TexasPop. 290,594Big cities
Is Plano a Good Place to Live? Plano, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Plano ranks #261 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 53 big cities and #12 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6.8%, #2 of 53) and high household income ($112,253, #3 of 53), and trails on high rents ($1,841/mo, #43 of 53).
Plano by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Plano'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 Plano?
Plano'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 $1,841/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $493,092, 65% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Plano | 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 | $493,092#802 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 | $1,742/mo#543 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $465,900#922 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,841/mo#996 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 19.7%#417 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.
Plano 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. Plano is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Plano safe?
Plano recorded 147 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 55% below the US rate of 328 and 57% below Texas's 345. That ranks #232 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #5 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Plano Police Department. Property crime runs 1,194 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Plano | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 147#232 of 1,085 | 345 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 1,194#305 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 Plano?
The median household in Plano earns $112,253, 35% above the US figure of $83,163 and 41% above Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Plano | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $112,253#212 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 6.8%#230 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 Plano?
The median resident of Plano is 39.6 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 60.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Plano | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 39.6 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 60.5%#119 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 56.9% | 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 Plano's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Plano; its public schools have 14.7 students per teacher and spend $11,283 per pupil. 31.2% of adults are obese and 9.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Plano | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 14.7#405 of 1,188 | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $11,283#1035 of 1,188 | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 31.2%#472 of 1,311 | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 9.9%#383 of 1,311 | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 14%#144 of 1,311 | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.3%#691 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. 45,418 students are enrolled in Plano's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Plano?
The average commute in Plano is 25.4 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.7% of workers take transit and 27.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Plano scores 11.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #545 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 | Plano | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 25.4 min#808 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.3%#614 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 61.5% | 71.8% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.7% | 1% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.8% | 1.6% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 27.5% | 12.9% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.4#545 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 | 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 | Plano | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 65.8°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 83.4°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 47.7°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 41.9 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 Richardson.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Plano?
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 | Plano | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| 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 0.14% | 0.15%#681 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 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 Plano compare with similar-size cities?
Plano is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #5 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 290,594.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plano, TXPop. 290,594 | #261 | 62.9 | $112,253 | $1,841/mo | 147 | 25.4 min |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #390 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 | 18.4 min |
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #369 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 | 36.8 min |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #537 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 | 22.3 min |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #888 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 | 18.8 min |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #1200 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 | 22.1 min |
| Gilbert, AZPop. 280,262 | #224 | 63.8 | $122,551 | $2,110/mo | 117 | 25.9 min |
| North Las Vegas, NVPop. 278,595 | #1042 | 49.1 | $79,542 | $1,705/mo | 362 | 26.7 min |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #161 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 | 19.4 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 Plano compare with the rest of Texas?
Plano ranks #12 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 62.9 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 41% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 57% below the statewide rate. Homes are 65% 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 |
| Sugar Land, TXPop. 110,016 | #11 | 63.0 | $136,217 | $1,957/mo | 73 |
| Plano, TXPop. 290,594 | #12 | 62.9 | $112,253 | $1,841/mo | 147 |
| Carrollton, TXPop. 133,740 | #13 | 62.7 | $101,396 | $1,735/mo | 98 |
| Richardson, TXPop. 118,731 | #14 | 62.7 | $98,111 | $1,857/mo | 138 |
| Wylie, TXPop. 60,334 | #15 | 62.6 | $119,522 | $2,189/mo | 81 |
| Pflugerville, TXPop. 65,971 | #16 | 62.3 | $117,799 | $1,932/mo | 186 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Plano among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Plano's score calculated?
Plano scores 62.9 out of 100, #261 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 Plano. Similar-size median 53.8.
69.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Plano's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
88.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Plano. Similar-size median 54.8.
67.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Plano's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.2.
44.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Plano's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
54.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Plano. Similar-size median 47.2.
76.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Plano. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Plano. Similar-size median 53.7.
62.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Plano's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
54.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
54.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Plano'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 Plano 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 Plano
Is Plano, TX a good place to live?
Plano ranks #261 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #5 of 53 big cities and #12 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6.8%, #2 of 53) and high household income ($112,253, #3 of 53), and trails on high rents ($1,841/mo, #43 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Plano?
Plano'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 $1,841/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $493,092, 65% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Plano?
Plano recorded 147 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 55% below the US rate of 328 and 57% below Texas's 345. That ranks #232 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #5 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Plano Police Department. Property crime runs 1,194 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Plano?
The median household in Plano earns $112,253, 35% above the US figure of $83,163 and 41% above Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Plano?
Median rent in Plano is $1,841/mo (Census), #996 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,742/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Plano?
The typical home value in Plano is $493,092, down 3.8% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $465,900.
How are the public schools in Plano?
There is no city graduation rate for Plano; its public schools have 14.7 students per teacher and spend $11,283 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Plano?
The average commute is 25.4 minutes, #808 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 5.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Plano?
Plano 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 Plano walkable?
Plano scores 11.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #545 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 Plano 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 Plano?
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 Plano?
Plano has 290,594 residents. The median resident of Plano is 39.6 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 60.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #119 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Plano compare with the rest of Texas?
Plano ranks #12 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 62.9 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 41% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 57% below the statewide rate. Homes are 65% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Plano?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Plano's population of 290,594 are Lincoln, NE (#390 overall), Jersey City, NJ (#369 overall), Durham, NC (#537 overall), Anchorage, AK (#888 overall), and St. Louis, MO (#1200 overall). Plano is #261.