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Is Little Elm a Good Place to Live? Little Elm, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Little Elm ranks #601 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #268 of 524 smaller cities and #31 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.1%, #24 of 468) and high household income ($119,219, #90 of 524), and trails on long commutes (34.6 min, #494 of 524) and high rents ($1,953/mo, #396 of 524).
Little Elm by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Little Elm's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Little Elm: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Little Elm safe?
What is the cost of living in Little Elm?
Little Elm'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 $1,953/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $393,657, 31% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Little Elm | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 103.1#842 of 1,308 | 97 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $393,657#613 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,307/mo#842 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $420,700#836 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,953/mo#1071 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 19.7%#417 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Little Elm 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. Little Elm is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Little Elm safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Little Elm are far below Texas's rates for a city of 54,820, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Little Elm on safety. Texas as a whole records 401 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What do people earn in Little Elm?
The median household in Little Elm earns $119,219, 55% above the US figure of $76,827 and 63% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Little Elm | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $119,219#166 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9%#417 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +3.1%#48 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Little Elm?
The median resident of Little Elm is 35.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 44.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #360 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Little Elm | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 44.2%#360 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 70.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Little Elm's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Little Elm; its public schools have 16 students per teacher and spend $11,157 per pupil. 36.1% of adults are obese and 9.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Little Elm | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 16#634 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,157#1046 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 36.1%#880 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 9.3%#265 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 13.3%#981 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 7,362 students are enrolled in Little Elm's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Little Elm?
The average commute in Little Elm is 34.6 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.1% of workers take transit and 27.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Little Elm scores 7.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1228 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.8°F and winters 46.8°F, with 38.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Little Elm | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 34.6 min#1260 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 15.7%#1236 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 63.6% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.3% | 1.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 27.2% | 11% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.1#1228 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 55.8 | 34.1 | 2.2 |
| Feb | 59.6 | 37.4 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 67.7 | 44.8 | 3.4 |
| Apr | 75.6 | 52.8 | 3.7 |
| May | 82.9 | 62.7 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 91.1 | 71.1 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 95.9 | 74.9 | 2.3 |
| Aug | 95.8 | 74.2 | 2.4 |
| Sep | 88.5 | 66.8 | 3 |
| Oct | 78.1 | 55.3 | 4.6 |
| Nov | 66.2 | 44.1 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 57.4 | 36.1 | 2.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Denton 2 Se.
| Measure | Little Elm | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 65.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 83.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 46.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 38.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Denton 2 Se.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Little Elm?
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 | Little Elm | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 19#965 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.12%#439 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Little Elm compare with similar-size cities?
Little Elm is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #268 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 54,820.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Elm, TXPop. 54,820 | #601 | 56.7 | $119,219 | $1,953/mo | part year | 34.6 min |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #1150 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 | 16.1 min |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #966 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 | 29.5 min |
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | #934 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 | 28.4 min |
| West Sacramento, CAPop. 54,927 | #574 | 57.0 | $93,188 | $1,665/mo | 327 | 24.7 min |
| Logan, UTPop. 54,907 | #742 | 54.3 | $60,687 | $1,149/mo | 178 | 15.2 min |
| Tinley Park, ILPop. 54,842 | #163 | 65.7 | $105,189 | $1,495/mo | 93 | 33.7 min |
| Peabody, MAPop. 54,695 | #321 | 61.6 | $96,657 | $1,950/mo | 292 | 25.8 min |
| Westfield, INPop. 54,677 | #19 | 72.7 | $122,789 | $1,667/mo | 66 | 25.1 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 Little Elm compare with the rest of Texas?
Little Elm ranks #31 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 63% above the Texas median. Homes are 31% 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Little Elm among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Little Elm's score calculated?
Little Elm scores 56.7 out of 100, #601 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Little Elm. Similar-size median 55.5.
71.9 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Little Elm. Similar-size median 58.9.
54.9 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Little Elm's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
39.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Little Elm's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
54.5 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Little Elm. Similar-size median 56.1.
75.5 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Little Elm. Similar-size median 42.4.
72.2 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Little Elm. Similar-size median 50.0.
46.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Little Elm's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
32.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
57.8 - SafetyNot scored
Little Elm's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Little Elm's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Little Elm 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 Little Elm
Is Little Elm, TX a good place to live?
Little Elm ranks #601 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #268 of 524 smaller cities and #31 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.1%, #24 of 468) and high household income ($119,219, #90 of 524), and trails on long commutes (34.6 min, #494 of 524) and high rents ($1,953/mo, #396 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Little Elm?
Little Elm'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 $1,953/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $393,657, 31% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
Is Little Elm safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Little Elm are far below Texas's rates for a city of 54,820, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Little Elm on safety. Texas as a whole records 401 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What is the median household income in Little Elm?
The median household in Little Elm earns $119,219, 55% above the US figure of $76,827 and 63% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.1% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Little Elm?
Median rent in Little Elm is $1,953/mo (Census), #1071 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,307/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Little Elm?
Zillow's typical home value in Little Elm is $393,657, down 5.7% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $420,700.
How are the public schools in Little Elm?
There is no city graduation rate for Little Elm; its public schools have 16 students per teacher and spend $11,157 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Little Elm?
The average commute is 34.6 minutes, #1260 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 15.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Little Elm?
Little Elm averages 65.4°F over the year, 83.8°F in summer and 46.8°F in winter, with 38.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Little Elm walkable?
Little Elm scores 7.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1228 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 Little Elm 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 Little Elm?
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 Little Elm?
Little Elm has 54,820 residents. The median resident of Little Elm is 35.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 44.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #360 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Little Elm compare with the rest of Texas?
Little Elm ranks #31 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 63% above the Texas median. Homes are 31% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Little Elm?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Little Elm's population of 54,820 are Valdosta, GA (#1150 overall), Plainfield, NJ (#966 overall), Winter Haven, FL (#934 overall), West Sacramento, CA (#574 overall), and Logan, UT (#742 overall). Little Elm is #601.