TexasPop. 201,883Mid-size cities
Is Grand Prairie a Good Place to Live? Grand Prairie, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Grand Prairie ranks #760 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #126 of 256 mid-size cities and #40 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.9%, #48 of 241) and low violent crime (202 per 100,000, #55 of 235), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Grand Prairie by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Grand Prairie'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 Grand Prairie?
Grand Prairie'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 $1,629/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $314,397, 5% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Grand Prairie | 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 | $314,397#418 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 | $1,647/mo#455 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $295,500#520 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,629/mo#810 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.6x#435 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24%#900 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.
Grand Prairie 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. Grand Prairie is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Grand Prairie safe?
Grand Prairie recorded 202 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 328 and 41% below Texas's 345. That ranks #360 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #55 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grand Prairie Police Department. Property crime runs 1,331 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Grand Prairie | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 202#360 of 1,085 | 345 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,331#373 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 Grand Prairie?
The median household in Grand Prairie earns $81,619, 2% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% above Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Grand Prairie | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $81,619#588 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 12.1%#656 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 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 Grand Prairie?
The median resident of Grand Prairie is 34.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 30% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #792 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Grand Prairie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 34.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 30%#792 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 58.7% | 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 Grand Prairie's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Grand Prairie; its public schools have 15.4 students per teacher and spend $11,802 per pupil. 35.8% of adults are obese and 12.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Grand Prairie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.4#529 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,802#982 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 35.8%#840 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.5%#867 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 22.3%#1240 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. 37,516 students are enrolled in Grand Prairie's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Grand Prairie?
The average commute in Grand Prairie is 28 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.1% of workers take transit and 12.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Grand Prairie scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 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 | Grand Prairie | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 28 min#1000 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.6%#788 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 73.3% | 71.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.8% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12.7% | 12.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.4#1184 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 | 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 | Grand Prairie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 66.8°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 84.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 49.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 36.2 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 Arlington Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Grand Prairie?
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 | Grand Prairie | 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 Grand Prairie compare with similar-size cities?
Grand Prairie is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #126 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 201,883.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prairie, TXPop. 201,883 | #760 | 54.0 | $81,619 | $1,629/mo | 202 | 28 min |
| Little Rock, ARPop. 203,436 | #1190 | 45.3 | $63,003 | $1,106/mo | 1,485 | 18.5 min |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #1131 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 | 22.8 min |
| Tallahassee, FLPop. 201,875 | #1007 | 49.9 | $57,409 | $1,293/mo | 629 | 19.1 min |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #1173 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 | 21.1 min |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #309 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 | 17 min |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #912 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 | 25.3 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 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 Grand Prairie compare with the rest of Texas?
Grand Prairie ranks #40 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 54 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 2% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% 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 |
| 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 |
| Wichita Falls, TXPop. 102,581 | #44 | 52.6 | $60,177 | $1,022/mo | 358 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Grand Prairie among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Grand Prairie's score calculated?
Grand Prairie scores 54 out of 100, #760 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 Grand Prairie. Similar-size median 52.9.
55.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Grand Prairie's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
84.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Grand Prairie. Similar-size median 53.8.
48.7 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Grand Prairie's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
43.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Grand Prairie's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
63.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Grand Prairie. Similar-size median 51.2.
53.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Grand Prairie. Similar-size median 42.1.
49.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Grand Prairie. Similar-size median 50.1.
43.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Grand Prairie's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
33.7 - 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: Grand Prairie'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 Grand Prairie 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 Grand Prairie
Is Grand Prairie, TX a good place to live?
Grand Prairie ranks #760 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #126 of 256 mid-size cities and #40 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+0.9%, #48 of 241) and low violent crime (202 per 100,000, #55 of 235), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Grand Prairie?
Grand Prairie'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 $1,629/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $314,397, 5% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Grand Prairie?
Grand Prairie recorded 202 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 38% below the US rate of 328 and 41% below Texas's 345. That ranks #360 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #55 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grand Prairie Police Department. Property crime runs 1,331 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Grand Prairie?
The median household in Grand Prairie earns $81,619, 2% below the US figure of $83,163 and 2% above Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 12.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Grand Prairie?
Median rent in Grand Prairie is $1,629/mo (Census), #810 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,647/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Grand Prairie?
The typical home value in Grand Prairie is $314,397, down 1.3% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $295,500.
How are the public schools in Grand Prairie?
There is no city graduation rate for Grand Prairie; its public schools have 15.4 students per teacher and spend $11,802 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Grand Prairie?
The average commute is 28 minutes, #1000 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 6.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Grand Prairie?
Grand Prairie 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 Grand Prairie walkable?
Grand Prairie scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 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 Grand Prairie 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 Grand Prairie?
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 Grand Prairie?
Grand Prairie has 201,883 residents. The median resident of Grand Prairie is 34.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 30% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #792 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Grand Prairie compare with the rest of Texas?
Grand Prairie ranks #40 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 54 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 2% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 5% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Grand Prairie?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Grand Prairie's population of 201,883 are Little Rock, AR (#1190 overall), Mobile, AL (#1131 overall), Tallahassee, FL (#1007 overall), Augusta, GA (#1173 overall), and Sioux Falls, SD (#309 overall). Grand Prairie is #760.