TexasPop. 397,742Big cities
Is Arlington a Good Place to Live? Arlington, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Arlington ranks #930 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 53 big cities and #52 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #44 of 53) and long commutes (26.6 min, #41 of 53).
Arlington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Arlington's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Arlington?
Arlington's cost of living index is 103.1, 3% above the US level of 100 and #842 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,470/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $309,891, 4% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Arlington | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 103.1#842 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $309,891#404 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,462/mo#309 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $304,700#541 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,470/mo#700 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.1x#604 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 23.5%#831 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Arlington housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Arlington is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Arlington safe?
Arlington recorded 406 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% above the US rate of 328 and 18% above Texas's 345. That ranks #730 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #20 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Arlington Police Department. Property crime runs 1,993 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Arlington | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 406#730 of 1,085 | 345 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,993#708 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Arlington?
The median household in Arlington earns $75,171, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Arlington | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $75,171#699 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 12.9%#725 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Arlington?
The median resident of Arlington is 33.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Arlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 33.7 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 32.6%#695 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 54.3% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Arlington's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Arlington; its public schools have 14.6 students per teacher and spend $11,456 per pupil. 33.8% of adults are obese and 12% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Arlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.6#390 of 1,188 | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $11,456#1025 of 1,188 | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 33.8%#685 of 1,311 | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 12%#794 of 1,311 | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 18.2%#899 of 1,311 | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 18.4%#1181 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 69,320 students are enrolled in Arlington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Arlington?
The average commute in Arlington is 26.6 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.3% of workers take transit and 13.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Arlington scores 7.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.3°F and winters 49.1°F, with 36.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Arlington | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 26.6 min#898 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 7.1%#843 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 72.4% | 71.8% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.3% | 1% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.5% | 1.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 13.1% | 12.9% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 7.9#1084 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57.9 | 36.6 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 61.9 | 40.3 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 69.6 | 48 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 76.9 | 55 | 3.1 |
| May | 84 | 64 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 91.6 | 72.2 | 3.5 |
| Jul | 95.9 | 75 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 96.1 | 74.8 | 1.7 |
| Sep | 89.3 | 67.8 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 79.1 | 56.5 | 4.7 |
| Nov | 67.3 | 46.3 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 59.1 | 38.6 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Arlington Muni Airport.
| Measure | Arlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 66.8°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 84.3°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 49.1°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 36.2 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Arlington Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Arlington?
Tarrant County's air had a median air quality index of 56, and 32% of measured days were rated good; 30 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Tarrant County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
| Measure | Arlington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 56#989 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 30#1016 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.13%#485 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Tarrant County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Tarrant County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.031% | 98% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 70% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.067% | 32% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Arlington compare with similar-size cities?
Arlington is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #32 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 397,742.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #930 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 | 26.6 min |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #759 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 | 22 min |
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #1127 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 | 18.9 min |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #1124 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 | 23.6 min |
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | #649 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 | 24.8 min |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #1135 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 | 18.4 min |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #911 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 | 28.6 min |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #1089 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year | 22.6 min |
| Cleveland, OHPop. 366,097 | #1271 | 40.5 | $40,801 | $945/mo | 1,365 | 22.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Arlington compare with the rest of Texas?
Arlington ranks #52 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 6% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 18% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% above the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | … #48 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 |
| Abilene, TXPop. 128,053 | #49 | 52.0 | $62,648 | $1,157/mo | 457 |
| DeSoto, TXPop. 56,211 | #50 | 52.0 | $82,782 | $1,666/mo | 283 |
| San Marcos, TXPop. 70,897 | #51 | 51.4 | $51,281 | $1,322/mo | 422 |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #52 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #53 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 |
| Dallas, TXPop. 1,307,930 | #54 | 50.7 | $70,518 | $1,472/mo | 577 |
| Mission, TXPop. 87,038 | #55 | 50.7 | $60,767 | $950/mo | 134 |
| Victoria, TXPop. 65,625 | #56 | 50.5 | $67,226 | $1,172/mo | 364 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Arlington among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Arlington's score calculated?
Arlington scores 51.2 out of 100, #930 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Arlington. Similar-size median 53.8.
52.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Arlington's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
66.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Arlington. Similar-size median 54.8.
51.2 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Arlington's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.2.
44.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Arlington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
65.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Arlington. Similar-size median 47.2.
49.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Arlington. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Arlington. Similar-size median 53.7.
45.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Arlington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
36.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
46.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Arlington's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Arlington has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Arlington
Is Arlington, TX a good place to live?
Arlington ranks #930 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #32 of 53 big cities and #52 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on a shrinking population (-0.3%, #44 of 53) and long commutes (26.6 min, #41 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Arlington?
Arlington's cost of living index is 103.1, 3% above the US level of 100 and #842 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,470/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $309,891, 4% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Arlington?
Arlington recorded 406 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 24% above the US rate of 328 and 18% above Texas's 345. That ranks #730 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #20 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Arlington Police Department. Property crime runs 1,993 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Arlington?
The median household in Arlington earns $75,171, 10% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 12.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Arlington?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,470/mo (Census), #700 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,462/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Arlington?
The typical home value in Arlington is $309,891, down 0.8% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $304,700.
How are the public schools in Arlington?
There is no city graduation rate for Arlington; its public schools have 14.6 students per teacher and spend $11,456 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Arlington?
The average commute is 26.6 minutes, #898 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 7.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Arlington?
Arlington averages 66.8°F over the year, 84.3°F in summer and 49.1°F in winter, with 36.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Arlington walkable?
Arlington scores 7.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1084 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Arlington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Tarrant County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 65% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Arlington?
Tarrant County's air had a median air quality index of 56, and 32% of measured days were rated good; 30 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Arlington?
Arlington has 397,742 residents. The median resident of Arlington is 33.7 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Arlington compare with the rest of Texas?
Arlington ranks #52 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 6% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 18% above the statewide rate. Homes are 4% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Arlington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Arlington's population of 397,742 are Minneapolis, MN (#759 overall), Tulsa, OK (#1127 overall), Bakersfield, CA (#1124 overall), Tampa, FL (#649 overall), and Wichita, KS (#1135 overall). Arlington is #930.