Duncanville vs Grand Prairie: which is better to live in?
Duncanville gets D- overall and Grand Prairie gets D. Grand Prairie comes out ahead on our index, though keep in mind each is graded against Texas places of its own size.
Duncanville wins on errands and things to do, getting around, health and internet access. Grand Prairie wins on cost of living, jobs and income, schools, safety, education levels and home ownership.
Duncanville suits young professionals and remote workers better, while Grand Prairie suits families better.
Side by side
| Duncanville | Grand Prairie | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | D- | D |
| Population | 38,915 | 209,434 |
| Growth since 2020 | -4.4% | +6.8% |
| Median rent | $1,630 | $1,629 |
| Median home value | $255,500 | $295,500 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $1,723 | $2,030 |
| Median household income | $76,457 | $81,619 |
| Property tax per year | $3,893 | $4,954 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 260 | 202 |
| Property crime per 100k | 2,041 | 1,331 |
| Schools rated A or B | 14% | 40% |
| Average commute | 26 min | 28 min |
| Work from home | 12% | 13% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 25% | 30% |
| Median age | 36.2 years | 34.4 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 104 | 101 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Duncanville | Grand Prairie | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | C- (34) | C (48) |
| Jobs and income | D+ (32) | C+ (51) |
| Schools | F (5) | D (22) |
| Safety | C- (32) | B- (59) |
| Errands and things to do | A- (83) | D (21) |
| Getting around | D+ (28) | F (8) |
| Education levels | D (18) | D (21) |
| Health | D- (14) | D- (13) |
| Home ownership | C+ (50) | B- (62) |
| Internet access | C+ (55) | C+ (53) |
Cost of living
Duncanville is the cheaper of the two.
Median rent is about the same: $1,630 a month in Duncanville and $1,629 in Grand Prairie.
The median home is worth $255,500 in Duncanville and $295,500 in Grand Prairie. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $1,723 a month against $2,030, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.3 times income in Duncanville and 3.6 times in Grand Prairie.
Commute and location
Commutes average 26 minutes in Duncanville and 28 in Grand Prairie.
The two are about 6 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Grand Prairie has less violent crime. Duncanville reported 260 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Grand Prairie reported 202 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 14% of Duncanville's 14 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 40% of Grand Prairie's 57.
Common questions
Is Duncanville or Grand Prairie better to live in?
Grand Prairie grades higher overall (D- vs D). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Duncanville cheaper than Grand Prairie?
Yes. Duncanville has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, Duncanville or Grand Prairie?
Grand Prairie, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.