# Living in Carrollton, TX: Realust Score 75

> Source: Realust (realust.com), data as of October 2026. Cite: https://realust.com/city/carrollton/

URL: https://realust.com/city/carrollton/
County: Dallas
Realust Score: 75/100 (B, Good), tied for #50 of 84. Base 75 + price-tier bonus 0.
Category scores: Prosperity 73, Schools 79, Safety 72, Lifestyle 86, Market 79, Affordability 80, Commute 70, Growth 60
Median home price: $401K
Population: 133,740
Market momentum: Growing (home prices -1.8% over 1 year, +16.3% over 5 years)

Carrollton stands out as one of the most diverse and well-rounded cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering an exceptional blend of affordability, convenience, and authentic multiculturalism that appeals to young professionals and families alike. With a population around 135,000, this northern Dallas suburb has evolved into a destination known for its incredible international food scene, strong job market, and strategic location providing easy access to both Dallas and the booming corporate corridors of Plano and Frisco. The housing market offers something for everyone—from affordable apartment complexes popular with young renters to spacious single-family homes in established neighborhoods with mature trees and excellent curb appeal, all priced competitively compared to neighboring cities. DART rail and major highways including I-35E, the George Bush Turnpike, and Sam Rayburn Tollway make commuting throughout DFW remarkably convenient. Major employers like FASSigns, HP Enterprise, and various corporate headquarters provide local job opportunities, while the city's business-friendly environment continues attracting companies and creating economic stability that benefits residents. What truly distinguishes Carrollton is its celebrated diversity and the culinary rewards that come with it—the city has become a legitimate foodie destination with some of the metroplex's best Korean BBQ, authentic Chinese hot pot, Vietnamese banh mi, Indian cuisine, and Mexican restaurants clustered along Hebron Parkway and Belt Line Road. Beyond food, residents enjoy over 1,100 acres of parks including the popular Arbor Hills Nature Preserve offering hiking trails and natural beauty, plus excellent recreation centers with pools, fitness facilities, and year-round programming. The historic downtown square maintains small-town charm with local shops and community events, while modern amenities like TopGolf and proximity to major shopping districts provide entertainment options. Families appreciate highly-rated Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD schools and genuinely safe neighborhoods, while the twenty-to-thirty crowd loves the affordable rent, diverse community, amazing food accessibility, and central location for work and play throughout DFW.

Strengths:
- Highly rated public schools make it ideal for families with children
- Central location in DFW making commuting to Dallas, Plano, Frisco, and other suburbs easy
- A rich mix of cultures reflected in restaurants, shops, and local events
- Strong local economy – Plenty of job opportunities, shopping, and convenient amenities

Trade-offs:
- Higher cost of living – Home prices and property taxes are above average compared to some other DFW suburbs
- Major highways and roads can get crowded during peak commute hours
- Expanding population can lead to crowded schools, roads, and public spaces
- Fewer bars and entertainment venues compared to Dallas proper

Data:
- Demographics / Population: Total Population 133,740; People per sq mile 3,653; 5-Year Growth -1.5%
- Demographics / Mobility & Migration: Moved Last Year 10.8%; Same Home 1+ Year 89.2%; From Out of State 1.5%; From Different County 4.1%
- Demographics / Age Distribution: Under 18 19.6%; 25-34 15.5%; 35-44 15.9%; 65+ 13.7%; Median Age 39.2 years
- Demographics / Households: Avg Household Size 2.6; Family Households 67.4%; Homeownership Rate 58.5%; With Kids 29.2%; Married 52.3%; Single Parent 5.0%; Living Alone 26.2%; Seniors Alone 7.3%
- Demographics / Education Level: High School+ 88.5%; Bachelor's+ 45.2%; Graduate Degree 16.0%
- Demographics / Connectivity & Remote Work: Broadband Access 95.6%; Have Computer 98.6%; Work From Home 19.4%
- Real Estate / Home Prices: Per Sq Ft $217; Starter Home $342,500; Median Price $400,642; Premium Home $750,000
- Real Estate / Home Price Trends: 1-Year Change -1.8%; 5-Year Change +16.3%
- Real Estate / Rent Trends: 1-Year Change -2.8%; 5-Year Change +24.1%
- Real Estate / Market Health: Active Listings 231; Median Days on Market 64; Under Contract 32.8%; Price Reduced 16.5%; Sale-to-List Ratio 97.7%
- Real Estate / Market Insights: Cheaper to Rent $495/mo; Seller's market 2 mo; Rental Yield 5.2%; Income to Buy 4x; vs Region Avg -4%
- Real Estate / Fit Scores: Remote Work Fit 83; Family Fit 45; Investment 94
- Real Estate / Typical Home: Sq Ft 2,098; Beds 3.4; Baths 2.6; Lot Sq Ft 32,107; Year Built 1988; Garage 2-car
- Real Estate / Property Mix: Single Family 77.5%; Townhome 0%; Condo 8.5%
- Real Estate / Common Features: Pool 23.5%; Garage 83.5%; Single Story 50.5%; Fireplace 79.5%; Central Air 67%; Waterfront 0.5%
- Real Estate / Costs & Ownership: Est. Monthly Payment $2,219; Median Rent $1,724; Avg HOA Fee $207/mo; Have HOA 37.5%
- Real Estate / Investment Indicators: Rental Vacancy 0.3%; New Construction 7%; Per Bedroom $125,037
- Lifestyle / Lifestyle Scores: Area Feel Dense Suburban; Family Friendly 8; Outdoor Activities 5.3; Nightlife 8; Health & Fitness 7.3; Diversity 8.7; Weather 6.7
- Lifestyle / Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles): Restaurants 60+; Parks 60+; Gyms 60+; Grocery 38; Coffee 60+; Bars 60+; Theaters 6; Daycares 60+; Hospitals 54; Pharmacies 60+; Dentists 60+; Libraries 12; Dog Parks 60+; Museums 7
- Lifestyle / Getting Around: Walk Score 36; Bike Score 38; Transit Score 17
- Lifestyle / Seasonal Temperatures (high / low): January 57° / 39°; April 75° / 55°; July 95° / 77°; October 78° / 59°
- Lifestyle / Annual Conditions: Sunny Days/Year 217; Rainy Days/Year 148; Annual Rainfall 56.7"
- Crime & Safety / Safety Overview: Safety Grade C+; Violent crime (per 1,000) 0.99; Property crime (per 1,000) 10.2
- Crime & Safety / Violent Crime (per 100,000): Assault 101.15; Robbery 22.48; Murder 1.5; Rape 12.74
- Crime & Safety / Property Crime (per 100,000): Burglary 152.09; Theft 961.26; Vehicle Theft 202.29
- Job Market / Income: Median Household $101,396; Average Household $130,360; Per Capita $51,524
- Job Market / Employment: Unemployment Rate 3.3%; Job Growth (1 yr) +0.4%; Poverty Rate 7.1%
- Job Market / Income Distribution: $150k+ 28.7%; $100k-$150k 22.2%; $75k-$100k 13.5%; $50k-$75k 15.3%; $25k-$50k 12.5%; Under $25k 7.8%
- Job Market / Industries & Employers: Major Industries Technology, Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing; Top Employers Halliburton, Mouser Electronics, RealPage, Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Medical City Carrollton
- Education / School District: Primary district Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD; District Grade B+; State Ranking Top 42%
- Education / Schools: Elementary 24; Middle 6; High School 8
- Education / Elementary Schools: Mccoy Elementary A (95); Las Colinas Elementary A (93)
- Education / Middle Schools: Perry Middle A (90); Arbor Creek Middle B (89)
- Education / High Schools: Early College High School A (96); Creekview High School B (88)
- Education / Academic Info: Student-Teacher Ratio 13.5:1
- Education / Graduation Rates (Class of 2024): Graduation Rate 93.0%; Dropout Rate 4.8%
- Education / College Readiness (Class of 2023): Took SAT/ACT 95%; College Ready 13.8%; TSI Ready 24.9%
- Transportation / Mobility Scores: Walk Score 36; Bike Score 38; Transit Score 17
- Transportation / Commute: Avg Minutes 24; Drive Alone 69.0%; Carpool 8.3%; Work from Home 19.4%
- Transportation / Distance To: Downtown Dallas 18.6 mi; DFW Airport 13.5 mi; Love Field 15.1 mi
- Transportation / EV Charging: Public Stations 62; DC Fast Ports 46; Level 2 Ports 124
- Transportation / Major Highway Access: Highways I-35E, President George Bush Turnpike, Belt Line Road
- Cost of Living / Cost Index (100 = National Average): Overall 100; Housing 102; Utilities 98; Groceries 99; Transportation 100; Healthcare 99
- Cost of Living / Monthly Utilities: Electric $135; Water $50; Gas $44; Internet $70
- Cost of Living / Everyday Costs: Monthly Groceries (Family of 4) $800; Gas Price (per gallon) $2.80
- Cost of Living / Taxes: Sales Tax Rate 8.3%; Property Tax Rate 2.3%

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