TexasPop. 152,866Mid-size cities
Is Denton a Good Place to Live? Denton, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Denton ranks #545 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #80 of 256 mid-size cities and #28 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.9%, #19 of 241) and low violent crime (205 per 100,000, #56 of 235), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Denton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Denton'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 Denton?
Denton'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 $1,420/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $346,719, 16% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Denton | 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 | 97.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $346,719#513 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,519/mo#353 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $348,200#642 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,420/mo#652 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.4%#718 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.
Denton 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. Denton is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Denton safe?
Denton recorded 205 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below Texas's 345. That ranks #369 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #56 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Denton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,735 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Denton | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 205#369 of 1,085 | 345 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,735#593 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
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 Denton?
The median household in Denton earns $76,019, 9% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Denton | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $76,019#685 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 15.8%#910 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.9%#111 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
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 Denton?
The median resident of Denton is 31.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 41.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #424 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Denton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 31.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 41.7%#424 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 50% | 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 Denton's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Denton; its public schools have 13.1 students per teacher and spend $11,448 per pupil. 35.5% of adults are obese and 9.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Denton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.1#178 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,448#1026 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.5%#815 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.5%#297 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.4%#1099 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.9%#1072 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. 18,366 students are enrolled in Denton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Denton?
The average commute in Denton is 23.7 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.8% of workers take transit and 14.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Denton scores 11.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #563 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.9°F and winters 45.9°F, with 35.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Denton | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 23.7 min#652 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.3%#614 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 66.8% | 71.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.9% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 14.3% | 12.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.2#563 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 | 55.7 | 32.2 | 1.9 |
| Feb | 60 | 36.4 | 2.5 |
| Mar | 67.6 | 44.7 | 3.1 |
| Apr | 75 | 51.4 | 3.4 |
| May | 82.9 | 61.3 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 91.3 | 69.4 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 95.7 | 73.2 | 1.8 |
| Aug | 95.6 | 72.5 | 2.4 |
| Sep | 88.1 | 64.4 | 2.7 |
| Oct | 77.6 | 52.7 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 66.1 | 42.4 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 56.8 | 34.2 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Denton Municpal Airport.
| Measure | Denton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 64.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 82.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 45.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 35.6 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 Denton Municpal Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Denton?
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 | Denton | 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 Denton compare with similar-size cities?
Denton is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #80 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 152,866.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denton, TXPop. 152,866 | #545 | 57.3 | $76,019 | $1,420/mo | 205 | 23.7 min |
| Kansas City, KSPop. 155,135 | #1185 | 45.5 | $62,401 | $1,123/mo | 981 | 22.4 min |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #995 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year | 29.4 min |
| Surprise, AZPop. 154,948 | #391 | 60.2 | $96,711 | $2,033/mo | 86 | 30.2 min |
| Springfield, MAPop. 154,749 | #1186 | 45.5 | $52,656 | $1,144/mo | 871 | 20.2 min |
| Charleston, SCPop. 154,338 | #413 | 59.8 | $92,414 | $1,722/mo | 279 | 24.2 min |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #70 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 | 23 min |
| Bellevue, WAPop. 151,847 | #59 | 70.0 | $165,576 | $2,572/mo | 114 | 23.6 min |
| Naperville, ILPop. 150,692 | #17 | 73.2 | $155,105 | $1,885/mo | 70 | 30.5 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 Denton compare with the rest of Texas?
Denton ranks #28 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 5% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% 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 |
| Burleson, TXPop. 52,918 | … #24 | 58.7 | $93,928 | $1,685/mo | 155 |
| Austin, TXPop. 979,539 | #25 | 58.1 | $93,658 | $1,729/mo | 422 |
| North Richland Hills, TXPop. 70,780 | #26 | 57.4 | $97,305 | $1,704/mo | 151 |
| Irving, TXPop. 256,492 | #27 | 57.3 | $81,830 | $1,619/mo | 268 |
| Denton, TXPop. 152,866 | #28 | 57.3 | $76,019 | $1,420/mo | 205 |
| Atascocita, TXPop. 99,354 | #29 | 57.0 | $118,226 | $1,849/mo | no data |
| Midland, TXPop. 136,640 | #30 | 56.9 | $89,585 | $1,434/mo | 352 |
| Little Elm, TXPop. 54,820 | #31 | 56.7 | $119,219 | $1,953/mo | part year |
| Conroe, TXPop. 102,360 | #32 | 56.2 | $76,206 | $1,393/mo | 263 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Denton among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Denton's score calculated?
Denton scores 57.3 out of 100, #545 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 Denton. Similar-size median 52.9.
53.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Denton's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
81.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Denton. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.5 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Denton's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
49.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Denton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
64.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Denton. Similar-size median 51.2.
44.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Denton. Similar-size median 42.1.
60.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Denton. Similar-size median 50.1.
54.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Denton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
53.7 - 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: Denton'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 Denton 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 Denton
Is Denton, TX a good place to live?
Denton ranks #545 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #80 of 256 mid-size cities and #28 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.9%, #19 of 241) and low violent crime (205 per 100,000, #56 of 235), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Denton?
Denton'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 $1,420/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $346,719, 16% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Denton?
Denton recorded 205 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 37% below the US rate of 328 and 40% below Texas's 345. That ranks #369 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #56 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Denton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,735 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Denton?
The median household in Denton earns $76,019, 9% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Denton?
Median rent in Denton is $1,420/mo (Census), #652 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,519/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Denton?
The typical home value in Denton is $346,719, down 3.2% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $348,200.
How are the public schools in Denton?
There is no city graduation rate for Denton; its public schools have 13.1 students per teacher and spend $11,448 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Denton?
The average commute is 23.7 minutes, #652 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 5.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Denton?
Denton averages 64.5°F over the year, 82.9°F in summer and 45.9°F in winter, with 35.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Denton walkable?
Denton scores 11.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #563 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 Denton 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 Denton?
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 Denton?
Denton has 152,866 residents. The median resident of Denton is 31.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 41.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #424 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Denton compare with the rest of Texas?
Denton ranks #28 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 5% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 40% below the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Denton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Denton's population of 152,866 are Kansas City, KS (#1185 overall), Hollywood, FL (#995 overall), Surprise, AZ (#391 overall), Springfield, MA (#1186 overall), and Charleston, SC (#413 overall). Denton is #545.