Little Elm
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.
- Prosperity78
- Schools78
- Safety84
- Lifestyle83
- Market75
- Affordability87
- Commute56
- Growth78
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Little Elm
Snapshot
✓ Pros
- Parks, trails, beaches, and lake activities are major lifestyle draws.
- New commercial centers, shops, and services are expanding as the community grows.
- Easy commuting access to Frisco, Plano, Dallas, and beyond via key highways.
✗ Cons
- Rapid growth has brought increased traffic and ongoing construction on major corridors.
- While many schools are highly regarded, some parts of Little Elm ISD receive varied ratings, and zoning changes matter a lot to families.
- Growth and demand have increased home prices, though still generally lower than nearest premium suburbs.
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 Little Elm on Google Maps
Lifestyle Scores
Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles)
Getting Around
Averaged across Little Elm, weighted by where people live. #43 of 84 cities. Its most walkable areas reach 59, and 7% of residents live somewhere walkable (50+).
Local life in Little Elm
Little Elm sits on a peninsula in Lewisville Lake, and its original downtown, branded The Lakefront, runs along Eldorado Parkway and Main Street beside the water. Town Hall and the public library share a building at 100 W.
Day-to-day Little Elm1,4,5,6,8,10,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,22,36,39,40,41,42,47,48,54
- 1The Cove at The Lakefront
- 2Tinman Social
- 3Kroger
- 4Walgreens
- 5Little Elm High School
- 6Town Hall & Public Library
- 7Little Elm Park & Beach
- 8Hula Hut Little Elm
- 9CVS Pharmacy
- 10Walker Middle School
- 11Police & Fire Headquarters
- 12Little Elm Boat Ramp
- 13Leo's Brunch House
- 14ER of Texas - Little Elm
- 15Little Elm Elementary
- 16The Lawn at The Lakefront
- 17Walmart Supercenter
- 18Brent Elementary
- 19Parks & Recreation Admin
- 20Beard Park
- 21Earth Coffee
- 22McCord Park
- 23Bubble Well
- 24Hackberry Elementary
ZIPs for The Colony/Frisco/Aubrey mailing addresses are best guesses where sources omitted them. Only the routing origin (33.163, -96.938, approximate) was used. Off the map (farther out): Kroger Marketplace, Target, Texas Health Hospital Frisco.
Little Elm's year, month by month24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32
| Month | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| January | Polar 5K Run & Plunge | Little Elm Park / The Cove |
| March | IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm | Town-wide |
| June | Brew & Que (BBQ, craft beer, fireworks) | Little Elm Park |
| June | Juneteenth celebration | The Lawn, 125 Main St. |
| July | Red, White & Beach + fireworks | Little Elm Park |
| September | Autumn Fest & Hispanic Heritage Day | Little Elm Park |
| October | Nightmare Over Little Elm (Halloween on the Lake) | Little Elm Park |
| December | A Merry Little Elm Christmas: parade, tree lighting | The Lawn / Main St. |
January-October rows use 2026 dates; December row reflects 2025 (Dec 6). Playtri triathlon also closes Eldorado Pkwy one morning a year (date not confirmed).
Drive times from the Lakefront45
- Frisco Square7.8 mi16 min
- Legacy West, Plano12.6 mi21 min
- Old Town Lewisville14.8 mi23 min
- Denton square15.8 mi24 min
- Downtown McKinney23.1 mi37 min
- Las Colinas28.0 mi40 min
- DFW Airport26.6 mi42 min
- Downtown Dallas33.9 mi46 min
- Dallas Love Field32.0 mi46 min
- Downtown Fort Worth51.2 mi62 min
Realust calculation with the OSRM open routing engine from about 33.163, -96.938. Free-flow times; rush hour adds time.
What's in town vs. nearby1,2,10,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,21,22,23,46,54,56
| Need | In Little Elm | Nearest outside town |
|---|---|---|
| Full grocery | Kroger, 2671 Little Elm Pkwy; Kroger Marketplace, 26587 E. University Dr. (opened Jul 2026) | Walmart Supercenter, 12220 FM 423, Frisco; Target, US 380 (Aubrey address) |
| Pharmacy | Walgreens (2774 E. Eldorado); CVS (2591 FM 423); Kroger | CVS in Target, US 380 |
| Emergency room | ER of Texas, 2800 Little Elm Pkwy (24/7, freestanding) | Hospital ERs in Frisco |
| Hospital | None | Texas Health Hospital Frisco; Baylor Scott & White - Frisco at PGA Pkwy (about 4.4 mi) |
| Library | 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy (in Town Hall) | - |
| Beach / lake access | Little Elm Beach, boat ramp, Cottonwood Creek Marina | - |
| Indoor recreation | The Cove water park; Tinman Social | - |
| Sit-down dining | Lakefront: Hula Hut, Leo's, Tinman Social; Eldorado Pkwy strips | More choice in Frisco |
| Fire / EMS | Little Elm Fire Department (career, ISO 1) | - |
| Fixed-route transit | None | DCTA SPAN rides for seniors and riders with disabilities |
Businesses confirmed from listings and news dated 2023-2026.
Read the full local life guide
The Lakefront is the town center
Little Elm sits on a peninsula in Lewisville Lake, and its original downtown, branded The Lakefront, runs along Eldorado Parkway and Main Street beside the water. Town Hall and the public library share a building at 100 W. Eldorado Pkwy. The police and fire headquarters is next door at 88 W. Eldorado.
The district mixes recreation and food. The Cove (417 Lakefront Dr.) is a 42,000 sq ft indoor water park with 11 slides and a surf machine. Tinman Social (199 Main St.) has bowling, ax throwing and an arcade. Hula Hut (210 E. Eldorado Pkwy) is a lakeside Tex-Mex restaurant, and Hydrous Wake Park runs a cable wakeboard course nearby. Leo's Brunch House is at 500 W. Eldorado Pkwy. The Lawn at The Lakefront, a half-acre lawn with a small stage at 125 Main St., hosts movie nights and holiday events. The Elm, a Ramada hotel, opened in the district in 2023.
More than 550 apartment units sit within walking distance of the district. Earth Coffee, an organic cafe, was set to open at 305 E. Eldorado Pkwy in late summer or fall 2026.
A year of lakeside events
Little Elm Park (701 W. Eldorado Pkwy) hosts most large town events. In 2026 the calendar opened with the Polar 5K Run & Plunge on Jan. 3. The first IRONMAN 70.3 Dallas-Little Elm ran on March 15. The Brew & Que festival, with barbecue, craft beer and fireworks, was June 6. Juneteenth on The Lawn followed on June 19.
Red, White & Beach on July 4 had music, vendors and fireworks over the lake. Autumn Fest, a four-day carnival with Hispanic Heritage Day on its last day, ran Sept. 17-20. Nightmare Over Little Elm, a Halloween night with a drone show and hot-air balloon glow, is set for Oct. 30, 2026. In December the town holds a parade and tree lighting on The Lawn. It was Dec. 6 in 2025.
Parks, trails and the lake
The town lists 14 parks, trails and facilities. Little Elm Park has the town's swim beach, sand volleyball, an amphitheater, tent camping and a boat ramp next door at 1101 W. Eldorado Pkwy. McCord Park (38 acres, on FM 423) has an 18-hole disc golf course, a fishing dock, two playgrounds, a splash pad and a dog park. Cottonwood Park (900 Lobo Ln.) has 24 rentable pavilions, a kayak launch and the 1.5-mile Cottonwood Trail. Cottonwood Creek Marina, at the same address, has slips, fuel pumps and a ship store. Beard Park (310 E. Eldorado Pkwy) has a log cabin and a seasonal StoryWalk. Union Park, 35 wooded acres north of US 380, is maintained by its developer, Hillwood.
The named trails add up to roughly 7.5 miles or more: the crushed-granite Lakefront Trail (about 4 miles), Cottonwood Trail (1.5), Johnny Broyles Nature Trail (just under 1) and McCord Park's loop (over 1), plus the concrete Hart's Branch Trail. Lewisville Lake covers 23,280 acres at normal level and was 81% full on Oct. 27, 2026. Ray Roberts Lake is about 33 minutes north.
Errands: two Krogers and a new Target
Little Elm has two Kroger stores: one at 2671 Little Elm Pkwy, near Eldorado, and a 123,000 sq ft Kroger Marketplace at 26587 E. University Dr. (US 380), which opened July 31, 2026. A 148,000 sq ft Target with a CVS pharmacy opened July 26, 2026, at US 380 and Ryan Spiritas Pkwy. Its listed address is 26550 E. University Dr., Aubrey. The closest Walmart Supercenter is just over the line at 12220 FM 423, Frisco. Walgreens (2774 E. Eldorado Pkwy) and CVS (2591 FM 423) have pharmacies in town.
ER of Texas, a freestanding 24-hour ER, is at 2800 Little Elm Pkwy. There is no hospital in town. The closest are in Frisco: Texas Health Hospital Frisco (12400 Dallas Pkwy) and Baylor Scott & White–Frisco at PGA Parkway, which opened in 2025. Both are about 4.4 miles away in a straight line.
Five school districts
Your school district depends on your address. Little Elm ISD covers most of the older parts of town. It had 7,693 students in 2026 across eight elementaries, two middle schools and Little Elm High School (1900 Walker Ln.). Several of its campuses sit in neighboring towns. Frisco ISD serves parts of Sunset Pointe and Frisco Ranch through Robertson Elementary, Stafford Middle and Lone Star High. Denton ISD serves the US 380 corridor, including Union Park, through Union Park Elementary, Navo Middle and Braswell High. Small pieces of town are in Aubrey ISD and Prosper ISD.
In its 2026 accountability ratings, released in August, Little Elm ISD rated C (78) overall. The high school rated B, Prestwick Elementary A, and both middle schools C.
Getting around and public safety
Eldorado Parkway and FM 423 carry most local traffic, and US 380 runs along the north side. Off-peak, Frisco Square is about 16 minutes away, Legacy West in Plano 21, downtown Dallas 46 and DFW Airport 42. Rush hour adds time. Fixed-route transit doesn't serve the town. DCTA's SPAN service offers booked weekday rides for riders 65 and older and riders with disabilities.
The Little Elm Fire Department is a career department with an ISO Class 1 rating, the best possible score. Since December 2024 it has also covered Paloma Creek under contract. In 2025 it earned the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold award. A $15 million annex at 107 Ryan Spiritas Pkwy holds Fire Station 4 and a police substation.
Not confirmed yet
- 2026 TEA ratings for Little Elm ISD elementaries other than Prestwick, and for the Frisco ISD and Denton ISD campuses that serve Little Elm addresses.
- Which Little Elm neighborhoods fall in Aubrey ISD.
- Number of staffed fire stations (NERIS says 5; the FY 2026-27 budget plans a 'fifth station' later) and their addresses.
- Police department sworn headcount.
- Acreage for Little Elm Park, Cottonwood Park and Beard Park, and total town parkland.
- Hart's Branch Trail length.
- Library hours.
- Street addresses for Hydrous Wake Park, The Elm hotel, Brenda Button Mills Senior Center, Zellars Early Childhood Learning Center and Baylor Scott & White - Frisco at PGA Pkwy.
- Whether Earth Coffee opened at 305 E. Eldorado Pkwy.
- 2026 dates for the Christmas parade and Playtri.
- Whether the Public Safety Annex (Fire Station 4) opened on schedule in mid-2025.
Questions people ask
Does Little Elm have a beach?
Yes. Little Elm Beach in Little Elm Park, 701 W. Eldorado Pkwy, has a swim area, sand volleyball and rentals from DFW Surf. A boat ramp is next door at 1101 W. Eldorado Pkwy.
What school district is Little Elm in?
It depends on the address. Little Elm ISD covers most of the town. Parts of Sunset Pointe and Frisco Ranch are in Frisco ISD, and the US 380 corridor, including Union Park, is in Denton ISD. Small areas fall in Aubrey and Prosper ISDs.
What are Little Elm ISD's 2026 ratings?
The district reported a C (78) overall for 2026. Little Elm High School rated B, Prestwick Elementary A, and Strike and Walker middle schools C.
Where is the nearest hospital to Little Elm?
There's no hospital in town. ER of Texas, a 24-hour freestanding ER, is at 2800 Little Elm Pkwy. Full hospitals are in Frisco: Texas Health Hospital Frisco and Baylor Scott & White - Frisco at PGA Parkway, both about 4.4 miles away in a straight line.
How long is the drive from Little Elm to Dallas and DFW Airport?
About 46 minutes to downtown Dallas and 42 minutes to DFW Airport off-peak, by Realust's routing estimate. Frisco Square is about 16 minutes and Legacy West about 21.
What grocery stores are in Little Elm?
Two Krogers: one at 2671 Little Elm Pkwy and a Kroger Marketplace on US 380 that opened July 31, 2026. A Target opened on US 380 at Ryan Spiritas Pkwy in July 2026, and a Walmart Supercenter is just outside town at 12220 FM 423.
What events does Little Elm hold?
Most are at Little Elm Park: the Polar Plunge (January), Brew & Que (June), Red, White & Beach on July 4, Autumn Fest (September) and a Halloween night with fireworks and a drone show (October). The Christmas parade and tree lighting are on The Lawn in December. Little Elm added an IRONMAN 70.3 in March 2026.
Is there public transit in Little Elm?
Not fixed-route bus or rail. DCTA's SPAN service offers booked weekday rides for seniors 65 and older and riders with disabilities.
Sources (58) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Independence Title, Discover Little Elm guide (PDF; parks, city contacts)
- Little Elm EDC, Recreation and Amenities
- Town of Little Elm, Parks & Trails
- Town of Little Elm, Little Elm Park
- Town of Little Elm, McCord Park
- Town of Little Elm, Cottonwood Park
- Town of Little Elm, Beard Park
- Town of Little Elm, Union Park
- Town of Little Elm, Lakefront Trail
- D Magazine, How to spend a day in Little Elm
- Little Elm EDC, Little Elm growth and exciting updates (2026)
- Hoodline, Earth Coffee coming to Eldorado Pkwy (June 2026)
- CultureMap Dallas, Kroger opening in Little Elm (July 2026)
- Hoodline, Little Elm's first Target on US 380 (June 2026)
- Kroger, grocery stores in Little Elm, TX
- Levy Electric, Walmart Supercenter (Little Elm listing)
- RxLess, Walgreens 2774 E Eldorado Pkwy
- RxLess, CVS Pharmacy 2591 FM 423
- RxLess, Kroger Pharmacy 2671 Little Elm Pkwy
- ER of Texas, Little Elm location
- City-Stats, Healthcare in Little Elm (nearest hospitals)
- Independence Title, Little Elm Texas guide (PDF; ER, hospital, schools, contacts)
- Community Impact, Baylor Scott & White unveils $265M Frisco medical center (June 2025)
- Eventeny, Red, White & Beach 2026
- Eventeny, Autumn Fest & Hispanic Heritage Day '26
- Town of Little Elm, Parade and Tree Lighting (Nov 2025)
- Town of Little Elm, IRONMAN 70.3 coming in 2026
- Eventeny, Little Elm Halloween on the Lake '26 (Nightmare Over Little Elm)
- Eventeny, Juneteenth '26
- FindARace, Little Elm Polar 5K Run & Plunge 2026
- Eventeny, Little Elm Brew & Que '26
- Town of Little Elm homepage (news and alerts, Oct 2026)
- Wikipedia, Little Elm Independent School District
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Little Elm ISD (2026 enrollment)
- Little Elm ISD, 2026 overall accountability ratings (Aug 28, 2026)
- Independence Title, Little Elm ISD campus list (PDF)
- TDLR TABS2024014006, Lakewood Village Elementary School
- Wikipedia, Little Elm, Texas
- Denton ISD, Union Park Elementary
- Wikipedia, Braswell High School
- Denton ISD, Navo Middle School
- Texas Tribune, Robertson Elementary (Frisco ISD)
- SchoolDigger, Stafford Middle (Frisco ISD)
- SchoolDigger, Lone Star High School (Frisco ISD)
- OSRM open routing engine (Realust drive-time calculation, Oct 2026)
- Paloma Creek, Little Elm fire service now in effect (Dec 2024)
- NERIS (FSRI), Little Elm Fire Department FD48121469
- Hoodline, Little Elm to build $15M public safety annex (Feb 2024)
- Town of Little Elm, Fire Department recognized for heart attack and stroke care (May 2026)
- Town of Little Elm, FY 2026-27 Proposed Budget Book
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lewisville Lake information
- Water Data for Texas (TWDB), Lewisville Lake levels
- Texas Monthly (sponsored, with Town of Little Elm), North Texas' ultimate lakefront summer escape (May 2026)
- WeddingWire, Hula Hut Little Elm
- Visit The Colony, Cottonwood Creek Marina
- DCTA, SPAN service flyer
- REBusiness Online, Chipotle opens in Little Elm (Nov 2025)
- ConventionSouth, The Elm, A Ramada by Wyndham opens (Sept 2023)
Seasonal Temperatures
Annual Conditions
Crime & Safety
Safety Overview
Violent Crime
Property Crime
Job Market
Income
Employment
Income Distribution
Education
School District
Schools
🏆 Top-Rated Schools (1 A-rated schools in Little Elm)
Academic Info
📈 Graduation Rates (Class of 2024)
🎯 College Readiness (Class of 2023)
Transportation
Mobility Scores
Commute
Distance To
⚡ EV Charging
Drive to major employers from Little Elm
Rush-hour drive times from the center of Little Elm, weekday at 8:00 AM.
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| The StarFrisco | 26 min | 21 min | 13 mi |
| Keurig Dr PepperFrisco | 27 min | 22 min | 13.3 mi |
| RaytheonMcKinney | 31 min | 27 min | 16.9 mi |
| Legacy WestPlano | 32 min | 22 min | 15.2 mi |
| Capital OnePlano | 33 min | 24 min | 16.1 mi |
| JPMorgan Chase Legacy WestPlano | 35 min | 24 min | 16 mi |
| Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | 35 min | 33 min | 18.7 mi |
| Frito-Lay / PepsiCoPlano | 36 min | 26 min | 16 mi |
Show all 36 workplaces
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota North America HQPlano | 36 min | 26 min | 16.3 mi |
| Tyler TechnologiesPlano | 36 min | 27 min | 17 mi |
| University of North TexasDenton | 42 min | 39 min | 20.9 mi |
| Medical City PlanoPlano | 47 min | 34 min | 22.6 mi |
| State Farm CityLineRichardson | 48 min | 36 min | 29.3 mi |
| Telecom CorridorRichardson | 48 min | 34 min | 28.7 mi |
| UT DallasRichardson | 48 min | 35 min | 26.3 mi |
| Galleria / LBJDallas | 52 min | 34 min | 25.9 mi |
| McKessonLas Colinas | 53 min | 38 min | 33.9 mi |
| DFW AirportDFW | 57 min | 42 min | 35 mi |
| Kimberly-ClarkIrving | 59 min | 44 min | 36.8 mi |
| Las Colinas Urban CenterIrving | 59 min | 44 min | 37.1 mi |
| Texas InstrumentsDallas | 61 min | 40 min | 31.4 mi |
| AllianceTexasFort Worth | 63 min | 55 min | 43.8 mi |
| American AirlinesFort Worth | 64 min | 47 min | 43 mi |
| Fidelity InvestmentsWestlake | 66 min | 49 min | 44 mi |
| Charles SchwabWestlake | 66 min | 49 min | 45.1 mi |
| Arlington Entertainment DistrictArlington | 70 min | 56 min | 49.2 mi |
| Dallas Love FieldDallas | 71 min | 44 min | 34.6 mi |
| Uptown DallasDallas | 71 min | 44 min | 35.9 mi |
| SMUUniversity Park | 72 min | 45 min | 33.2 mi |
| UT Southwestern / Medical DistrictDallas | 72 min | 45 min | 35.7 mi |
| AT&TDowntown Dallas | 73 min | 46 min | 36.3 mi |
| Downtown DallasDallas | 74 min | 46 min | 37.2 mi |
| Southwest AirlinesLove Field | 74 min | 47 min | 35.7 mi |
| Baylor University Medical CenterDallas | 79 min | 49 min | 38.9 mi |
| Downtown Fort WorthFort Worth | 80 min | 62 min | 56.8 mi |
| Lockheed MartinFort Worth | 89 min | 71 min | 66.8 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 Little Elm
Little Elm has three taxing units on a typical bill: the school district, the Town of Little Elm at 0.5499 and Denton County at 0.1859, all per $100 of value. There is no community college or hospital district.
Where a typical Little Elm homestead tax bill goes (2025)1,2,3,4,9
- Little Elm ISD$3,704/yr
- Town of Little Elm$2,432/yr
- Denton County$813/yr
Homestead at $442,343 taxable, Little Elm ISD, owner under 65, no PID or MMD. A Lakeside Estates PID lot adds $1,745; Valencia lots add $502–$3,229 (2023-24).
Base 2025 tax rate: Little Elm vs. nearby cities (Denton County)1
- Denton1.99%
- Little Elm (Little Elm ISD)1.96%
- Little Elm (Denton ISD)1.94%
- The Colony1.93%
- Prosper1.91%
- Aubrey1.86%
- Oak Point1.83%
- Lewisville1.72%
- Frisco (Denton Co.)1.63%
Each city row uses the ISD Republic Title pairs with it. Excludes PIDs, MMDs and FWSDs. Little Elm addresses in Frisco ISD total about 1.76%.
Monthly cost beyond the mortgage (sourced parts only)1,2,3,4,20,22,23,25,27
- Property tax (homestead, no PID)$579/mo
- Electric (Oncor area, 1,000 kWh)$154/mo
- Water + sewer (6,000 gal)$114/mo
- Internet (1 Gig fiber)$70/mo
- HOA (Valencia)$65/mo
- Trash + recycling$19/mo
Partial: homeowners insurance, gas and any drainage fee are not included. A PID would add $40–$270 a month.
Utility providers by area7,14,20,21,22,23,24,25
| Service | Most of the town | Union Park / west side | Paloma Creek (FWSDs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Oncor wires; choose a retail provider | Oncor or CoServ by address (not confirmed) | CoServ (no retail choice) | Median Oncor-area plan 15.4¢/kWh; CoServ $15 + 11.48¢/kWh |
| Water & sewer | Town of Little Elm | Mustang Special Utility District | FWSD, billed by Mustang SUD | Town: $31.30 base + $8.30/1,000 gal; sewer $30.73 base + $4.71/1,000 gal |
| Trash & recycling | CWD via town bill | Not confirmed | Waste Connections | Town: $18.93/month (2023 rate) |
| Natural gas | Atmos Energy (not confirmed) | Not confirmed | CoServ Gas | CoServ Gas $18 + $1.47/Ccf |
| Internet | AT&T Fiber, Optimum, Astound, 5G home | Same, coverage varies | Same, coverage varies | AT&T 1 Gig $70/month |
Read the full hidden costs guide
Your school district sets most of the tax bill
Little Elm has three taxing units on a typical bill: the school district, the Town of Little Elm at 0.5499 and Denton County at 0.1859, all per $100 of value. There is no community college or hospital district. In Little Elm ISD, which covers most of the town, the school rate is 1.2252, for a base total of 1.96% before exemptions.
The town has three ISDs. Denton ISD serves the west side along US 380 at 1.2069, and Frisco ISD serves part of the east side at 1.0194. The same house can carry a base rate from 1.76% to 1.96% depending on its school district, so check by address.
The school district takes $140,000 off a homestead's value, and homeowners 65 or older or disabled get $200,000 off plus a school tax ceiling. The town has no general homestead exemption but gives $10,000 to owners 65 and older. Denton County has had a senior and disability tax ceiling since 2019.
What the average homestead pays
The town reports an average homestead taxable value of $442,343 for 2025. In Little Elm ISD with a standard homestead exemption, that home owes about $3,704 to the school district, $2,432 to the town and $813 to the county (after its 1% homestead exemption, $5,000 minimum). The total is about $6,950 a year, or $579 a month, an effective rate near 1.57%.
The same home in Frisco ISD would owe about $6,340. As a rental with no exemptions in Little Elm ISD, it would owe about $8,675.
PIDs add a fixed yearly charge
Little Elm leans on public improvement districts to pay for streets and utilities in new subdivisions. PIDs include Valencia, Valencia No. 2, Lakeside Estates, Hillstone Pointe, Rudman Tract, Spiritas Ranch and Spiritas East. Each lot pays a fixed installment on its tax bill for up to 30 years. In 2023-24, Valencia lots paid from about $500 to $3,230 a year by phase and lot width, and Lakeside Estates paid $1,745 on a 60-foot lot.
Union Park sits in the Hwy 380 Municipal Management District, which levied 0.518 per $100 in 2022. Paloma Creek, west of the lake inlet, is mostly outside town limits in five fresh water supply districts. Homes there have Little Elm mailing addresses but pay the district instead of the town. Ask for the PID or district disclosure before you make an offer.
Electric: retail choice in most of town
Most Little Elm homes are on Oncor lines and pick a retail plan. In late October 2026, 12-month fixed plans at 1,000 kWh ran from 14.1¢ to a median of 15.4¢ per kWh, delivery included, or about $154 a month at the median. Paloma Creek and some west-side areas are on CoServ, a co-op with no retail choice. Its October 2026 rate was $15 a month plus about 11.5¢ per kWh, or about $130 at 1,000 kWh.
Water, trash and internet
The town's water rates rise every October 1 under a five-year schedule. Since October 2026, a standard meter pays $31.30 a month for the first 2,000 gallons and $8.30 per 1,000 gallons after that. Sewer is $30.73 plus $4.71 per 1,000 gallons, based on winter use. At 6,000 gallons the combined bill is about $114. New single-family accounts pay a $200 deposit. Union Park is served by Mustang Special Utility District instead.
Community Waste Disposal collects trash and recycling under a town contract. The last rate found was $18.93 a month, set in 2023.
AT&T Fiber reaches nearly every address in FCC data, with 1 Gig at $70 a month before bundle discounts. Optimum, Astound and 5G home internet are also available in many areas.
HOA dues, rent and commute
HOA dues in recent listings run from about $64 a month in Valencia to about $118 a month in Union Park, with Spiritas Ranch at $900 a year. PID installments are billed separately from HOA dues.
The ACS median gross rent was $1,900 for 2019-2023. The average commute is about 35 minutes. Many drivers use the Sam Rayburn Tollway or Dallas North Tollway, where a TollTag costs 22¢ a mile, about $2.20 per 10 miles.
Not confirmed yet
- Does Little Elm bill a monthly drainage fee?
- What does homeowners insurance typically cost for a $440,000 home in Little Elm?
- What share of town parcels sits in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area, especially along Lewisville Lake?
- What are 2025-26 PID installments in Spiritas Ranch, Hillstone Pointe and Rudman Tract?
- What are the current Union Park MMD rate and the total Paloma Creek district rates?
- What are typical drive times and toll costs to Frisco, Plano and downtown Dallas?
Questions people ask
What is the property tax rate in Little Elm, TX?
For 2025 the base rate is about 1.96% in Little Elm ISD (town 0.5499, LEISD 1.2252, Denton County 0.1859). It is about 1.94% in Denton ISD and 1.76% in Frisco ISD. PIDs and special districts add more in some subdivisions.
How much are property taxes on a typical Little Elm home?
On the town's 2025 average homestead taxable value of $442,343, in Little Elm ISD with the standard homestead exemption, about $6,950 a year, or $579 a month. A PID can add $500 to $3,200 a year.
Does Little Elm have PIDs or MUDs?
Yes. PIDs include Valencia, Lakeside Estates, Hillstone Pointe, Rudman Tract, Spiritas Ranch and Spiritas East. Union Park is in the Hwy 380 Municipal Management District, and Paloma Creek is in fresh water supply districts. Check each address.
Who provides electricity in Little Elm?
Most of the town is on Oncor lines, so you choose a retail provider. Paloma Creek and some west-side areas are served by CoServ, which has no retail choice.
How much is the water bill in Little Elm?
At 6,000 gallons, about $114 a month for water and sewer under rates effective October 1, 2026. Trash and recycling add about $19.
Does Little Elm have a homestead exemption?
The town has no general homestead exemption. It gives $10,000 to owners 65 and older or disabled. School districts exempt $140,000, or $200,000 for owners 65 and older or disabled.
What school districts serve Little Elm?
Little Elm ISD covers most of the town. Denton ISD serves the west side, including Union Park and Spiritas Ranch, and Frisco ISD serves part of the east side.
What is the median rent in Little Elm?
The ACS median gross rent was $1,900 for 2019-2023.
Sources (34) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Republic Title, 2025 DFW Tax Rates and Exemptions
- Town of Little Elm, FY26 Notice of Meeting to Vote on Tax Rate (2025)
- Little Elm ISD, Quick Financial Facts
- Denton County, 2025 Notice of Tax Rate
- Denton County, 2026 Notice of Tax Rate
- Town of Little Elm, 2024 Tax Rate Ordinance No. 1776
- Del Webb at Union Park, digital brochure (tax and utility page)
- Town of Little Elm, Valencia PID Annual Service Plan Update 2023-24
- Town of Little Elm, Lakeside Estates PID Annual Service Plan Update 2023-24
- Town of Little Elm, Valencia PID Staff Report 2023-24
- Town of Little Elm, Hillstone Pointe PID Staff Report 2023-24
- Town of Little Elm, Rudman Tract PID Staff Report 2023-24
- Town of Little Elm, Spiritas Ranch PID Staff Report 2023-24
- Wikipedia, Paloma Creek, Texas
- Denton County FWSD 8-A, About the District
- Denton County FWSD 11-A, About the District
- Denton County FWSD 8-B, Agenda with Budget and Impact Statement (Dec. 17, 2025)
- Census Reporter, Little Elm, TX profile (ACS 2024 5-year)
- U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Little Elm city, Texas (ACS 2019-2023)
- ElectricRates.org, Little Elm, TX electricity rates (Oct. 27, 2026)
- CoServ, Rates
- Town of Little Elm, Ordinance No. 1751, Water and Wastewater Rates
- Town of Little Elm, Ordinance No. 1748, CWD Solid Waste Rates
- BroadbandMap.com, Little Elm internet providers (FCC BDC data)
- AT&T, Fiber in Little Elm, TX
- Home listing, Union Park
- Home listing, Valencia on the Lake Ph 3b
- NewHomeSource, Valencia on the Lake by Mattamy Homes
- First Texas Homes, Spiritas Ranch
- KETR, Toll rates set to rise in North Texas starting July 1 (June 4, 2025)
- Cross Timbers Gazette, Abbott signs property tax relief bills (SB 4, SB 23)
- Community Impact, Denton County commissioners OK tax limitations for seniors and people with disabilities (2019)
- Aaron Layman, Little Elm TX real estate and neighborhoods
- Denton Central Appraisal District, Frequently Asked Questions
What’s coming
Public projects that will change daily life in Little Elm: new jobs, roads, schools and places to go. Every project links to its source.
King Road widening
King Road from Witt Road to Rose Lane is being rebuilt from two rural lanes to a four-lane urban road ($11.5M). Work began early 2026; completion expected summer 2027.
Why it matters: Better east-west link toward the Dallas North Tollway for Little Elm.
Also in Frisco
Citywide
US 380 six lanes, US 377 to Collin Co.
TxDOT's $135.9M project widening US 380 from four to six lanes, with grade separations, from US 377 in Cross Roads to the Collin County line was 99% complete in Aug 2026.
Why it matters: Less congestion on the main east-west route for north Denton County.
Also in Cross Roads · Providence Village · Aubrey
Little Elm HS expansion & arena
A $110M expansion of Little Elm High School at 1900 Walker Lane adds a two-story classroom building and a 2,500-seat arena that doubles as a storm shelter. Completion set for July 2027.
Why it matters: More classroom space and a new arena at Little Elm High.
Citywide
Union Park
Hillwood Communities' master-planned neighborhood in the Little Elm area, planned for about 3,400 single-family homes, with its own Denton ISD elementary school.
Why it matters: A large, still-growing community in one of Denton County's busiest growth areas.
Also in Aubrey
Recently opened
See every project on the North Texas map →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 Little Elm
Little Elm dates to 1844, when Kit King settled on Little Elm Creek. Denton County's first post office opened in his house in 1852.
Little Elm population, 1980-20261,2,3
1980-2020: decennial Census counts. Jan 2026: NCTCOG estimate. Town projections (60,893-77,202 by 2030; build-out ~107,000) are discussed in text, not charted.
New housing units permitted by the Town of Little Elm7,8
Census Building Permits Survey. Apartment years: 2012 (776 units), 2015 (252), 2017 (240), 2020 (324), 2021 (288). 2026 is January-September. Homes in the ETJ and unincorporated Paloma Creek are not counted.
Denton ISD enrollment (serves Spiritas Ranch, Union Park, Paloma Creek)39
District-wide.
New-home communities in and around Little Elm1,9,10,11,12,13,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22
| Community | Developer | Builders | Planned size | Status | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spiritas Ranch | Centurion American | First Texas, Lennar, Mattamy, Risland, D.R. Horton, Pacesetter | 545 ac, ~2,100 homes | Selling | 200 Jewelberry St / US 380 & Ryan Spiritas Pkwy |
| Union Park + Del Webb | Hillwood | Bloomfield, Tri Pointe, Del Webb, others | 787 ac, ~2,400 homes (2014 plan) | Selling | Union Park Blvd at US 380 |
| Valencia on the Lake | Centurion American | Beazer, First Texas, Mattamy | 448 ac | Selling | 2400 Rockhill Pkwy |
| Paloma Creek / Lake Pointe | Provident | Multiple; Beazer now | ~1,200 ac, ~5,500 lots | Final sections | US 380, unincorporated; Jacquelyn Dr |
| Ladera Little Elm (55+) | Integrity Group | Ladera | 263 homes | Selling | Ferrara Dr / Cascada Way |
| Linden Hills | Lennar | Lennar | 392 lots | Unconfirmed | Spiritas land, US 380 |
| Royal Court | n/p | n/p | n/p | Building | Witt Rd & King Rd |
| Providence Commons | n/p | HistoryMaker | n/p | Selling | 76227 address, street n/p |
| Sunset Pointe, Frisco Ranch | n/p | Built out | n/p | Built out | Frisco ISD part of town |
n/p = not published. Spiritas Ranch, Union Park and Paloma Creek are in Denton ISD; Valencia is in Little Elm ISD. Paloma Creek is unincorporated.
Where new homes are going1,9,11,15,19,21,22,28
- 1Spiritas Ranch
- 2Valencia on the Lake
- 3Union Park (Union Park Elementary)
- 4Lake Pointe at Paloma Creek
- 5Ladera Little Elm
- 6Target / Bates Towne Crossing
- 7Braswell High School (Denton ISD)
Big employers near Little Elm6,28,45,46
- University of North Texas (Denton)8,891 jobs
- Frisco ISD (Frisco)8,799 jobs
- Peterbilt Motors (Denton)2,000 jobs
- T-Mobile USA (Frisco)1,332 jobs
- Keurig Dr Pepper (Frisco)1,213 jobs
- Little Elm ISD1,110 jobs
- Town of Little Elm469 jobs
- Target, US 380 (Little Elm)Opened July 2026200 jobs
Denton counts from Denton EDP (c. 2021); Frisco counts from Frisco's 2023 ACFR via Wikipedia; Little Elm counts from the EDC (2025).
Read the full growth story guide
A lake town that stayed small for a century
Little Elm dates to 1844, when Kit King settled on Little Elm Creek. Denton County's first post office opened in his house in 1852. The town stayed tiny for more than a hundred years, with about 200 people in the 1950s.
The Corps of Engineers' Garza-Little Elm Dam, built from 1948 to 1957, created the larger lake now called Lewisville Lake. It surrounds the town's center on three sides. Little Elm incorporated in 1966 and had 1,255 residents in 1990.
Population: 1,255 to 62,700 in 35 years
Growth came in two waves. The town reached 3,646 in 2000 and 25,898 in 2010. The 2020 Census counted 46,453. Census Bureau estimates show 62,727 in July 2025, up 35% in five years. NCTCOG put it at 62,684 on January 1, 2026.
The pace is slowing. Annual growth fell from about 8% in 2021-2022 to about 3% in 2024-2025, and NCTCOG's latest one-year gain was 2.2%. The town's 2024 land-use update estimates a build-out population of about 107,000, including its ETJ. Its 2030 scenarios range from about 61,000 to 77,000; only the lower ones match recent pace.
Housing: from 1,500 permits a year to 400
Census permit data show two booms: about 1,000 homes a year from 2001 to 2005, and 850 to 1,555 a year from 2013 to 2024. The town permitted 6,536 units from 2020 to 2025. Then permits fell to 414 in 2025, the lowest since 2011, and 279 through September 2026. Inside town limits, large tracts are getting scarce; the 2024 update counted 4,648 platted lots not yet built.
The biggest active communities sit on the US 380 corridor. Centurion American's Spiritas Ranch plans just over 2,100 homes on 545 acres. Hillwood's Union Park launched in 2014 with about 2,400 homes planned, including a Del Webb 55+ section. Paloma Creek, about 5,500 lots by Provident, is unincorporated. On the lake, Centurion's 448-acre Valencia on the Lake is selling with Beazer, First Texas and Mattamy.
Address matters. A Little Elm mailing address can mean town limits, ETJ or unincorporated county, with different taxes, utility districts and services. Check before you buy.
What is driving it
Roads come first. TxDOT is widening US 380 from four to six lanes from US 377 to the Collin County line, with overpasses at FM 720, Navo Road, FM 423, Teel Parkway and Legacy Drive. A later study recommended turning US 380 into a freeway, but it has no funding or date. FM 423 was widened to six to eight lanes by 2017.
Retail is following the rooftops. Target opened a 148,000-square-foot store at US 380 and Ryan Spiritas Parkway in July 2026, and Kroger bought 14 acres nearby. In the old downtown, the Lakefront District is adding restaurants and apartments. Most residents commute out, to employers in Frisco, Denton and beyond.
Schools: four districts, uneven pressure
Little Elm ISD serves most of the original town. It has about 7,700 students, up only 6.9% since 2016, and expects a small dip to 7,456 in 2026-27. After a nearly $400 million bond failed in May 2022, voters passed a $280 million package in November 2022 for high school additions and two elementary schools.
Much of the newest building is in Denton ISD, which covers Spiritas Ranch, Union Park and Paloma Creek. That district projects growth from about 32,900 students in 2023-24 to more than 42,000 by 2033-34, and voters approved $1.3 billion of its bond in May 2023. Frisco ISD, which serves the east side, saw all of its $1.08 billion bond fail in November 2024. Confirm the district for any address.
Values and incomes
Census survey data show the median owner-estimated home value rising from $167,200 (2011-2015) to $255,200 (2015-2019) and $420,700 (2020-2024). Median household income rose from $82,563 to $119,219 over the same periods.
These are five-year averages, so they lag the market. The town's EDC cites a 2023 median new-home price of about $631,000.
Not confirmed yet
- How many lots remain in Spiritas Ranch and Union Park, and when will they build out?
- When will the US 380 freeway conversion be funded and built?
- Where and when will Little Elm ISD build the planned Valencia elementary?
- Will Frisco ISD return with a new bond after the November 2024 defeat?
- When will Kroger open on US 380?
- What does the town's updated future land use map allow in Hilltown and Preston on the Lake?
Questions people ask
What is the population of Little Elm, Texas?
The Census Bureau estimated 62,727 residents on July 1, 2025. NCTCOG estimated 62,684 on January 1, 2026. The 2020 Census counted 46,453.
How fast is Little Elm growing?
About 35% from 2020 to 2025 by Census estimates, but the pace has slowed to roughly 2-3% a year. Housing permits fell from 1,555 in 2021 to 414 in 2025.
What is Little Elm's build-out population?
The town's 2024 land-use update estimates about 107,000 people at build-out, including its ETJ, up from about 93,000 in the 2017 plan.
What are the biggest new-home communities in Little Elm?
Spiritas Ranch (Centurion American, about 2,100 homes), Union Park (Hillwood, about 2,400 homes planned), Valencia on the Lake (448 acres) and the final sections of Paloma Creek.
What school district is Little Elm in?
It depends on the address. Little Elm ISD serves most of the original town; Denton ISD serves the US 380 corridor, including Spiritas Ranch and Union Park; Frisco ISD serves the east side; Aubrey ISD serves a small part.
Did the Little Elm ISD bond pass?
A nearly $400 million bond failed in May 2022. A revised $280 million bond passed with 65% on November 8, 2022. No bond was on the May 2, 2026 ballot.
Is Paloma Creek in Little Elm?
No. Paloma Creek is unincorporated Denton County, though south-side homes use Little Elm mailing addresses. Water and sewer come from fresh water supply districts, and it is in Denton ISD.
Is there a Target in Little Elm?
Yes. Little Elm's first Target opened on July 26, 2026 at US 380 and Ryan Spiritas Parkway.
Sources (50) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Little Elm, Texas (Wikipedia; historical census table, history, schools, employers)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 city and town population estimates, Texas (sub-est2025_48.csv)
- NCTCOG, 2026 Population Estimates publication (January 1, 2026)
- Freese and Nichols for Town of Little Elm, Future Land Use Updates presentation to P&Z (May 14, 2024; in June 4, 2024 council packet)
- Little Elm EDC, Economic Profile (accessed Oct 2026)
- Little Elm EDC, Fast Facts (March 2025)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, annual place files, South Region (soYYYYa.txt, 2000-2025)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, South Region place file, year-to-date through Sept 2026 (so2609y.txt)
- Centurion American, Spiritas Ranch community page
- CandysDirt, Former cattle ranch in Little Elm sold to Centurion American (Aug 16, 2020)
- Centurion American, Valencia on the Lake development page
- Jome, Valencia on the Lake master-planned community page (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- Hillwood Communities, Hillwood geared up to start $600M Little Elm residential project (Jan 31, 2014)
- Dallas Morning News, Hillwood breaks ground on Union Park subdivision in Little Elm (Sept 15, 2014)
- Aaron Layman Properties, About Union Park (2024)
- NewHomeSource, new home communities in Little Elm, TX (accessed Oct 28, 2026)
- Paloma Creek, Texas (Wikipedia)
- Provident Realty Advisors, Paloma Creek project page
- Beazer Homes, Lake Pointe at Paloma Creek (home at 836 Jacquelyn Dr)
- Dallas Morning News, Active adult communities to debut in Prosper, Little Elm (Mar 5, 2023)
- 55places, listing, Ladera Little Elm
- Little Elm EDC, Little Elm Development Updates (council work session, Feb 18, c. 2025)
- Texas Legislature, SB 1878 (83rd Leg., 2013), Highway 380 Municipal Management District No. 1
- TxDOT Dallas District, US 380 Denton County fact sheet
- Community Impact, TxDOT officials recommend freeway alignment for US 380 in Denton County (Jan 12, 2022)
- Farm to Market Road 423 (Wikipedia)
- Town of Little Elm, CIP presentation to council (Apr 16, 2024)
- Hoodline, Little Elm scores first Target as 200 jobs roll into U.S. 380 corridor (June 2026)
- REBusinessOnline, Kroger buys 14 acres in Little Elm, plans new grocery store (Feb 6, 2025)
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Little Elm ISD (state enrollment data, 2026)
- Little Elm ISD, Quick Financial Facts (accessed Oct 2026)
- Little Elm ISD, Our District (accessed Oct 2026)
- Little Elm Independent School District (Wikipedia)
- Denton Record-Chronicle, Little Elm takes revised bond package back to voters (fall 2022)
- Denton Record-Chronicle, Little Elm ISD bond, Ponder tax ratification pass (Nov 2022)
- NBC DFW, Little Elm ISD Proposition A results (Nov 8, 2022)
- Little Elm ISD Long Range Facilities Planning Committee presentation (May-June 2017)
- Little Elm ISD, May 2, 2026 election page
- Denton ISD, Demographic Report 1Q24 (board packet)
- KERA News, Voters approve two parts of Denton ISD's $1.4B bond package (May 8, 2023)
- Community Impact, Frisco ISD voters oppose all $1.08B bond propositions (Nov 6, 2024)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year table-based summary files 2021-2024 (B25077, B19013, B25001, B25003), place 4843012
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2015-2019 5-year summary file, Texas
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2011-2015 5-year summary file, Texas
- Denton Economic Development Partnership, Major Employers
- Frisco, Texas (Wikipedia; top employers from Frisco 2023 ACFR; Universal Kids Resort)
- Texas State Historical Association, Handbook of Texas: Little Elm, TX
- Lewisville Lake (Wikipedia)
- NCTCOG, Forecast 2050 county targets
- NBC DFW, Little Elm ISD Proposition A results (page dated Oct 28, 2020)