TexasPop. 133,740Mid-size cities
Is Carrollton a Good Place to Live? Carrollton, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Carrollton ranks #269 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #34 of 256 mid-size cities and #13 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (98 per 100,000, #11 of 235) and low poverty (7.1%, #28 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #230 of 241).
Carrollton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Carrollton'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 Carrollton?
Carrollton'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 $1,735/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $400,642, 34% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Carrollton | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 103.1#842 of 1,308 | 97 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $400,642#628 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,655/mo#463 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $381,000#740 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,735/mo#904 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 20.5%#514 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Carrollton 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. Carrollton is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Carrollton safe?
Carrollton recorded 98 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 74% below the US rate of 373 and 76% below Texas's 401. That ranks #121 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #11 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Carrollton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,004 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Carrollton | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 98#121 of 1,083 | 401 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,004#217 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Carrollton?
The median household in Carrollton earns $101,396, 32% above the US figure of $76,827 and 39% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.2%). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Carrollton | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $101,396#325 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.6%#297 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 7.1%#247 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.9%#1074 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Carrollton?
The median resident of Carrollton is 39.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #344 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Carrollton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 39.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 45.2%#344 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 58.5% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Carrollton's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Carrollton; its public schools have 13.8 students per teacher and spend $12,705 per pupil. 32.2% of adults are obese and 10.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Carrollton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.8#261 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,705#862 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 32.2%#553 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.8%#578 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.3%#301 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.8%#1065 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 24,791 students are enrolled in Carrollton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Carrollton?
The average commute in Carrollton is 24.1 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.8% of workers take transit and 21.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Carrollton scores 11.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #521 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.4°F and winters 47.7°F, with 41.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Carrollton | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 24.1 min#695 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 65.1% | 75.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.9% | 1.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 21.7% | 11% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.6#521 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 55.9 | 35.8 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 60 | 39.5 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 68.6 | 47.5 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 75.4 | 54.8 | 3.5 |
| May | 82.6 | 63.6 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 90 | 71.2 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 94.3 | 75.3 | 2.2 |
| Aug | 94.8 | 74.5 | 2.5 |
| Sep | 87.3 | 67.1 | 3.3 |
| Oct | 77.5 | 56.1 | 5.3 |
| Nov | 66.1 | 45.6 | 3 |
| Dec | 57.3 | 38 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Richardson.
| Measure | Carrollton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.8°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 83.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 47.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 41.9 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Richardson.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Carrollton?
Denton County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 19 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Denton County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Carrollton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 19#965 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.12%#439 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Denton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Denton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.023% | 96% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.019% | 83% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0016% | 64% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.001% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.064% | 27% 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 Carrollton compare with similar-size cities?
Carrollton is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #34 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 133,740.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrollton, TXPop. 133,740 | #269 | 62.7 | $101,396 | $1,735/mo | 98 | 24.1 min |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 min |
| Pasadena, CAPop. 136,969 | #783 | 53.5 | $105,192 | $2,265/mo | 419 | 26.9 min |
| Dayton, OHPop. 136,579 | #1289 | 38.5 | $45,247 | $918/mo | 1,230 | 20.3 min |
| Kent, WAPop. 135,603 | #590 | 56.8 | $92,302 | $1,909/mo | 283 | 30.4 min |
| New Haven, CTPop. 134,349 | #833 | 52.7 | $56,851 | $1,488/mo | 399 | 21.5 min |
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #580 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 | 24.7 min |
| Lehigh Acres, FLPop. 132,353 | #1282 | 39.2 | $66,890 | $1,657/mo | no data | 38.2 min |
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #301 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 | 15.5 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 Carrollton compare with the rest of Texas?
Carrollton ranks #13 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 62.7 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 39% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 76% below the statewide rate. Homes are 34% 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 |
| Sugar Land, TXPop. 110,016 | #11 | 63.0 | $136,217 | $1,957/mo | 73 |
| Plano, TXPop. 290,594 | #12 | 62.9 | $112,253 | $1,841/mo | 147 |
| Carrollton, TXPop. 133,740 | #13 | 62.7 | $101,396 | $1,735/mo | 98 |
| Richardson, TXPop. 118,731 | #14 | 62.7 | $98,111 | $1,857/mo | 138 |
| Wylie, TXPop. 60,334 | #15 | 62.6 | $119,522 | $2,189/mo | 81 |
| Pflugerville, TXPop. 65,971 | #16 | 62.3 | $117,799 | $1,932/mo | 186 |
| League City, TXPop. 116,215 | #17 | 62.2 | $121,099 | $1,684/mo | 60 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Carrollton among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Carrollton's score calculated?
Carrollton scores 62.7 out of 100, #269 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Carrollton. Similar-size median 52.9.
66.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Carrollton's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
93.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Carrollton. Similar-size median 53.8.
61.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Carrollton's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
51.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Carrollton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
58.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Carrollton. Similar-size median 51.2.
71.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Carrollton. Similar-size median 42.1.
33.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Carrollton. Similar-size median 50.1.
58.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Carrollton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
55.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
57.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Carrollton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Carrollton 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 Carrollton
Is Carrollton, TX a good place to live?
Carrollton ranks #269 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #34 of 256 mid-size cities and #13 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (98 per 100,000, #11 of 235) and low poverty (7.1%, #28 of 256), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.9%, #230 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Carrollton?
Carrollton'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 $1,735/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $400,642, 34% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Carrollton?
Carrollton recorded 98 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 74% below the US rate of 373 and 76% below Texas's 401. That ranks #121 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #11 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Carrollton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,004 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Carrollton?
The median household in Carrollton earns $101,396, 32% above the US figure of $76,827 and 39% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 3.6% (US 4.2%). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Carrollton?
Median rent in Carrollton is $1,735/mo (Census), #904 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,655/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Carrollton?
Zillow's typical home value in Carrollton is $400,642, down 1.8% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $381,000.
How are the public schools in Carrollton?
There is no city graduation rate for Carrollton; its public schools have 13.8 students per teacher and spend $12,705 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Carrollton?
The average commute is 24.1 minutes, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Carrollton?
Carrollton averages 65.8°F over the year, 83.4°F in summer and 47.7°F in winter, with 41.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Carrollton walkable?
Carrollton scores 11.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #521 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 Carrollton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Denton County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Carrollton?
Denton County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 19 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Carrollton?
Carrollton has 133,740 residents. The median resident of Carrollton is 39.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 45.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #344 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Carrollton compare with the rest of Texas?
Carrollton ranks #13 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 62.7 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 39% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 76% below the statewide rate. Homes are 34% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Carrollton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Carrollton's population of 133,740 are Cedar Rapids, IA (#383 overall), Pasadena, CA (#783 overall), Dayton, OH (#1289 overall), Kent, WA (#590 overall), and New Haven, CT (#833 overall). Carrollton is #269.