Ovilla
Data updated
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Each dot is one of the 84 cities we score — brighter means a higher score. Boundaries, highways and lakes: US Census TIGER.
- Prosperity88
- Schools82
- Safety91
- Lifestyle50
- Market82
- Affordability82
- Commute54
- Growth66
Comparevs Glenn Heightsvs DeSotovs Cedar Hillvs Dallasvs Duncanville
Ovilla
Snapshot
✓ Pros
- Peaceful, spacious neighborhoods – Minimal traffic and more open land than typical suburbs
- Affordable for acreage – More value for space compared to northern DFW suburbs
- Close enough to Dallas for work – Commutes manageable via I-35E and nearby highways
✗ Cons
- Limited retail, dining, and entertainment
- School options vary – Ovilla ISD is smaller; zoning matters for families
- Slower development of services – Fewer hospitals, grocery stores, or commercial hubs locally
Demographics
Population
Mobility & Migration
Age Distribution
Households
Education Level
Connectivity & Remote Work
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Real Estate
💡 Market Insights
Home Prices
Market Trends
Market Health
Market Insights
Typical Home
Property Mix
Common Features
Costs & Ownership
Investment Indicators
Lifestyle
Explore Ovilla on Google Maps
Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles)
Getting Around
Averaged across Ovilla, weighted by where people live. #79 of 84 cities. Most errands need a car here.
Local life in Ovilla
Ovilla lies in Ellis County and partly in Dallas County. Its civic center is City Hall at 105 S.
Day-to-day Ovilla3,4,7,15,21,22,24,25
- 1Ovilla City Hall, Police and Fire
- 2Ovilla City Park
- 3Heritage Park
- 4Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School
- 5Shields Elementary
- 6Schupmann Elementary
- 7Eastridge Elementary
- 8Wooden Elementary
- 9Red Oak Elementary
- 10Red Oak Middle School
- 11Red Oak High School
- 12Walmart Supercenter (pharmacy)
- 13Red Oak Public Library
Only places with 2025-26 sources and one consistent address are mapped. No in-town restaurants or shops met that bar. Off the map (farther out): Kroger Midlothian Towne Ctr (pharmacy), Methodist Midlothian Medical Center.
Ovilla's year, month by month2,6
| Month | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| September | Heritage Day: parade, 90+ vendors, car show, petting zoo (Sept 27 in 2025) | Park grounds behind City Hall |
| November | Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony (Nov 8, 2026, 2-3 p.m.) | Veterans Memorial, Heritage Park |
City-run events from the city website. Check the city calendar for 2027 dates.
Drive times from Ovilla City Hall27
- Downtown Midlothian9.3 mi16 min
- Downtown Waxahachie11.7 mi21 min
- Downtown Dallas22.7 mi30 min
- Dallas Love Field27.9 mi40 min
- DFW Airport33.4 mi53 min
- Downtown Fort Worth39.0 mi53 min
Realust calculation with the OSRM open routing engine, Oct 28, 2026. Free-flow times; weekday rush hour adds time.
What's in town vs. nearby1,3,4,8,15,21,22,23,24,25,26,27
| Need | In Ovilla | Nearest outside town |
|---|---|---|
| Full grocery | None confirmed | Walmart Supercenter, 100 S. Ryan Dr., Red Oak; Kroger, 2200 FM 663, Midlothian; Brookshire's listed at 105 E. Ovilla Rd., Red Oak |
| Pharmacy | None confirmed | Walmart (Red Oak) and Kroger (Midlothian) pharmacies |
| Hospital / ER | None found | Methodist Midlothian Medical Center, 1201 E. US-287 (about 10 mi, 19 min) |
| Library | No city library | Red Oak Public Library, 101 S. Live Oak St. |
| Parks | Heritage Park; Ovilla City Park | Cedar Hill State Park on Joe Pool Lake |
| City Hall, police, fire | 105 S. Cockrell Hill Rd. | - |
| Middle school | Dr. Joy Shaw MS, 340 Westmoreland Rd. (Red Oak ISD) | Red Oak Middle School, Red Oak |
| High school | None found | Red Oak High School, 220 S. SH 342, Red Oak (Red Oak ISD portion) |
'None confirmed' means we found no 2025-26 evidence of one; it is not a claim that none exists. Drive figures are Realust OSRM estimates.
Read the full local life guide
A small town with civic life around City Hall
Ovilla lies in Ellis County and partly in Dallas County. Its civic center is City Hall at 105 S. Cockrell Hill Rd., which also serves as the address for the police and fire departments. The park grounds behind City Hall host the town's largest event.
The large grocery stores, pharmacies and hospital we confirmed are in neighboring Red Oak and Midlothian. We could not confirm, with 2025-26 evidence, which restaurants and shops inside Ovilla are open, so we have not listed them here. Check current listings before you rely on any in-town business.
Heritage Day and a Veterans Day ceremony
Heritage Day is Ovilla's annual town festival. The 2025 edition ran Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It includes a parade that starts at Ovilla Road Baptist Church and ends at the park grounds behind City Hall, plus 90+ vendors, live performances, a car show, a petting zoo and bounce houses. The city has posted 2026 vendor, parade and car show forms.
On Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, the city and the Old Chisholm Trail Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hold a Veterans Day wreath laying at the Veterans Memorial in Heritage Park, 2 to 3 p.m.
Parks and trails
The city maintains two parks we could confirm. Heritage Park, at 675 W. Main St., has restrooms open to anyone using the park and a Veterans Memorial. In late 2024 the city added an ADA ramp and a path to the restrooms. In 2025 it registered a project for about 1,012 feet of new concrete trail, 7 to 10 feet wide, at an estimated $290,000.
Ovilla City Park sits at City Hall, 105 S. Cockrell Hill Rd. A 2025 project there added about 11,700 sq ft of 10-foot-wide concrete sidewalk and drive. The city does not publish acreage for either park.
For bigger outdoors, Cedar Hill State Park on Joe Pool Lake is a short drive north. The park covers 1,826 acres on a 7,500-acre lake, with more than 350 campsites, hike and bike trails, a swimming area, fishing piers and the 25-acre Penn Farm Agricultural History Center.
Errands: groceries, health care and the library
For groceries, the closest large store we could confirm is the Walmart Supercenter at 100 S. Ryan Dr. in Red Oak, open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a pharmacy. Kroger's Midlothian Towne Center store is at 2200 FM 663 and also has a pharmacy. A Brookshire's is listed at 105 E. Ovilla Rd. in Red Oak.
The nearest full hospital we routed to is Methodist Midlothian Medical Center, 1201 E. US 287, about 10 miles and 19 minutes from City Hall. It lists emergency care among its services.
Ovilla has no city library listed among its departments. The Red Oak Public Library is at 101 S. Live Oak St. in Red Oak, open Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 1-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Its site does not say whether Ovilla residents get a free card.
Schools: mostly Red Oak ISD
Most of Ovilla is in Red Oak ISD. Some addresses fall in neighboring districts, and the ISD depends on the address, so check the district's boundary tool for any home.
Red Oak ISD's Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School is at 340 Westmoreland Rd. in Ovilla, and Shields Elementary is on W. Ovilla Rd. In the 2026 TEA ratings, the district scored 78, up from 77. Campus results ranged from B (87) at Wooden Elementary and B (86) at Red Oak High School to C (70) at Red Oak Elementary and Red Oak Middle. Shields earned a B (80) and Shaw a C (72).
In Midlothian ISD's final 2025 ratings, McClatchey Elementary and Walnut Grove Middle School earned A's and Midlothian Heritage High School a B (89).
Getting around and public safety
Off-peak, downtown Midlothian is about 16 minutes from City Hall, downtown Waxahachie 21, downtown Dallas 30, Love Field 40, and DFW Airport and downtown Fort Worth about 53 each. Rush hour adds time.
Ovilla's police department has 11 full-time officers and a secretary, with officers on duty around the clock. Non-emergency dispatch is 972-775-3333. The fire department is a combination department of about 15 volunteers and 31 part-time paid staff. It covers the city plus Ellis County ESD No. 2 and No. 4, runs three engines among nine apparatus, and holds an ISO Class 2 rating. In April 2025 the City of Ovilla registered in the federal provider registry as a ground ambulance service.
Not confirmed yet
- Which Red Oak ISD elementary and middle school serve each part of Ovilla (the district directory does not show attendance zones).
- Midlothian ISD 2026 campus ratings.
- Acreage of Heritage Park and Ovilla City Park (the city does not publish it).
- Whether the 2025 Heritage Park trail was completed, and the 2026 Heritage Day date.
- How Ovilla's ambulance service is staffed and how many ambulances it runs.
- Whether Ovilla residents can get a free Red Oak Public Library card.
Questions people ask
Is there a grocery store in Ovilla?
We could not confirm a full grocery store inside Ovilla with current sources. The nearest large stores we confirmed are the Walmart Supercenter at 100 S. Ryan Dr. in Red Oak and Kroger at 2200 FM 663 in Midlothian. A Brookshire's is listed at 105 E. Ovilla Rd. in Red Oak.
What school district is Ovilla in?
Mostly Red Oak ISD; some addresses fall in neighboring districts. Check by address.
How long is the drive from Ovilla to Dallas?
About 30 minutes to downtown Dallas off-peak (about 23 miles), by Realust's routing estimate. Love Field is about 40 minutes and DFW Airport about 53.
Where is the nearest hospital to Ovilla?
Methodist Midlothian Medical Center, 1201 E. US-287 in Midlothian, about 10 miles and 19 minutes from City Hall. It lists emergency care.
When is Ovilla Heritage Day?
It is held in late September at the park grounds behind City Hall. The 2025 edition was Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a parade, 90+ vendors and a car show.
Does Ovilla have its own police and fire departments?
Yes. Police has 11 full-time officers. The fire department is a combination department of volunteers and part-time paid staff with an ISO Class 2 rating.
Does Ovilla have a library?
The city does not list a library among its departments. The Red Oak Public Library is at 101 S. Live Oak St. in Red Oak.
Sources (28) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- City of Ovilla, Parks page
- City of Ovilla, Heritage Day page (2025 date, 2026 applications)
- TDLR TABS2025021513, Heritage Park Trail Improvements, 675 W Main St
- TDLR TABS2025003645, Ovilla City Park Improvements, 105 S Cockrell Hill Rd
- Ellis County Press, Ovilla Heritage Park construction begins (Dec. 2024)
- City of Ovilla calendar, Veterans Day Wreath Laying Ceremony, Nov 8, 2026
- City of Ovilla home page and news flash (Oct 2026)
- City of Ovilla, Departments
- City of Ovilla, Police Department
- City of Ovilla Fire Department, About Us
- City of Ovilla Fire Department, Apparatus
- City of Ovilla Fire Department, ISO Rating
- NERIS (Fire Safety Research Institute), Ovilla Fire Department station listing
- NPI Registry record 1336937143, City of Ovilla (ground ambulance taxonomy), enumerated Apr 30, 2025
- Red Oak ISD, School Directory
- Red Oak ISD, 2026 state rating news release (Aug 14, 2026)
- Waxahachie Sun, ROISD state rating improves (Aug 24, 2026)
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Shields Elementary
- Midlothian ISD, final 2025 accountability ratings (Dec 9, 2025)
- Wikipedia, Ovilla, Texas
- Walmart Supercenter #3433, Red Oak (store page)
- Kroger Midlothian Towne Ctr (store page)
- Superpages listing, Brookshire's, Red Oak
- Methodist Health System, Methodist Midlothian Medical Center
- City of Red Oak, Red Oak Public Library
- Visit Cedar Hill, Cedar Hill State Park on Joe Pool Lake
- OSRM open routing engine (Realust drive-time calculation, Oct 28, 2026)
- Texas Monthly, Franks Holy Smoke BBQ review (Sept 2018)
Seasonal Temperatures
Annual Conditions
Crime & Safety
Safety Overview
Violent Crime
Property Crime
Job Market
Income
Employment
Income Distribution
Education
School District
Schools
Academic Info
Transportation
Mobility Scores
Commute
Distance To
⚡ EV Charging
Drive to major employers from Ovilla
Rush-hour drive times from the center of Ovilla, weekday at 8:00 AM.
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown DallasDallas | 41 min | 30 min | 19.6 mi |
| Baylor University Medical CenterDallas | 42 min | 33 min | 21.1 mi |
| Arlington Entertainment DistrictArlington | 44 min | 37 min | 27.1 mi |
| AT&TDowntown Dallas | 45 min | 32 min | 20.4 mi |
| Uptown DallasDallas | 46 min | 32 min | 20.7 mi |
| UT Southwestern / Medical DistrictDallas | 47 min | 32 min | 23.3 mi |
| Las Colinas Urban CenterIrving | 48 min | 35 min | 28.3 mi |
| American AirlinesFort Worth | 49 min | 38 min | 30.3 mi |
Show all 36 workplaces
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kimberly-ClarkIrving | 50 min | 37 min | 28.9 mi |
| McKessonLas Colinas | 52 min | 38 min | 30.9 mi |
| Dallas Love FieldDallas | 53 min | 38 min | 25.5 mi |
| Southwest AirlinesLove Field | 53 min | 37 min | 26.6 mi |
| SMUUniversity Park | 56 min | 38 min | 25.3 mi |
| Downtown Fort WorthFort Worth | 58 min | 47 min | 39.3 mi |
| Galleria / LBJDallas | 59 min | 39 min | 30.7 mi |
| DFW AirportDFW | 60 min | 46 min | 38.1 mi |
| Texas InstrumentsDallas | 65 min | 41 min | 29.7 mi |
| Lockheed MartinFort Worth | 66 min | 55 min | 48.2 mi |
| Fidelity InvestmentsWestlake | 67 min | 53 min | 46.5 mi |
| Charles SchwabWestlake | 67 min | 53 min | 47.5 mi |
| Legacy WestPlano | 69 min | 47 min | 40.4 mi |
| Telecom CorridorRichardson | 69 min | 45 min | 35.3 mi |
| Tyler TechnologiesPlano | 70 min | 49 min | 41.1 mi |
| AllianceTexasFort Worth | 71 min | 60 min | 55.2 mi |
| JPMorgan Chase Legacy WestPlano | 71 min | 48 min | 41 mi |
| Medical City PlanoPlano | 71 min | 50 min | 40.9 mi |
| State Farm CityLineRichardson | 71 min | 47 min | 36.7 mi |
| Toyota North America HQPlano | 71 min | 51 min | 42.1 mi |
| Capital OnePlano | 72 min | 50 min | 43 mi |
| The StarFrisco | 72 min | 51 min | 43.5 mi |
| Keurig Dr PepperFrisco | 73 min | 51 min | 43 mi |
| Frito-Lay / PepsiCoPlano | 73 min | 51 min | 41.6 mi |
| UT DallasRichardson | 75 min | 51 min | 36.3 mi |
| University of North TexasDenton | 84 min | 66 min | 57.9 mi |
| Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | 85 min | 67 min | 57.8 mi |
| RaytheonMcKinney | 88 min | 63 min | 53 mi |
Source: Google Routes forecast, updated October 2026. Find where to live near your work →
Cost of Living
Cost Index (100 = National Average)
Monthly Utilities
Everyday Costs
Taxes
Hidden costs in Ovilla
Most Ovilla homes sit in Ellis County and pay three main taxing units: the school district, the city and the county. In the Red Oak ISD part, 2025 rates were Red Oak ISD 1.0633, the city 0.6162 and Ellis County 0.2740, all per $100 of value.
Estimated 2025 tax bill on a typical Ovilla homestead (Red Oak ISD part)2,3,6,8
- Red Oak ISD$3,261/yr
- City of Ovilla$2,753/yr
- Ellis County$1,210/yr
Estimate. Homestead at $446,700 (ACS 2024 median value), owner under 65, no PID or MUD, 2025 rates, Ellis County exemption from a 2021 sheet. In Midlothian ISD the total is about $7,247.
2025 city property tax rate: Ovilla vs. nearby cities1
- DeSoto$0.68
- Cedar Hill$0.64
- Ovilla$0.62
- Duncanville$0.60
- Lancaster$0.60
- Glenn Heights$0.56
City rates only, all from the Dallas CAD 2025 sheet. School, county and other units are not included because those differ by county and district.
Estimated monthly costs beyond the mortgage (sourced parts only)2,3,8,14,16
- Property tax (homestead, Red Oak ISD, no PID/MUD)$602/mo
- Electric (Oncor area, median plan, 1,000 kWh)$154/mo
- HOA (Broadmoor Estates)$92/mo
Estimate. Water, sewer, trash and homeowners insurance are not included because none was sourced. HOA applies only in subdivisions that have one. Electric differs on Hilco co-op lines.
Utility providers in Ovilla9,10,11,12,14,15
| Service | Provider | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | Oncor delivery with retail choice; Hilco Electric Cooperative in some areas | 17 retail providers offered plans in Oncor areas on Oct. 28, 2026 |
| Water | City of Ovilla | $125 deposit + $25 account fee |
| Sewer | City of Ovilla where available | Some addresses not on city sewer |
| Trash & recycling | Community Waste Disposal (city contract) | Weekly trash, every-other-week recycling, weekly bulk/brush |
| Natural gas | Atmos Energy | |
| Internet | AT&T fiber, Spectrum cable, fixed wireless, 5G and satellite | AT&T fiber covers about 93% of addresses |
Read the full hidden costs guide
The tax bill is the biggest hidden cost
Most Ovilla homes sit in Ellis County and pay three main taxing units: the school district, the city and the county. In the Red Oak ISD part, 2025 rates were Red Oak ISD 1.0633, the city 0.6162 and Ellis County 0.2740, all per $100 of value. That adds up to about 1.95% before exemptions. In the Midlothian ISD part, the district's 2025 rate was 1.0708, so the base total is about 1.96%.
The city lowered its rate in 2025 from 0.626213 to 0.616213. It offers no general homestead exemption, so city tax applies to full value. Owners 65 and older or disabled get a $50,000 city exemption and a tax ceiling.
At the ACS median home value of $446,700, a homestead in the Red Oak ISD part owes about $7,224 a year, or $602 a month, using 2025 rates. That is an effective rate of about 1.62%. The same house as a rental would owe about $8,726. Both school districts adopted lower rates for 2026: Red Oak ISD 1.0492 and Midlothian ISD 1.0269.
Dallas County addresses pay different county taxes
Part of Ovilla lies in Dallas County. There, homeowners pay Dallas County, Parkland Hospital and Dallas College instead of Ellis County, for a combined 0.534075. Each grants a 20% homestead exemption and $100,000 for owners 65 and older. On a $446,700 homestead, those three come to about $1,909 a year, compared with about $1,210 for Ellis County. Confirm the school district by address.
No PID or MUD found
Neither the 2025 Ellis County nor the Dallas County rate sheet lists a MUD or PID for Ovilla, and the city's adopted budget names none. The builder at Broadmoor Estates lists a 1.95% tax rate, which matches the base rate. Still, check each address with the appraisal district and ask for the seller's disclosure.
Electric and gas
The city sends residents to Oncor for outages and also lists Hilco Electric Cooperative. On Oncor lines you choose a retail plan. On Oct. 28, 2026, the median 12-month fixed plan was 15.4¢ per kWh at 1,000 kWh, about $154 a month, and the cheapest was 14.1¢. Homes on Hilco lines pay the co-op's rates instead. Atmos Energy provides natural gas.
Water, sewer and trash
The city bills water, sewer where available, and garbage together. New accounts pay a $125 deposit and a $25 fee, for owners and renters alike. The city says it recently adopted new water and refuse rates but does not post them online, so ask for a recent bill on any house you are considering. Some addresses are not on city sewer.
Community Waste Disposal collects garbage weekly and recycling every other week. Bulk and brush go out weekly on recycling day, up to 4 cubic yards.
Internet, HOA, commute and risk
AT&T fiber reaches about 93% of addresses and Spectrum cable about 88%, per BroadbandNow. Fixed wireless, 5G and satellite cover nearly everywhere.
HOA dues vary. Broadmoor Estates, the main new subdivision, charges about $1,100 a year. Many older large-lot areas were not checked.
The average commute is about 32 minutes. Downtown Dallas is about 30 minutes away without traffic, and Waxahachie about 20.
First Street rates flood risk as moderate, with about 5% of properties exposed over 30 years, and wildfire and heat risk as high. Get insurance quotes early.
Not confirmed yet
- What are the city's current water and sewer rates per 1,000 gallons, and the monthly garbage fee?
- What does homeowners insurance typically cost in Ovilla?
- What share of Ovilla parcels sits in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area?
- What is the median rent in Ovilla?
- What are HOA dues in Bryson Manor and other subdivisions?
- Does the city charge a stormwater fee?
Questions people ask
What is the property tax rate in Ovilla, TX?
In the Ellis County / Red Oak ISD part, the 2025 base rate is about 1.95% (city 0.616213, Red Oak ISD 1.0633, Ellis County 0.273992). In the Midlothian ISD part it is about 1.96%. No MUD or PID was found.
How much are property taxes on a typical Ovilla home?
About $7,224 a year ($602 a month) on a $446,700 homestead in Red Oak ISD with the standard homestead exemption, using 2025 rates.
Does Ovilla have a homestead exemption?
The city has no general homestead exemption. It gives $50,000 to owners 65 and older or disabled, plus a tax ceiling. The school districts exempt $140,000.
Which school district serves Ovilla?
Red Oak ISD or Midlothian ISD, depending on the address. Broadmoor Estates is in Red Oak ISD and Bryson Manor is in Midlothian ISD.
Who provides electricity in Ovilla?
Most homes are on Oncor lines and can choose a retail plan. The city also lists Hilco Electric Cooperative, which serves some areas without retail choice.
Who picks up trash in Ovilla?
Community Waste Disposal, under city contract. Garbage is weekly and recycling every other week.
What deposit does Ovilla charge for water?
$125 plus a $25 non-refundable fee for owner-occupied and rental accounts.
Is fiber internet available in Ovilla?
AT&T fiber reaches about 93% of addresses, per BroadbandNow. Check your address.
Sources (22) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Dallas Central Appraisal District, 2025 Tax Rates and Exemptions (revised Nov. 5, 2025)
- Independence Title, Ellis County Tax Rates 2025
- Red Oak ISD, Notice of Public Meeting to Discuss Budget and Proposed Tax Rate (meeting June 15, 2026)
- Red Oak ISD, Tax Rate Notification
- Midlothian ISD, Tax Information (published Sept. 3, 2026)
- Old Republic Title, Ellis County Tax Exemptions (2021 exemptions, Feb. 2022)
- City of Ovilla, Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Adopted Budget (adopted Aug. 18, 2025)
- Census Reporter, Ovilla, TX profile (ACS 2024 5-year)
- City of Ovilla, Water Customers
- City of Ovilla, Garbage Collection
- City of Ovilla, Resident Information
- City of Ovilla, FAQ
- City of Ovilla, Stormwater
- ElectricRates.org, Ovilla, TX electricity (plan prices as of Oct. 28, 2026)
- BroadbandNow, Internet Providers in Ovilla, TX (data as of Oct. 28, 2026)
- Homes.com, Broadmoor Estates by First Texas Homes (updated Aug. 11, 2026)
- First Texas Homes, Broadmoor Estates (pricing as of Sept. 1, 2026)
- Home listing, Bryson Manor Ph 3 (Century 21 Judge Fite, listed Mar. 11, 2026)
- Redfin, Ovilla Housing Market (September 2026; First Street risk data)
- OSRM routing service, free-flow driving table from central Ovilla (queried Oct. 28, 2026)
- City of Ovilla, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes, Oct. 12, 2010
- City of Ovilla, Community Profile
What’s coming
Public projects that will change daily life in Ovilla: new jobs, roads, schools and places to go. Every project links to its source.
Loop 9 (US 67 to I-35E)
TxDOT plans a 9.4-mile, six-lane frontage-road system on new location from US 67 to I-35E. Phase 1 is estimated at $342M; construction timing is TBD.
Why it matters: A new east-west route along the Dallas-Ellis county line.
Also in Cedar Hill · Glenn Heights
Citywide
Red Oak ISD elementary, Harmony Way
A $46M, 91,650-sq-ft elementary at 701 Harmony Way, off Uhl Rd. north of Ovilla Rd., planned in Red Oak ISD's 2025 bond. The state filing lists construction from May 2026 to Sep 2027.
Why it matters: Adds elementary seats near Uhl Rd. for Red Oak ISD families.
Also in Glenn Heights
I-35E interchanges, Red Oak area
TxDOT is rebuilding the I-35E interchanges at FM 664 (Ovilla Rd.) and at Loop 9 ($137M, est. May 2028) and adding lanes at Bear Creek Rd. ($16.4M).
Why it matters: Detours on Ovilla Rd. and Bear Creek Rd., the main I-35E links for both towns.
Also in Glenn Heights
FM 664 (Ovilla Rd) widening, Ovilla
TxDOT is designing a rebuild of FM 664 (Ovilla Road) from FM 1387 to Westmoreland Road, from two lanes to a four-lane divided road built for six, estimated at $62M. Bid date TBD.
Why it matters: Wider main road through Ovilla; a work zone when it is funded.
Also in Glenn Heights
We track publicly announced projects from official and local news sources. Plans and dates change; dates are targets, not promises. Map locations are approximate. Projects don't affect the Realust Score. Know of a project we're missing? Tell us.
Growth story in Ovilla
Ovilla dates to 1844 and is the oldest town in Ellis County. It had a bank, gin and stores in the early 1900s, but fires in 1918 and 1926 destroyed most of downtown, and the railroads and highways went elsewhere.
Ovilla population, 1970-20251,2
1970-2020: decennial Census counts. 2021-2025: Census Bureau July 1 estimates (Vintage 2025), marked as estimates; the Bureau's July 2020 estimate (4,261) sits below the 2020 count. The city plan's projections are not charted.
New homes permitted by the City of Ovilla5,6
Census Building Permits Survey; all single-family. 2011 and 2012 were imputed by the Bureau (the city reported no months). 2026 is January-September only.
Red Oak ISD enrollment18
NCES counts via Ballotpedia. Red Oak ISD serves most of Ovilla. The district's 'over 7,000 by 2026-27' projection is a lower bound and is not charted.
New-home activity in Ovilla4,7,8,9,10,11
| Community | Developer / builder | Planned size | Status | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broadmoor Estates | First Texas Homes | 167 homes, half-acre lots | Selling, from $599,950 | 431 Penrose Dr (sales); off S Westmoreland Rd |
| Westmoreland Rd / Ovilla Rd planned development | n/p | n/p | In council discussion (Feb 2026) | Westmoreland Rd at FM 664 |
| Red Oak Clark Estates | Owner plat | 2 lots, 5.81 acres | Plat on agenda (Feb 2026) | J. McNamara Survey, Ellis County |
| Ashburne Glen | n/p | n/p | Established | Near Pritchett Park |
| Westmoreland Road Estates | n/p | n/p | Established | Near Silver Spur Park |
n/p = not published. Broadmoor Estates is the only builder community listed for sale in Ovilla on Jome and Homes.com as of Oct 2026.
Where Ovilla is growing4,8,11,14,26
- 1Broadmoor Estates sales center
- 2Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School
- 3Ovilla City Hall
Loop 9 Segment A would run along the city's north side; its alignment map is on TxDOT's project page.
Private-sector jobs by ZIP code near Ovilla (2023)17
- Dallas: downtown (75201)202392,848 jobs
- Dallas: Stemmons/Medical District (75247)202353,514 jobs
- Grand Prairie (75050)202341,725 jobs
- Mansfield (76063)202331,455 jobs
- Waxahachie (75165)202317,986 jobs
- Dallas: Mountain Creek area (75236)202315,492 jobs
- DeSoto (75115)202314,669 jobs
- Midlothian (76065)202312,513 jobs
- Cedar Hill (75104)202311,419 jobs
- Ovilla / Red Oak / Glenn Heights (75154)20236,506 jobs
Census ZIP Code Business Patterns, 2023, employment in mid-March. Ovilla shares ZIP 75154 with Red Oak and Glenn Heights.
Read the full growth story guide
An old town that grew late
Ovilla dates to 1844 and is the oldest town in Ellis County. It had a bank, gin and stores in the early 1900s, but fires in 1918 and 1926 destroyed most of downtown, and the railroads and highways went elsewhere.
The city incorporated in 1963 with 219 residents. It grew fast as Dallas spread south, from 339 people in 1970 to 2,027 in 1990 and 3,405 in 2000. By 1990 it had crossed into Dallas County.
Population: slow and steady
Growth slowed after 2000. The 2010 Census counted 3,492 and the 2020 Census 4,304. The Census Bureau estimates 4,808 residents in July 2025, about 13% more than in July 2020, or roughly 110 people a year. About 93% live in the Ellis County part of the city.
NCTCOG estimates 4,677 for January 2026, up 1.1% in a year. The city's 2022 plan projects 6,694 to 11,232 residents by 2041 and a build-out population of about 9,500 to 15,100. Recent growth tracks the low end of that range.
Housing: big lots, few permits
Ovilla is a city of large single-family lots. Its plan calls for residential lots of 15,000 square feet or more, and 95% of occupied homes are owner-occupied in the latest Census survey. Every home the city permitted from 2010 through September 2026 was single-family.
Permits are low and uneven: 76 in 2014, 98 in 2022, and 17 to 39 in most other recent years. The city permitted 217 homes from 2020 through 2025 and 22 from January to September 2026. Reported construction value has climbed to about $721,000 per home in 2026.
The one builder community selling now is First Texas Homes' Broadmoor Estates off South Westmoreland Road: 167 homes planned on half-acre lots, listed from about $600,000 to $994,000. In February 2026 the council discussed a planned development at Westmoreland Road and Ovilla Road in closed session; no details are public. The city's 2022 plan counts about 1,571 undeveloped acres inside city limits and 4.3 square miles of extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Roads and services that could change the pace
Loop 9 is the largest project on the horizon. TxDOT plans a 9.4-mile road from US 67 to I-35E through Cedar Hill, Ovilla, Glenn Heights and Red Oak, starting with six lanes of frontage roads at an estimated $342 million. Its 2025 fact sheet targets right-of-way purchase in 2029 and construction bids in 2031. Ovilla's plan treats Westmoreland Road as the main entry from Loop 9.
Ovilla Road (FM 664) is the city's main commercial street. TxDOT proposed widening it west of Westmoreland Road in 2019 but has not published a schedule. The city is studying a sewer line extension and has up to $750,000 in block grant money reserved for infrastructure. A new comprehensive plan, funded by a $300,000 state grant, will update population projections, utilities, zoning and a capital plan.
Schools
Most of Ovilla is in Red Oak ISD; parts are in Midlothian ISD, and the Dallas County part is in Cedar Hill or DeSoto ISD. Red Oak ISD grew from 5,837 students in 2015-16 to 6,696 in 2024-25 and expects more than 7,000 by 2026-27.
After a $230.1 million bond failed in 2022, Red Oak ISD voters passed $97.5 million in 2023 for a second middle school. Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School opened on Westmoreland Road in Ovilla in January 2026. Voters approved another $213.9 million in May 2025 for a new elementary school, a career and technical building and athletics.
Values and incomes
Census survey data show the median owner-estimated home value rising from $196,900 (2011-2015) to $446,700 (2020-2024). Median household income went from $90,000 to $131,434.
These are five-year averages for a small city with wide margins of error, especially for income. New homes on large lots, priced well above older stock, push the median up.
Not confirmed yet
- What will the new comprehensive plan's population projections and future land use map show?
- How many lots remain unbuilt in Broadmoor Estates?
- Is any grocery store or large retail planned inside Ovilla?
- Where exactly will Loop 9 cross Ovilla, and which homes are near the alignment?
- Who provides water and sewer by address, and where will the sewer extension go?
Questions people ask
What is the population of Ovilla, Texas?
The Census Bureau estimated 4,808 residents on July 1, 2025. NCTCOG estimated 4,677 on January 1, 2026. The 2020 Census counted 4,304.
Is Ovilla growing?
Slowly. Census estimates show about 13% growth from 2020 to 2025, roughly 110 people a year. The city permitted 217 homes from 2020 through 2025.
What county is Ovilla in?
Mostly Ellis County. A small part is in Dallas County; the Census Bureau puts 321 of 4,808 residents there in 2025.
Are new homes being built in Ovilla?
Yes, on a small scale. First Texas Homes is selling Broadmoor Estates, 167 homes planned on half-acre lots off South Westmoreland Road. The city permitted 22 homes from January to September 2026.
What school district is Ovilla in?
Mostly Red Oak ISD. Some areas are in Midlothian ISD, and the Dallas County part is in Cedar Hill or DeSoto ISD. Check by address.
When will Loop 9 be built near Ovilla?
No firm date. TxDOT's 2025 fact sheet tentatively plans right-of-way purchase in 2029 and construction bids in 2031 for Segment A, US 67 to I-35E.
What is the minimum lot size in Ovilla?
The 2022 comprehensive plan sets a goal of residential lots of 15,000 square feet or more. Zoning districts vary; check the zoning for a specific lot.
Sources (31) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Ovilla, Texas (Wikipedia; historical census table, history, school districts)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 city and town population estimates, Texas (sub-est2025_48.csv)
- NCTCOG, 2026 Population Estimates Publication (Jan 1, 2026)
- City of Ovilla, Comprehensive Land Use Plan (April 2022; Kimley-Horn)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, annual place files, South Region (soYYYYa.txt, 2010-2025)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, South Region place file, year-to-date through Sept 2026 (so2609y.txt)
- Homes.com, Broadmoor Estates by First Texas Homes (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- First Texas Homes, Broadmoor Estates community page (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- Jome, new construction homes in Ovilla, TX (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- TDLR, TABS2022006251, Broadmoor Estate Phase 1 (S. Westmoreland Rd)
- City of Ovilla, City Council agenda, Feb 9, 2026
- Ellis County Press, Ovilla seeking outside funding for community improvements (undated, c. 2025-26)
- Ellis County Press, Notice of public hearings to adopt the Ovilla 2022 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (Apr 28, 2022)
- TxDOT, Loop 9 Segment A (US 67 to I-35E)
- TxDOT Dallas District, Loop 9 fact sheet (Spring/Q2 2025)
- TxDOT, Public meeting: FM 664 from US 287 to Westmoreland Road, Ellis County (Mar 5, 2019)
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 ZIP Code Business Patterns totals (zbp23totals)
- Ballotpedia, Red Oak Independent School District, Texas (enrollment by year, NCES data)
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Red Oak ISD (state enrollment data, 2026)
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Midlothian ISD (state enrollment data, 2026)
- Red Oak ISD, School Board approves call for $213.9M bond election (Jan 31, 2025)
- Texas Metro News, election results including Red Oak ISD bond propositions (May 8, 2025; unofficial)
- Focus Daily News, Red Oak residents vote no to all four bond propositions (May 7, 2022)
- Focus Daily News, ROISD passes bond for second middle school (May 8, 2023)
- Dallas Express, Local school district to build new campus (Red Oak ISD $97.5M middle school bond; 2023)
- Red Oak ISD, ROISD to host grand opening for Dr. Joy Shaw Middle School (Nov 17, 2025)
- Baird, Red Oak ISD Unlimited Tax School Building Bonds, Series 2025 (July 15, 2025)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year table-based summary files 2017-2021 to 2020-2024 (B25077, B19013, B25001, B25003), place 4854444
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2015-2019 5-year summary file, Texas
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2011-2015 5-year summary file, Texas
- U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Gazetteer place file (land area, centroid)