# Living in Ovilla, TX: Realust Score 81

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

URL: https://realust.com/city/ovilla/
County: Dallas
Realust Score: 81/100 (B+, Very Good), tied for #29 of 84. Base 79 + price-tier bonus 2.
Category scores: Prosperity 88, Schools 82, Safety 91, Lifestyle 50, Market 82, Affordability 82, Commute 54, Growth 66
Median home price: $499K
Population: 4,375
Market momentum: Growing (home prices +0.3% over 1 year, +19.6% over 5 years)

Ovilla offers peaceful small-town living with affordable housing and easy rural charm in southern Dallas County, attracting young families and budget-conscious buyers seeking newer construction, manageable commutes to southern Dallas employment, and quiet neighborhoods where kids play outside and everyone waves hello. This growing town of approximately 4,000 residents sits about 25 miles south of downtown Dallas near Red Oak and Waxahachie, featuring predominantly 2000s-era subdivisions with traditional layouts, some acreage properties on the outskirts, and genuine small-town atmosphere where local events bring neighbors together and the pace feels refreshingly slower than frantic northern suburbs. The housing market delivers solid value with spacious homes on decent lots priced well below comparable properties in Collin County or western suburbs, attracting first-time buyers and growing families through a mix of Red Oak ISD, Midlothian ISD, and Ovilla Christian School options that provide quality education without intense competition, while newer phases continue adding modern construction at accessible price points for those priced out of trendier areas. The town maintains low-key local amenities with parks and trails for outdoor activities, though extensive shopping and dining require quick drives to Red Oak, Midlothian, or DeSoto for variety, and commutes to Dallas employment centers run 30-40 minutes via I-35E making this workable for southern Dallas workers or those with flexibility. It's perfect for young families wanting affordable newer homes in safe neighborhoods with small-town community feel, professionals working in southern Dallas suburbs who prioritize space and value over urban amenities, and anyone seeking that increasingly rare experience where housing costs don't consume entire paychecks and neighborhoods still foster genuine connections.

Strengths:
- 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

Trade-offs:
- 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

Data:
- Demographics / Population: Total Population 4,375; People per sq mile 756; 5-Year Growth +12.1%
- Demographics / Mobility & Migration: Moved Last Year 5.9%; Same Home 1+ Year 94.1%; From Out of State 0.4%; From Different County 0.6%
- Demographics / Age Distribution: Under 18 29.1%; 25-34 9.4%; 35-44 10.7%; 65+ 19.8%; Median Age 44.4 years
- Demographics / Households: Avg Household Size 3.0; Family Households 84.2%; Homeownership Rate 95.3%; With Kids 41.8%; Married 78.1%; Living Alone 10.0%; Seniors Alone 5.0%
- Demographics / Education Level: High School+ 96.5%; Bachelor's+ 50.9%; Graduate Degree 16.4%
- Demographics / Connectivity & Remote Work: Broadband Access 98.4%; Have Computer 100.0%; Work From Home 15.0%
- Real Estate / Home Prices: Per Sq Ft $195; Starter Home $545,000; Median Price $498,544; Premium Home $884,752
- Real Estate / Home Price Trends: 1-Year Change +0.3%; 5-Year Change +19.6%
- Real Estate / Market Health: Active Listings 173; Median Days on Market 53; Under Contract 29.7%; Price Reduced 16.7%; Sale-to-List Ratio 98.6%
- Real Estate / Market Insights: Seller's market 2.4 mo; Income to Buy 3.8x; vs Region Avg -13%
- Real Estate / Fit Scores: Remote Work Fit 74; Family Fit 60
- Real Estate / Typical Home: Sq Ft 3,425; Beds 4.2; Baths 3.3; Lot Sq Ft 63,766; Year Built 2004; Garage 2.5-car
- Real Estate / Property Mix: Single Family 98.1%; Townhome 0%; Condo 0%
- Real Estate / Common Features: Pool 16.7%; Garage 94.4%; Single Story 44.4%; Fireplace 70.4%; Central Air 50%
- Real Estate / Costs & Ownership: Est. Monthly Payment $2,761; Avg HOA Fee $36/mo; Have HOA 25.9%
- Real Estate / Investment Indicators: Rental Vacancy 4.2%; New Construction 51.9%; Per Bedroom $166,836
- Lifestyle / Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles): Restaurants 60+; Parks 36; Gyms 12; Grocery 3; Coffee 15; Bars 9; Theaters 1; Daycares 60+; Hospitals 4; Pharmacies 18; Dentists 28; Libraries 1; Dog Parks 60+
- Lifestyle / Getting Around: Walk Score 2; Bike Score 21
- Lifestyle / Seasonal Temperatures (high / low): January 56° / 39°; April 74° / 55°; July 94° / 77°; October 77° / 58°
- Lifestyle / Annual Conditions: Sunny Days/Year 218; Rainy Days/Year 147; Annual Rainfall 53.3"
- Crime & Safety / Safety Overview: Violent crime (per 1,000) 0.23; Property crime (per 1,000) 4.11
- Crime & Safety / Violent Crime (per 100,000): Murder 0
- Job Market / Income: Median Household $131,434; Average Household $171,464; Per Capita $57,711
- Job Market / Employment: Unemployment Rate 6.2%; Job Growth (1 yr) -0.6%; Poverty Rate 5.9%
- Job Market / Income Distribution: $150k+ 47.3%; $100k-$150k 15.8%; $75k-$100k 18.1%; $50k-$75k 8.7%; $25k-$50k 6.0%; Under $25k 4.2%
- Education / School District: Primary district Midlothian ISD; District Grade A-; State Ranking Top 18%
- Education / Schools: Elementary 8; Middle 3; High School 2
- Education / Academic Info: Student-Teacher Ratio 16.6:1
- Transportation / Mobility Scores: Walk Score 2; Bike Score 21
- Transportation / Commute: Avg Minutes 32; Drive Alone 67.5%; Carpool 17.3%; Work from Home 15.0%
- Transportation / Distance To: Downtown Dallas 22.7 mi; DFW Airport 32.4 mi; Love Field 28.1 mi
- Transportation / EV Charging: Public Stations 3; DC Fast Ports 16; Level 2 Ports 6
- 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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