TexasPop. 256,492Big cities
Is Irving a Good Place to Live? Irving, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Irving ranks #544 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #16 of 53 big cities and #27 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (268 per 100,000, #9 of 50) and low poverty (11%, #12 of 53), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #51 of 53).
Irving by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Irving'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 Irving?
Irving'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 $1,619/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,198, 13% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Irving | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 103.1#842 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $339,198#493 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,590/mo#411 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $315,600#576 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,619/mo#804 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 23.7%#859 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Irving 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. Irving is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Irving safe?
Irving recorded 268 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% below the US rate of 328 and 22% below Texas's 345. That ranks #500 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Irving Police Department. Property crime runs 1,755 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Irving | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 268#500 of 1,085 | 345 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,755#603 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Irving?
The median household in Irving earns $81,830, 2% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Irving | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $81,830#584 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 11%#571 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Irving?
The median resident of Irving is 32.8 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 42.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #405 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 38.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Irving | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 32.8 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 42.4%#405 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 38.1% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Irving's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Irving; its public schools have 15.5 students per teacher and spend $12,100 per pupil. 31.6% of adults are obese and 10.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Irving | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 15.5#546 of 1,188 | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $12,100#950 of 1,188 | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 31.6%#510 of 1,311 | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 10.5%#500 of 1,311 | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 16.2%#457 of 1,311 | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 20.6%#1228 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 42,379 students are enrolled in Irving's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Irving?
The average commute in Irving is 24.1 minutes (Texas 27.5); 1% of workers take transit and 20% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Irving scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84.4°F and winters 48.3°F, with 37 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Irving | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 24.1 min#695 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.8%#540 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 65.5% | 71.8% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 1% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 0.9% | 1.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 20% | 12.9% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.8#355 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 56.5 | 36.1 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 60.9 | 40.1 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 68.6 | 47.8 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 76.1 | 55.2 | 3.2 |
| May | 83.6 | 64.5 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 91.5 | 72.2 | 3.7 |
| Jul | 95.6 | 75.8 | 2.1 |
| Aug | 95.8 | 75.7 | 2.2 |
| Sep | 88.6 | 68.5 | 2.7 |
| Oct | 78.4 | 57.1 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 66.6 | 46.2 | 2.5 |
| Dec | 57.9 | 38.3 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dal-Ftw Wscmo Airport.
| Measure | Irving | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 66.6°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 84.4°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 48.3°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 37 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Dal-Ftw Wscmo Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Irving?
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 | Irving | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| 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 0.14% | 0.14%#567 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Irving compare with similar-size cities?
Irving is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #16 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 256,492.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Irving, TXPop. 256,492 | #544 | 57.3 | $81,830 | $1,619/mo | 268 | 24.1 min |
| Chula Vista, CAPop. 276,375 | #718 | 54.7 | $108,032 | $2,229/mo | 365 | 28.6 min |
| Reno, NVPop. 273,212 | #862 | 52.2 | $80,760 | $1,556/mo | 551 | 20.3 min |
| Fort Wayne, INPop. 268,589 | #596 | 56.7 | $61,422 | $999/mo | 275 | 21.5 min |
| Toledo, OHPop. 267,463 | #1240 | 42.9 | $49,724 | $901/mo | 872 | 19.8 min |
| St. Petersburg, FLPop. 262,732 | #633 | 56.1 | $75,192 | $1,663/mo | 492 | 25.6 min |
| Glendale, AZPop. 252,833 | #872 | 52.1 | $73,530 | $1,528/mo | 438 | 27.7 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 |
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 Irving compare with the rest of Texas?
Irving ranks #27 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 3% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 22% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% 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 |
| Rowlett, TXPop. 65,463 | … #23 | 59.4 | $112,081 | $1,990/mo | 157 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Irving among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Irving's score calculated?
Irving scores 57.3 out of 100, #544 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 Irving. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Irving's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
77.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Irving. Similar-size median 54.8.
61.1 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Irving's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.2.
43.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Irving's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
63.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Irving. Similar-size median 47.2.
55.5 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Irving. Similar-size median 42.4.
36.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Irving. Similar-size median 53.7.
57.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Irving's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
62.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
45.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Irving's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Irving 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 Irving
Is Irving, TX a good place to live?
Irving ranks #544 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #16 of 53 big cities and #27 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (268 per 100,000, #9 of 50) and low poverty (11%, #12 of 53), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #51 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Irving?
Irving'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 $1,619/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $339,198, 13% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Irving?
Irving recorded 268 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% below the US rate of 328 and 22% below Texas's 345. That ranks #500 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #9 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Irving Police Department. Property crime runs 1,755 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Irving?
The median household in Irving earns $81,830, 2% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% above Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 11% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Irving?
Median rent in Irving is $1,619/mo (Census), #804 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,590/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Irving?
The typical home value in Irving is $339,198, down 0.3% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $315,600.
How are the public schools in Irving?
There is no city graduation rate for Irving; its public schools have 15.5 students per teacher and spend $12,100 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Irving?
The average commute is 24.1 minutes, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 4.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Irving?
Irving averages 66.6°F over the year, 84.4°F in summer and 48.3°F in winter, with 37 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Irving walkable?
Irving scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 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 Irving 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 Irving?
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 Irving?
Irving has 256,492 residents. The median resident of Irving is 32.8 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 42.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #405 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 38.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Irving compare with the rest of Texas?
Irving ranks #27 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 57.3 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 3% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 22% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Irving?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Irving's population of 256,492 are Chula Vista, CA (#718 overall), Reno, NV (#862 overall), Fort Wayne, IN (#596 overall), Toledo, OH (#1240 overall), and St. Petersburg, FL (#633 overall). Irving is #544.