TexasPop. 963,194Large cities
Is Fort Worth a Good Place to Live? Fort Worth, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fort Worth ranks #745 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #15 of 37 large cities and #39 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.9%, #2 of 37) and low violent crime (375 per 100,000, #4 of 36), and trails on long commutes (27.1 min, #28 of 37).
Fort Worth by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fort Worth'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 Fort Worth?
Fort Worth'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 $1,509/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $295,800, 1% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Fort Worth | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 103.1#842 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $295,800#365 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,615/mo#432 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $303,000#538 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,509/mo#728 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 22.8%#756 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Fort Worth 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. Fort Worth is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Fort Worth safe?
Fort Worth recorded 375 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% above the US rate of 328 and 9% above Texas's 345. That ranks #686 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #4 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Worth Police Department. Property crime runs 2,221 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fort Worth | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 375#686 of 1,085 | 345 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 2,221#769 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Fort Worth?
The median household in Fort Worth earns $79,507, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and in line with Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 13.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fort Worth | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $79,507#627 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 13.1%#744 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.9%#111 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fort Worth?
The median resident of Fort Worth is 33.6 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 32% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #717 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fort Worth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 33.6 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 32%#717 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 57% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fort Worth's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Fort Worth; its public schools have 15.3 students per teacher and spend $12,438 per pupil. 34.6% of adults are obese and 12.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Fort Worth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 15.3#514 of 1,188 | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $12,438#886 of 1,188 | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 34.6%#744 of 1,311 | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 12.2%#822 of 1,311 | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 20%#1218 of 1,311 | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 147,129 students are enrolled in Fort Worth's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fort Worth?
The average commute in Fort Worth is 27.1 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.5% of workers take transit and 14% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fort Worth scores 10.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #633 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.2°F and winters 47.2°F, with 38 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fort Worth | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 27.1 min#938 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 7.9%#913 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 71.7% | 71.8% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 0.5% | 1% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 1.2% | 1.6% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 14% | 12.9% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 10.6#633 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 55.5 | 35.5 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 59.4 | 39.2 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 67.2 | 46.9 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 74.6 | 54.2 | 3.3 |
| May | 82 | 63.5 | 4.3 |
| Jun | 89.9 | 71.4 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 94 | 75.2 | 2.8 |
| Aug | 94 | 74.7 | 2.6 |
| Sep | 86.7 | 67.5 | 2.7 |
| Oct | 76.7 | 56.1 | 4.6 |
| Nov | 65.3 | 45.3 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 56.7 | 37.1 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Worth WSFO.
| Measure | Fort Worth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 65.4°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 83.2°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 47.2°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 38 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Worth WSFO.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fort Worth?
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 | Fort Worth | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 56#989 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 30#1016 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Fort Worth compare with similar-size cities?
Fort Worth is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #15 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 963,194.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth, TXPop. 963,194 | #745 | 54.2 | $79,507 | $1,509/mo | 375 | 27.1 min |
| San Jose, CAPop. 990,138 | #416 | 59.7 | $146,427 | $2,669/mo | 505 | 27.3 min |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #946 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, OHPop. 914,802 | #726 | 54.5 | $66,082 | $1,295/mo | 380 | 21.5 min |
| Charlotte, NCPop. 903,844 | #623 | 56.3 | $82,068 | $1,612/mo | 559 | 24.7 min |
| Indianapolis, INPop. 885,860 | #947 | 50.9 | $66,219 | $1,156/mo | 769 | 24.6 min |
| Seattle, WAPop. 754,195 | #338 | 61.1 | $123,860 | $2,030/mo | 706 | 26 min |
| Denver, COPop. 718,877 | #722 | 54.6 | $94,718 | $1,831/mo | 882 | 24.9 min |
| Oklahoma City, OKPop. 697,125 | #938 | 51.1 | $68,656 | $1,130/mo | 681 | 22.2 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 Fort Worth compare with the rest of Texas?
Fort Worth ranks #39 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 54.2 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn in line with the Texas median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below 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 |
| Bryan, TXPop. 87,939 | … #35 | 54.7 | $59,289 | $1,195/mo | 287 |
| Garland, TXPop. 246,844 | #36 | 54.5 | $76,320 | $1,641/mo | 191 |
| College Station, TXPop. 124,570 | #37 | 54.5 | $50,900 | $1,194/mo | 132 |
| Missouri City, TXPop. 76,558 | #38 | 54.4 | $94,390 | $1,931/mo | 151 |
| Fort Worth, TXPop. 963,194 | #39 | 54.2 | $79,507 | $1,509/mo | 375 |
| Grand Prairie, TXPop. 201,883 | #40 | 54.0 | $81,619 | $1,629/mo | 202 |
| Tyler, TXPop. 109,215 | #41 | 53.8 | $67,486 | $1,252/mo | 366 |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #42 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 |
| McAllen, TXPop. 145,385 | #43 | 52.6 | $61,579 | $1,049/mo | 126 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Fort Worth among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Fort Worth's score calculated?
Fort Worth scores 54.2 out of 100, #745 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 Fort Worth. Similar-size median 50.4.
54.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fort Worth's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
67.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fort Worth. Similar-size median 52.4.
49.1 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fort Worth's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.5.
45.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fort Worth's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
64.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fort Worth. Similar-size median 43.4.
50.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fort Worth. Similar-size median 40.4.
60.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fort Worth. Similar-size median 56.6.
45.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fort Worth's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
50.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
46.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fort Worth's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth
Is Fort Worth, TX a good place to live?
Fort Worth ranks #745 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #15 of 37 large cities and #39 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.9%, #2 of 37) and low violent crime (375 per 100,000, #4 of 36), and trails on long commutes (27.1 min, #28 of 37).
What is the cost of living in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth'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 $1,509/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $295,800, 1% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth recorded 375 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 14% above the US rate of 328 and 9% above Texas's 345. That ranks #686 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #4 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Worth Police Department. Property crime runs 2,221 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fort Worth?
The median household in Fort Worth earns $79,507, 4% below the US figure of $83,163 and in line with Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 13.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fort Worth?
Median rent in Fort Worth is $1,509/mo (Census), #728 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,615/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fort Worth?
The typical home value in Fort Worth is $295,800, down 1.8% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $303,000.
How are the public schools in Fort Worth?
There is no city graduation rate for Fort Worth; its public schools have 15.3 students per teacher and spend $12,438 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fort Worth?
The average commute is 27.1 minutes, #938 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 7.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fort Worth?
Fort Worth averages 65.4°F over the year, 83.2°F in summer and 47.2°F in winter, with 38 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fort Worth walkable?
Fort Worth scores 10.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #633 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 Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth?
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 Fort Worth?
Fort Worth has 963,194 residents. The median resident of Fort Worth is 33.6 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 32% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #717 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fort Worth compare with the rest of Texas?
Fort Worth ranks #39 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 54.2 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn in line with the Texas median. Violent crime is 9% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Fort Worth?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fort Worth's population of 963,194 are San Jose, CA (#416 overall), Jacksonville, FL (#946 overall), Columbus, OH (#726 overall), Charlotte, NC (#623 overall), and Indianapolis, IN (#947 overall). Fort Worth is #745.