TexasPop. 210,600Mid-size cities
Is McKinney a Good Place to Live? McKinney, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
McKinney ranks #170 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #21 of 256 mid-size cities and #4 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.7%, #8 of 241) and low poverty (5.7%, #16 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
McKinney by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with McKinney'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 McKinney?
McKinney'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 $1,901/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $472,118, 58% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | McKinney | 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 | $472,118#764 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 | $1,773/mo#566 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $471,800#932 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,901/mo#1040 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 18.4%#283 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.
McKinney 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. McKinney is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is McKinney safe?
McKinney recorded 115 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 67% below Texas's 345. That ranks #164 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #18 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by McKinney Police Department. Property crime runs 680 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | McKinney | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 115#164 of 1,085 | 345 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 680#81 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 McKinney?
The median household in McKinney earns $124,215, 49% above the US figure of $83,163 and 56% above Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | McKinney | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $124,215#129 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 5.7%#152 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +3.7%#40 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 McKinney?
The median resident of McKinney is 36.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 54.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #198 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | McKinney | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 36.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 54.1%#198 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 63.8% | 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 McKinney's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for McKinney; its public schools have 15.1 students per teacher and spend $10,788 per pupil. 33.9% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | McKinney | 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 | $10,788#1084 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 33.9%#694 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 15.7%#363 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 10.9%#764 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. 35,974 students are enrolled in McKinney's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in McKinney?
The average commute in McKinney is 27.8 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.1% of workers take transit and 24.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index McKinney scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.1°F and winters 46.7°F, with 38.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | McKinney | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 27.8 min#984 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 8.2%#937 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 65.4% | 71.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.9% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 24.5% | 12.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 8.3#982 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 | 55.5 | 33.9 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 59.7 | 38.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 67.5 | 45.5 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 74.7 | 53 | 3.6 |
| May | 82.8 | 62.4 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 90.7 | 70.2 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 95 | 73.8 | 2 |
| Aug | 95.5 | 73.1 | 1.7 |
| Sep | 88.3 | 65.5 | 2.8 |
| Oct | 77.9 | 54.2 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 66.2 | 43.7 | 3.2 |
| Dec | 57.1 | 35.8 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Mckinney Muni Airport.
| Measure | McKinney | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 83.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 38.3 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 Mckinney Muni Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in McKinney?
Collin County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 23 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Collin County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 51% of US counties.
| Measure | McKinney | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 23#982 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.15%#681 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 Collin County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Collin County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.047% | 99% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.012% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.074% | 41% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0011% | 30% 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 McKinney compare with similar-size cities?
McKinney is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #21 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 210,600.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #170 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 | 27.8 min |
| Cape Coral, FLPop. 215,536 | #967 | 50.6 | $78,104 | $1,858/mo | part year | 29.9 min |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #879 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 | 19.5 min |
| Moreno Valley, CAPop. 211,666 | #1043 | 49.1 | $93,222 | $2,135/mo | 300 | 35.5 min |
| Fayetteville, NCPop. 210,815 | #1144 | 46.8 | $58,407 | $1,250/mo | 614 | 19.1 min |
| Yonkers, NYPop. 209,978 | #262 | 62.9 | $83,549 | $1,784/mo | 263 | 35.6 min |
| Salt Lake City, UTPop. 208,007 | #1011 | 49.8 | $75,090 | $1,414/mo | 862 | 19.5 min |
| Worcester, MAPop. 207,055 | #635 | 56.0 | $70,102 | $1,487/mo | 602 | 24.1 min |
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #917 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 | 20.9 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 McKinney compare with the rest of Texas?
McKinney ranks #4 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 65.3 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 56% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate. Homes are 58% 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 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of McKinney among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is McKinney's score calculated?
McKinney scores 65.3 out of 100, #170 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 McKinney. Similar-size median 52.9.
75.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by McKinney's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
94.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in McKinney. Similar-size median 53.8.
61.9 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in McKinney's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
41.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
McKinney's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
53.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in McKinney. Similar-size median 51.2.
83.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in McKinney. Similar-size median 42.1.
78.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in McKinney. Similar-size median 50.1.
56.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across McKinney's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
38.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
54.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: McKinney'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 McKinney 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 McKinney
Is McKinney, TX a good place to live?
McKinney ranks #170 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #21 of 256 mid-size cities and #4 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.7%, #8 of 241) and low poverty (5.7%, #16 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in McKinney?
McKinney'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 $1,901/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $472,118, 58% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in McKinney?
McKinney recorded 115 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 65% below the US rate of 328 and 67% below Texas's 345. That ranks #164 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #18 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by McKinney Police Department. Property crime runs 680 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in McKinney?
The median household in McKinney earns $124,215, 49% above the US figure of $83,163 and 56% above Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in McKinney?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,901/mo (Census), #1040 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,773/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in McKinney?
The typical home value in McKinney is $472,118, down 5.6% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $471,800.
How are the public schools in McKinney?
There is no city graduation rate for McKinney; its public schools have 15.1 students per teacher and spend $10,788 per pupil.
How long is the commute in McKinney?
The average commute is 27.8 minutes, #984 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 8.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in McKinney?
McKinney averages 65°F over the year, 83.1°F in summer and 46.7°F in winter, with 38.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is McKinney walkable?
McKinney scores 8.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #982 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 McKinney at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Collin County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.15% of building value, higher than 51% of US counties.
How is the air quality in McKinney?
Collin County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 23 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in McKinney?
McKinney has 210,600 residents. The median resident of McKinney is 36.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 54.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #198 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does McKinney compare with the rest of Texas?
McKinney ranks #4 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 65.3 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 56% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate. Homes are 58% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to McKinney?
The tracked cities in other states closest to McKinney's population of 210,600 are Cape Coral, FL (#967 overall), Des Moines, IA (#879 overall), Moreno Valley, CA (#1043 overall), Fayetteville, NC (#1144 overall), and Yonkers, NY (#262 overall). McKinney is #170.