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Is Rowlett a Good Place to Live? Rowlett, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Rowlett ranks #433 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #200 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6.1%, #86 of 524) and high household income ($112,081, #119 of 524), and trails on long commutes (31.2 min, #448 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.4%, #378 of 468).
Rowlett by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Rowlett'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 Rowlett?
Rowlett'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 $1,990/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $364,063, 22% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Rowlett | 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 | $364,063#549 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 | $1,586/mo#406 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $368,800#709 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,990/mo#1088 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 3.3x#301 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.3%#594 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.
Rowlett 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. Rowlett is in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Rowlett safe?
Rowlett recorded 157 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% below the US rate of 373 and 61% below Texas's 401. That ranks #250 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #113 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rowlett Police Department. Property crime runs 1,167 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Rowlett | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 157#250 of 1,083 | 401 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,167#296 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
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. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Rowlett?
The median household in Rowlett earns $112,081, 46% above the US figure of $76,827 and 53% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Rowlett | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $112,081#214 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% | 6.1%#187 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.4%#906 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 Rowlett?
The median resident of Rowlett is 39.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 37.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #524 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Rowlett | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 39.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 37.9%#524 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 75.2% | 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 Rowlett's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Rowlett; its public schools have 15 students per teacher and spend $12,352 per pupil. 32.6% of adults are obese and 10.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Rowlett | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15#464 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,352#896 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 32.6%#580 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.4%#479 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.9%#390 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.1%#881 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. 9,281 students are enrolled in Rowlett's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Rowlett?
The average commute in Rowlett is 31.2 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.9% of workers take transit and 18.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Rowlett scores 8.3 of 20 (below average walkable), #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.7°F and winters 46.1°F, with 39.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Rowlett | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 31.2 min#1174 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 10%#1056 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 73.7% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.9% | 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% | 18.4% | 11% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.3#982 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 | 53.7 | 34.2 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 58.2 | 38.1 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 65.1 | 46.4 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 73 | 53.4 | 3.7 |
| May | 80.2 | 62.6 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 88.3 | 70.3 | 4.1 |
| Jul | 92.4 | 73.2 | 1.9 |
| Aug | 93.3 | 73 | 2.2 |
| Sep | 86.7 | 65.9 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 76.7 | 54.8 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 64.7 | 44.6 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 56.1 | 36 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lavon Dam.
| Measure | Rowlett | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 64.2°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 81.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 46.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 39.8 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 Lavon Dam.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Rowlett?
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 | Rowlett | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 11#882 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.14%#567 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 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 Rowlett compare with similar-size cities?
Rowlett is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #200 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 65,463.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rowlett, TXPop. 65,463 | #433 | 59.4 | $112,081 | $1,990/mo | 157 | 31.2 min |
| Greenwood, INPop. 66,029 | #378 | 60.4 | $83,608 | $1,312/mo | 142 | 24.8 min |
| Dundalk, MDPop. 65,969 | #1187 | 45.5 | $64,520 | $1,473/mo | no data | 25.3 min |
| Malden, MAPop. 65,906 | #217 | 64.0 | $100,606 | $2,204/mo | 203 | 34.4 min |
| Lorain, OHPop. 65,395 | #1213 | 44.5 | $48,685 | $887/mo | 565 | 24.9 min |
| Cheyenne, WYPop. 65,239 | #428 | 59.5 | $78,839 | $1,118/mo | 299 | 16 min |
| Brentwood, CAPop. 65,208 | #552 | 57.3 | $142,494 | $2,758/mo | 202 | 40 min |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #457 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 | 35.9 min |
| Kenner, LAPop. 64,904 | #944 | 51.0 | $64,020 | $1,179/mo | 288 | 25.3 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 Rowlett compare with the rest of Texas?
Rowlett ranks #23 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 53% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 61% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% 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 |
| Kyle, TXPop. 56,823 | … #19 | 60.7 | $90,323 | $1,752/mo | 135 |
| Grapevine, TXPop. 51,139 | #20 | 60.6 | $111,376 | $1,863/mo | 165 |
| New Braunfels, TXPop. 104,643 | #21 | 60.0 | $86,021 | $1,654/mo | 223 |
| Pearland, TXPop. 127,514 | #22 | 59.5 | $118,842 | $1,860/mo | 82 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Rowlett among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Rowlett's score calculated?
Rowlett scores 59.4 out of 100, #433 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 Rowlett. Similar-size median 55.5.
68.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Rowlett's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
88.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Rowlett. Similar-size median 58.9.
60.6 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Rowlett's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
46.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Rowlett's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
56.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Rowlett. Similar-size median 56.1.
77.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Rowlett. Similar-size median 42.4.
37.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Rowlett. Similar-size median 50.0.
44.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Rowlett's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
38.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
45.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Rowlett'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 Rowlett 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 Rowlett
Is Rowlett, TX a good place to live?
Rowlett ranks #433 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #200 of 524 smaller cities and #23 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6.1%, #86 of 524) and high household income ($112,081, #119 of 524), and trails on long commutes (31.2 min, #448 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.4%, #378 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Rowlett?
Rowlett'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 $1,990/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $364,063, 22% above the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Rowlett?
Rowlett recorded 157 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 58% below the US rate of 373 and 61% below Texas's 401. That ranks #250 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #113 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Rowlett Police Department. Property crime runs 1,167 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Rowlett?
The median household in Rowlett earns $112,081, 46% above the US figure of $76,827 and 53% above Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.2%). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Rowlett?
Median rent in Rowlett is $1,990/mo (Census), #1088 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,586/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Rowlett?
Zillow's typical home value in Rowlett is $364,063, down 2.8% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $368,800.
How are the public schools in Rowlett?
There is no city graduation rate for Rowlett; its public schools have 15 students per teacher and spend $12,352 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Rowlett?
The average commute is 31.2 minutes, #1174 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 10% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Rowlett?
Rowlett averages 64.2°F over the year, 81.7°F in summer and 46.1°F in winter, with 39.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Rowlett walkable?
Rowlett 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 Rowlett 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 Rowlett?
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 Rowlett?
Rowlett has 65,463 residents. The median resident of Rowlett is 39.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 37.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #524 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Rowlett compare with the rest of Texas?
Rowlett ranks #23 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 53% above the Texas median. Violent crime is 61% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% above the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Rowlett?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Rowlett's population of 65,463 are Greenwood, IN (#378 overall), Dundalk, MD (#1187 overall), Malden, MA (#217 overall), Lorain, OH (#1213 overall), and Cheyenne, WY (#428 overall). Rowlett is #433.