Odessa City Demographics

Odessa, located in Ector County, Texas, has an estimated population of about 114,400 as of 2023. The median age is 31.7 years, with roughly 50.2% male and 49.8% female residents. Racially, the city is 75% White, 6% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 15% from other races; 62% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino of any race, reflecting Odessa's diverse community.

Odessa City Housing

Odessa, in Ector County, TX, has a homeownership rate of about 62%, with median home values around $185,000 as of 2023. The median rent is approximately $1,250/month. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, though some apartments and duplexes exist. Popular neighborhoods include Parks Bell Ranch, Mission Estates, and Permian Estates. Over the past year, property values increased about 5%. Property tax rates hover around 1.8%. The city’s real estate market remains affordable compared to national averages, attracting both buyers and renters.

Education in Odessa City

Odessa, in Ector County, TX, has 38 public schools, including Odessa High School and Permian High School. The student-teacher ratio averages 16:1. About 81% of adults have a high school diploma, while 13% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school rating is around 5/10. The city offers adult education programs through Odessa College and UTPB. School safety initiatives include campus police and security measures. Educational programs include AP courses, STEM, and dual-credit options for high school students.

Transportation in Odessa City

Odessa, located in Ector County, TX, relies heavily on personal vehicles, with around 94% of residents commuting by car and less than 0.5% using public transit, as public transportation options like Odessa Transit are limited. The average one-way commute time is approximately 21 minutes. Most households—about 93%—own at least one vehicle. Transportation infrastructure centers on major highways like I-20 and State Highway 191. Significant employment hubs include oil and gas sector sites, medical facilities, and educational institutions, contributing to predominantly car-based commuting patterns throughout the region.

Odessa City Healthcare

Odessa, in Ector County, TX, is served by major hospitals including Medical Center Hospital (402 beds) and Odessa Regional Medical Center (225 beds), plus several clinics. Primary care access faces shortages, with about 1,200:1 ratio per resident. The uninsured rate is high—27.6%—versus the Texas average of 18%. The city’s 114,000+ residents are 58% Hispanic, 33% White, 6% Black. Common health issues include diabetes (11%), obesity (40%), and heart disease. Healthcare is delivered by over 600 physicians and numerous allied providers, but access disparities persist among low-income and minority populations.

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