TexasPop. 246,844Mid-size cities
Is Garland a Good Place to Live? Garland, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Garland ranks #727 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #118 of 256 mid-size cities and #36 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (191 per 100,000, #48 of 235), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #217 of 241) and long commutes (29.7 min, #199 of 256).
Garland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Garland'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 Garland?
Garland'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 $1,641/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $283,276, 5% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Garland | 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 | $283,276#334 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 | $1,556/mo#384 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $270,800#449 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,641/mo#817 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 25.8%#1077 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.
Garland 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. Garland is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Garland safe?
Garland recorded 191 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 328 and 45% below Texas's 345. That ranks #336 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #48 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Garland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,672 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Garland | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 191#336 of 1,085 | 345 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,672#565 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 Garland?
The median household in Garland earns $76,320, 8% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Garland | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $76,320#683 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 13%#734 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 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 Garland?
The median resident of Garland is 35 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 25.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #962 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Garland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 25.4%#962 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 61.6% | 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 Garland's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Garland; its public schools have 15.1 students per teacher and spend $12,330 per pupil. 34.7% of adults are obese and 13% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Garland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.1#478 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,330#898 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 34.7%#752 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13%#950 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 22.6%#1245 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. 42,240 students are enrolled in Garland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Garland?
The average commute in Garland is 29.7 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.9% of workers take transit and 12.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Garland scores 12.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #464 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 | Garland | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 29.7 min#1087 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.9%#825 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 72.7% | 71.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12.4% | 12.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.1#464 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 | Garland | 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 Garland?
Dallas County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 41% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dallas County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
| Measure | Garland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.14%#567 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 Dallas County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dallas County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.029% | 97% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.02% | 86% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.073% | 39% 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 Garland compare with similar-size cities?
Garland is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #118 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 246,844.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garland, TXPop. 246,844 | #727 | 54.5 | $76,320 | $1,641/mo | 191 | 29.7 min |
| Chesapeake, VAPop. 252,583 | #430 | 59.4 | $95,373 | $1,586/mo | 319 | 25.8 min |
| Winston-Salem, NCPop. 252,037 | #1103 | 47.8 | $59,268 | $1,087/mo | 744 | 21.5 min |
| Scottsdale, AZPop. 243,821 | #345 | 61.0 | $110,886 | $2,013/mo | 175 | 21.6 min |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #616 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 min |
| Port St. Lucie, FLPop. 232,491 | #488 | 58.2 | $80,648 | $1,937/mo | 128 | 30.5 min |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #767 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 | 20.6 min |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #651 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 | 34.1 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 Garland compare with the rest of Texas?
Garland ranks #36 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 54.5 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 4% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 45% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% 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 |
| Conroe, TXPop. 102,360 | … #32 | 56.2 | $76,206 | $1,393/mo | 263 |
| Euless, TXPop. 60,421 | #33 | 55.8 | $82,167 | $1,690/mo | 159 |
| San Angelo, TXPop. 99,674 | #34 | 54.9 | $65,864 | $1,153/mo | 287 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Garland among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Garland's score calculated?
Garland scores 54.5 out of 100, #727 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 Garland. Similar-size median 52.9.
53.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Garland's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
82.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Garland. Similar-size median 53.8.
49.8 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Garland's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
45.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Garland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
64.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Garland. Similar-size median 51.2.
49.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Garland. Similar-size median 42.1.
35.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Garland. Similar-size median 50.1.
42.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Garland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
58.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
45.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Garland'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 Garland 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 Garland
Is Garland, TX a good place to live?
Garland ranks #727 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #118 of 256 mid-size cities and #36 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (191 per 100,000, #48 of 235), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #217 of 241) and long commutes (29.7 min, #199 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Garland?
Garland'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 $1,641/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $283,276, 5% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Garland?
Garland recorded 191 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 42% below the US rate of 328 and 45% below Texas's 345. That ranks #336 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #48 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Garland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,672 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Garland?
The median household in Garland earns $76,320, 8% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Garland?
Median rent in Garland is $1,641/mo (Census), #817 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,556/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Garland?
The typical home value in Garland is $283,276, down 3.3% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $270,800.
How are the public schools in Garland?
There is no city graduation rate for Garland; its public schools have 15.1 students per teacher and spend $12,330 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Garland?
The average commute is 29.7 minutes, #1087 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 6.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Garland?
Garland 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 Garland walkable?
Garland scores 12.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #464 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 Garland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dallas County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 58% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Garland?
Dallas County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 41% of measured days were rated good; 11 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Garland?
Garland has 246,844 residents. The median resident of Garland is 35 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 25.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #962 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Garland compare with the rest of Texas?
Garland ranks #36 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 54.5 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 4% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 45% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Garland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Garland's population of 246,844 are Chesapeake, VA (#430 overall), Winston-Salem, NC (#1103 overall), Scottsdale, AZ (#345 overall), Enterprise, NV (#616 overall), and Boise, ID (#200 overall). Garland is #727.