# Living in Farmers Branch, TX: Realust Score 72

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

URL: https://realust.com/city/farmers-branch/
County: Dallas
Realust Score: 72/100 (B, Good), tied for #61 of 84. Base 72 + price-tier bonus 0.
Category scores: Prosperity 68, Schools 79, Safety 61, Lifestyle 83, Market 81, Affordability 79, Commute 73, Growth 61
Median home price: $377K
Population: 36,645
Market momentum: Stable (home prices +1.3% over 1 year, +15.8% over 5 years)

Farmers Branch punches well above its weight as one of DFW's smallest but most strategically positioned cities, offering an ideal combination of urban convenience and suburban affordability just minutes from Dallas's major employment centers. This compact city sits perfectly positioned between Dallas, Carrollton, and the booming corporate corridors of North Dallas, with direct access to I-35E, LBJ Freeway, and the Dallas North Tollway making it a commuter's dream. The housing market here delivers exceptional value—affordable apartments draw young professionals and recent grads, while mid-century ranch homes and newer townhomes attract first-time buyers seeking character and convenience without Dallas price tags. What sets Farmers Branch apart is its transformation from an aging suburb into a revitalized community, with major investments in parks, trails, and public spaces creating an unexpectedly vibrant quality of life. Major corporate campuses including Concentra, Fujitsu, and various business parks provide thousands of local jobs, while proximity to Dallas's uptown, downtown, and North Dallas office towers means most residents enjoy sub-20-minute commutes. The city's crown jewel is the Farmers Branch Historical Park, a beautifully maintained collection of historic buildings and green space that hosts farmers markets, concerts, and community events that give this small city genuine soul. The extensive trail system connects neighborhoods to parks and amenities, encouraging an active lifestyle that's unusual for a city this size, while the top-rated Farmers Branch Aquatics Center and Athletic Complex rival facilities in much larger suburbs. Dining options benefit from proximity to Carrollton's international food scene while maintaining local favorites along Valwood Parkway and around the Medical District area. The city's compact size creates a genuine neighborhood feel—you'll recognize faces at the grocery store and local coffee shops, yet you're never more than 15 minutes from world-class dining, entertainment, and shopping in Dallas or neighboring cities.

Strengths:
- Proximity to Dallas – Quick access to downtown, major highways, and DART for commuting
- Local economy supports jobs, retail, and services while staying suburban
- Established neighborhoods with charm

Trade-offs:
- Home prices and property taxes can be higher than other nearby suburbs
- Many homes have smaller yards compared to other suburbs, which may not appeal to everyone
- Ongoing growth can bring construction, more traffic, and occasional overcrowding in popular areas

Data:
- Demographics / Population: Total Population 36,645; People per sq mile 3,084; 5-Year Growth -6.1%
- Demographics / Mobility & Migration: Moved Last Year 17.0%; Same Home 1+ Year 83.0%; From Out of State 2.6%; From Different County 4.5%
- Demographics / Age Distribution: Under 18 21.8%; 25-34 22.5%; 35-44 16.6%; 65+ 12.1%; Median Age 33.4 years
- Demographics / Households: Avg Household Size 2.3; Family Households 55.2%; Homeownership Rate 42.4%; With Kids 26.0%; Married 40.4%; Single Parent 5.5%; Living Alone 34.3%; Seniors Alone 6.3%
- Demographics / Education Level: High School+ 87.6%; Bachelor's+ 52.8%; Graduate Degree 18.0%
- Demographics / Connectivity & Remote Work: Broadband Access 95.9%; Have Computer 99.2%; Work From Home 17.6%
- Real Estate / Home Prices: Per Sq Ft $231; Starter Home $350,000; Median Price $376,941; Premium Home $689,900
- Real Estate / Home Price Trends: 1-Year Change +1.3%; 5-Year Change +15.8%
- Real Estate / Rent Trends: 1-Year Change -0.3%; 5-Year Change +18.1%
- Real Estate / Market Health: Active Listings 129; Median Days on Market 57; Under Contract 25.9%; Price Reduced 12.4%; Sale-to-List Ratio 94.2%
- Real Estate / Market Insights: Cheaper to Rent $302/mo; Seller's market 2.9 mo; Rental Yield 5.7%; Income to Buy 4.1x; vs Region Avg +3%
- Real Estate / Fit Scores: Remote Work Fit 82; Family Fit 38; Investment 97
- Real Estate / Typical Home: Sq Ft 2,045; Beds 3.4; Baths 2.8; Lot Sq Ft 119,340; Year Built 1984; Garage 1.9-car
- Real Estate / Property Mix: Single Family 53.3%; Townhome 9.5%; Condo 16.2%
- Real Estate / Common Features: Pool 11.4%; Garage 80%; Single Story 43.8%; Fireplace 48.6%; Central Air 62.9%; Waterfront 2.9%
- Real Estate / Costs & Ownership: Est. Monthly Payment $2,088; Median Rent $1,786; Avg HOA Fee $325/mo; Have HOA 28.6%
- Real Estate / Investment Indicators: Rental Vacancy 1.8%; New Construction 28.6%; Per Bedroom $133,531
- Lifestyle / Lifestyle Scores: Area Feel Urban Suburban Mix; Family Friendly 7.3; Outdoor Activities 6; Nightlife 8.7; Health & Fitness 7.3; Diversity 8; Weather 6.7
- Lifestyle / Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles): Restaurants 60+; Parks 60+; Gyms 60+; Grocery 40; Coffee 60+; Bars 60+; Theaters 6; Daycares 60+; Hospitals 57; Pharmacies 60+; Dentists 60+; Libraries 10; Dog Parks 60+; Museums 7
- Lifestyle / Getting Around: Walk Score 41; Bike Score 51; Transit Score 28
- Lifestyle / Seasonal Temperatures (high / low): January 57° / 39°; April 75° / 56°; July 95° / 78°; October 78° / 59°
- Lifestyle / Annual Conditions: Sunny Days/Year 220; Rainy Days/Year 145; Annual Rainfall 53.7"
- Crime & Safety / Safety Overview: Safety Grade C+; Violent crime (per 1,000) 1.36; Property crime (per 1,000) 20.85
- Crime & Safety / Violent Crime (per 100,000): Assault 135.19; Robbery 31.81; Murder 2.73; Rape 31.81
- Crime & Safety / Property Crime (per 100,000): Burglary 270.38; Theft 1675.28; Vehicle Theft 601.72
- Job Market / Income: Median Household $91,186; Average Household $112,738; Per Capita $48,638
- Job Market / Employment: Unemployment Rate 1.9%; Job Growth (1 yr) -0.4%; Poverty Rate 11.4%
- Job Market / Income Distribution: $150k+ 22.0%; $100k-$150k 24.4%; $75k-$100k 13.9%; $50k-$75k 17.1%; $25k-$50k 14.4%; Under $25k 8.2%
- 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 / Middle Schools: Field Middle 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 41; Bike Score 51; Transit Score 28
- Transportation / Commute: Avg Minutes 22; Drive Alone 71.7%; Carpool 7.0%; Work from Home 17.6%
- Transportation / Distance To: Downtown Dallas 14.9 mi; DFW Airport 15 mi; Love Field 11.5 mi
- Transportation / EV Charging: Public Stations 85; DC Fast Ports 43; Level 2 Ports 173
- Cost of Living / Cost Index (100 = National Average): Overall 101; 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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