# Living in Duncanville, TX: Realust Score 68

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

URL: https://realust.com/city/duncanville/
County: Dallas
Realust Score: 68/100 (B-, Above Average), tied for #75 of 84. Base 68 + price-tier bonus 0.
Category scores: Prosperity 61, Schools 68, Safety 60, Lifestyle 78, Market 78, Affordability 84, Commute 70, Growth 64
Median home price: $276K
Population: 39,683
Market momentum: Growing (home prices -0.5% over 1 year, +15.7% over 5 years)

Duncanville offers one of the most compelling value propositions in southern Dallas County, delivering affordable housing, improving amenities, and genuine community character just 10 miles from downtown Dallas without the premium prices of northern suburbs. This city of approximately 40,000 residents has flown under the radar for years, but smart buyers are increasingly recognizing the combination of accessibility, space, and affordability that makes Duncanville attractive for first-time homeowners and families on realistic budgets. The housing market is notably affordable with well-maintained single-family homes, older properties ripe for renovation, and newer developments offering significantly more square footage per dollar than comparable North Dallas options. Major highway access via I-20, US-67, and proximity to I-35E provides straightforward commutes throughout the metroplex, while the Red Bird area and southern Dallas employment centers sit minutes away. The city has invested considerably in revitalization efforts, with improvements to parks, recreation facilities, and infrastructure signaling a commitment to elevating quality of life and attracting new residents and businesses. Recreation options have expanded impressively, anchored by the excellent Duncanville Recreation Center featuring aquatics facilities, fitness equipment, and programming that rivals much larger cities, while the extensive trail system and numerous neighborhood parks provide outdoor activities for active families. Duncanville ISD serves most residents with steadily improving academics and strong extracurricular programs, though some families consider nearby district options as well. The dining scene leans toward local Tex-Mex favorites, barbecue joints, and comfort food rather than trendy concepts, giving the city an authentic, unpretentious character that longtime residents deeply appreciate. Community events like concerts in the park and holiday celebrations foster neighborhood connections, while the slower pace and friendly atmosphere create a genuinely welcoming environment. First-time homebuyers and young families particularly appreciate the ability to purchase actual houses with yards at prices that seem impossible elsewhere in DFW.

Strengths:
- Lower home prices and cost of living compared to many other DFW suburbs
- Convenient Dallas access – Easy commute via major highways to downtown and other parts of the Metroplex
- Established neighborhoods offering mature trees, quiet streets, and a sense of stability

Trade-offs:
- Highways and major roads can get busy during peak commute times
- Some neighborhoods have stronger schools than others, so zoning matters
- Limited nightlife and entertainment

Data:
- Demographics / Population: Total Population 39,683; People per sq mile 3,542; 5-Year Growth +0.7%
- Demographics / Mobility & Migration: Moved Last Year 6.9%; Same Home 1+ Year 93.1%; From Out of State 0.5%; From Different County 0.6%
- Demographics / Age Distribution: Under 18 27.8%; 25-34 11.3%; 35-44 13.1%; 65+ 16.5%; Median Age 36.2 years
- Demographics / Households: Avg Household Size 3.0; Family Households 73.0%; Homeownership Rate 66.0%; With Kids 37.2%; Married 46.1%; Single Parent 11.0%; Living Alone 24.1%; Seniors Alone 12.6%
- Demographics / Education Level: High School+ 81.1%; Bachelor's+ 25.2%; Graduate Degree 8.7%
- Demographics / Connectivity & Remote Work: Broadband Access 93.1%; Have Computer 96.0%; Work From Home 10.2%
- Real Estate / Home Prices: Per Sq Ft $168; Starter Home $249,900; Median Price $275,691; Premium Home $520,000
- Real Estate / Home Price Trends: 1-Year Change -0.5%; 5-Year Change +15.7%
- Real Estate / Rent Trends: 1-Year Change -3.4%
- Real Estate / Market Health: Active Listings 71; Median Days on Market 67; Under Contract 29%; Price Reduced 17.9%; Sale-to-List Ratio 97.1%
- Real Estate / Market Insights: Cheaper to Buy $372/mo; Seller's market 2.4 mo; Rental Yield 8.3%; Income to Buy 3.6x; vs Region Avg -25%
- Real Estate / Fit Scores: Remote Work Fit 73; Family Fit 53; Investment 100
- Real Estate / Typical Home: Sq Ft 2,225; Beds 3.5; Baths 2.6; Lot Sq Ft 18,942; Year Built 1978; Garage 2-car
- Real Estate / Property Mix: Single Family 87.4%; Townhome 0%; Condo 1.1%
- Real Estate / Common Features: Pool 12.6%; Garage 76.8%; Single Story 69.5%; Fireplace 69.5%; Central Air 69.5%; Waterfront 3.2%
- Real Estate / Costs & Ownership: Est. Monthly Payment $1,527; Median Rent $1,899; Avg HOA Fee $72/mo; Have HOA 9.5%
- Real Estate / Investment Indicators: Rental Vacancy 0.5%; New Construction 3.2%; Per Bedroom $88,846
- Lifestyle / Lifestyle Scores: Area Feel Sparse Suburban; Family Friendly 6; Outdoor Activities 6; Nightlife 5.3; Health & Fitness 5.3; Diversity 8.7; Weather 6.7
- Lifestyle / Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles): Restaurants 60+; Parks 60+; Gyms 55; Grocery 20; Coffee 60+; Bars 41; Theaters 2; Daycares 60+; Hospitals 40; Pharmacies 60+; Dentists 60+; Libraries 8; Dog Parks 60+; Museums 7
- Lifestyle / Getting Around: Walk Score 41; Bike Score 40; Transit Score 12
- Lifestyle / Seasonal Temperatures (high / low): January 57° / 40°; April 75° / 56°; July 95° / 78°; October 78° / 59°
- Lifestyle / Annual Conditions: Sunny Days/Year 217; Rainy Days/Year 148; Annual Rainfall 52.6"
- Crime & Safety / Safety Overview: Safety Grade C+; Violent crime (per 1,000) 2.55; Property crime (per 1,000) 19.98
- Crime & Safety / Violent Crime (per 100,000): Assault 195.18; Robbery 82.18; Murder 0; Rape 23.11
- Crime & Safety / Property Crime (per 100,000): Burglary 444.28; Theft 1271.22; Vehicle Theft 562.42
- Job Market / Income: Median Household $76,457; Average Household $90,959; Per Capita $30,942
- Job Market / Employment: Unemployment Rate 7.1%; Job Growth (1 yr) +0.3%; Poverty Rate 10.6%
- Job Market / Income Distribution: $150k+ 14.1%; $100k-$150k 18.4%; $75k-$100k 18.0%; $50k-$75k 18.5%; $25k-$50k 20.2%; Under $25k 10.9%
- Education / School District: Primary district Duncanville ISD; District Grade C; State Ranking Top 92%
- Education / Schools: Elementary 9; Middle 6; High School 2
- Education / Elementary Schools: William Lee Hastings Elementary C (76); Cj & Anne Hyman Elementary C (73)
- Education / Middle Schools: Glenn C Hardin Intermediate C (72); J Herman Reed Middle C (72)
- Education / High Schools: Mary E Smithey Pace High School B (83); Duncanville High School B (80)
- Education / Academic Info: Student-Teacher Ratio 15.5:1
- Education / Graduation Rates (Class of 2024): Graduation Rate 90.1%; Dropout Rate 7.1%
- Education / College Readiness (Class of 2023): Took SAT/ACT 86%; College Ready 4.6%; TSI Ready 10.1%
- Transportation / Mobility Scores: Walk Score 41; Bike Score 40; Transit Score 12
- Transportation / Commute: Avg Minutes 26; Drive Alone 75.6%; Carpool 10.9%; Work from Home 10.2%
- Transportation / Distance To: Downtown Dallas 13.6 mi; DFW Airport 22.3 mi; Love Field 19 mi
- Transportation / EV Charging: Public Stations 12; DC Fast Ports 18; Level 2 Ports 22
- Cost of Living / Cost Index (100 = National Average): Overall 100; Housing 113; Utilities 97; Groceries 100; Transportation 102; Healthcare 100
- Cost of Living / Monthly Utilities: Electric $142; Water $52; Gas $44; Internet $72
- Cost of Living / Everyday Costs: Monthly Groceries (Family of 4) $823; Gas Price (per gallon) $2.82
- Cost of Living / Taxes: Sales Tax Rate 8.3%; Property Tax Rate 2.2%

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