Data Overview

Statistics Summary

Population

Total number of residents living within the city limits.

Median Rent ($)

Typical monthly housing cost for a rental unit in the city.

Average Salary ($)

Average annual income earned by working residents.

Unemployment Rate (%)

Percentage of the labor force currently without a job but seeking employment.

Density (people/mi²)

Number of people living per square mile, indicating how crowded or compact the city is.

Crime Rate (per 100k)

Total reported crimes per 100,000 residents, reflecting overall public safety levels.

Air Quality Index (AQI)

Average measure of air pollution, where lower values indicate cleaner and healthier air.

Quality of Life Indicators by U.S. City

City	Population	Median Rent ($/mo)	Avg Salary ($/yr)	Unemployment (%)	Density (people/mi²)	Crime Rate (per 100k)	Air Quality Index
New York City	8,500,000	3,600	85,000	5	29,000	2,600	42
Los Angeles	3,800,000	2,700	75,000	5.2	8,500	3,000	65
Chicago	2,700,000	1,900	70,000	5.4	11,900	3,600	55
San Francisco	870,000	3,300	110,000	4.2	18,600	3,200	48
Seattle	760,000	2,300	95,000	4.5	9,000	2,900	38
Miami	460,000	2,900	65,000	4.8	13,000	4,200	45
Boston	690,000	3,100	90,000	4.3	14,800	2,500	32
Washington	710,000	2,600	92,000	4.1	11,500	3,800	41
Las Vegas	650,000	1,800	60,000	5.6	4,600	3,900	58
San Diego	1,380,000	2,800	78,000	4.7	4,300	2,200	40
Orlando	320,000	1,750	58,000	5.1	2,900	3,400	50
Atlanta	510,000	2,000	72,000	4.9	3,900	4,100	52
Houston	2,300,000	1,400	68,000	5.3	3,700	3,600	60
Dallas	1,300,000	1,550	70,000	4.8	3,900	3,500	57
Austin	990,000	1,700	82,000	4	3,300	2,400	44

Overall Data Analysis

Several clear trends emerge when comparing population, affordability, employment, safety, and environmental factors across cities. Larger, coastal cities such as New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Seattle tend to have the highest salaries, but they also show the highest rents and living costs, reducing overall affordability. In contrast, cities in the South and Texas, including Houston, Dallas, and Austin, offer lower rents and moderate salaries, making them comparatively more cost-effective places to live.

Population density also appears linked to urban challenges. Denser cities generally experience higher housing prices and moderate crime rates, while more spread-out cities have lower rent but often higher car dependence and slightly worse air quality. Environmental conditions vary geographically as well, with West Coast and Northeast cities typically showing cleaner air, while cities like Los Angeles and Houston show higher AQI levels due to traffic and industrial activity.