement for future generations. Notably, approximately 80% of students are graduating high school today.
We ranked each city based on the defined criteria, with the highest overall average ranking designating the “Smartest City in Texas.” If your city isn’t listed among the top 10, scroll down for a detailed chart of all evaluated locations. Otherwise, read on to learn more about the achievements of our top ten cities.
1. Katy
Population: 14,363
Percentage of Residents without a College Degree: 17.5%
Katy earns the title of the smartest city in Texas. With a population exceeding 14,000, it boasts 45 public schools and 9 private schools, providing excellent educational access. Its impressive school-to-population ratio solidifies Katy’s position as a beacon of intellect in the state.
2. Tomball
Population: 10,732
Percentage of Residents with at Least a High School Degree: 81.4%
Tomball ranks closely behind Katy, showcasing a community rich in educational resources. With over 10,000 residents and access to two public libraries along with 15 public schools, Tomball demonstrates a strong commitment to educational excellence.
3. Sugar Land
Population: 79,475
Percentage of Residents with at Least a High School Degree: 91%
As the largest city in our top ten, Sugar Land proudly claims third place. With more than 80 bars and over 55 schools, this vibrant city offers its residents a lively atmosphere paired with significant educational opportunities.
4. Boerne
Population: 10,618
Percentage of Residents with at Least a High School Degree: 86.3%
Boerne is a shining example of academic achievement in Texas, featuring 8 public schools for its population of just over 10,000. With a variety of social venues, this city encourages vibrant discussions among its residents.
5. Humble
Population: 15,155
Percentage of Residents with at Least a High School Degree: 74.6%
Humble has proven itself as a significant contender with the highest concentration of high school graduates in our top ten. Home to 28 schools, this thriving community supports educational advancement for its youth.
6. Fredericksburg
Population: 10,556
Percentage of Residents with at Least a High School Degree: 85.1%
Fredericksburg’s commitment to education is evident, with a competitive high school graduation rate and a strong ratio of private schools. This small city ensures its residents receive a quality education.
7. Kerrville
Population: 22,344
Percentage of Residents with at Least a High School Degree: 80.5%
Kerrville supports its public education system well, maintaining a high ratio of schools to its population. This city fosters an engaging environment for intellectual conversations among its residents.
8. Texarkana
Population: 36,548
Percentage of Residents with at Least a High School Degree: 83%
Despite its unique name, Texarkana proudly ranks as the eighth smartest city in Texas. With 23 public schools and 5 private institutions, residents enjoy various educational choices.
9. Orange
Population: 18,800
Percentage of Residents with at Least a High School Degree: 80.5%
Orange, with a population nearing 19,000, boasts a studious community. With only 6 bars, its residents often engage in educational pursuits during their leisure time.
10. Nederland
Population: 17,482
Percentage of Residents with at Least a High School Degree: 89.4%
Nederland rounds out our list as the tenth smartest city. Despite a lower percentage of diploma holders, the town maintains a balance of educational institutions and social venues, demonstrating its unique charm.
These cities exemplify the educational landscape of Texas, showcasing their commitment to fostering intellectual growth. Whether you’re considering a move or looking for new career opportunities, these smart cities are worth exploring.
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