An introduction to: Pearland, Texas
The city of Pearland, Texas was founded in 1882 when workers on the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad, stopping near a siding switch, saw that the area was rich with good soil and native growing pear trees. As those workers moved their way from depot to depot, word spread of their finding and soon people came to the area to settle. What is now known as Pearland was once called Mark Belt, renamed for the abundance of pear groves in the region.
Although the city did not get its official start until 1894, history shows that as early as 1528, European visitors and explorers were greeted by the Native Indians that inhabited the region. Cabeza de Vaca, LaSalle, and Stephen F. Austin had spent time in the region, hosted by these natives during the chaotic history of the land now known as Pearland.
During the years from 1882 to 1894, Pearland’s population grew from just a few original settlers to 150. Pearland’s popularity has not stopped growing; with each turning decade Pearland has seen population explosions. The 1970 census showed Pearland’s population was 8,468; 13,980 in 1980; 18,697 in 1990, and 47,640 in 2000. Population surveys completed in 2008 gave Pearland a population of 82,903 and it is estimated that the 2010 census will show Pearland will have reached 90,700; it is the most rapid growing population in the entire state of Texas.
There are many ethnic groups residing in Pearland. A survey in 2009 gives Pearland the following statistics; 74% White, 12% African American, 4% Asian, 1% Native American Indian, 1% Pacific Islander, 6% Other Race, and 2% More Than One Race. Near 10% of any race reports a Latino or Hispanic background.
In Pearland, there are nearly 30,000 single-family homes with 81% of those being owner-occupied and 18% occupied by renters. It was reported in 2009 that 1% of the single- family homes are standing vacant whether it is for reason of the home on the market or in a “construction” status.
One of the more significant facts about the area of Pearland is the median incomes of its residents. A single person living in Pearland earns an average of $39,800 and an average household – family income of $93,930. This can be attributed to the fact that a large portion of residents in Pearland are employed by either NASA or the Texas Medical Center.
The median value of a home in Pearland in 2009 is $169,000 with average monthly expenses sitting at approximately $1,800. Those households without a mortgage, the average monthly expenses (not including housing costs) are $636.
Another pleasing aspect of Pearland is its proximity to the hub of the workforce, recreational activities, shopping, and entertainment venues; 30 minutes from downtown Houston, 20 minutes from the Texas Medical Center, 30 minutes from NASA’s Johnson Space Center, 30 minutes from Minute Maid Park (home of the Houston Astros), and 30 minutes from The Galleria.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_b.png?x-id=a6a0ad6b-c1c5-40d7-90c2-7bfb94a7ad89)
