Ennis vs Waxahachie: which is better to live in?
Ennis gets D overall and Waxahachie gets C+. Waxahachie comes out ahead on our index.
Ennis wins on cost of living. Waxahachie wins on jobs and income, safety, errands and things to do, getting around, education levels, health, home ownership and internet access.
Waxahachie is the better pick for families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers.
Side by side
| Ennis | Waxahachie | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | D | C+ |
| Population | 25,694 | 50,090 |
| Growth since 2020 | +27.6% | +21.9% |
| Median rent | $1,362 | $1,618 |
| Median home value | $260,100 | $336,500 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $1,762 | $2,277 |
| Median household income | $75,074 | $85,723 |
| Property tax per year | $4,061 | $5,225 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 265 | 180 |
| Property crime per 100k | 776 | 1,023 |
| Schools rated A or B | 55% | 37% |
| Average commute | 28 min | 26 min |
| Work from home | 8.6% | 11% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 21% | 31% |
| Median age | 34.4 years | 33.3 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 103 | 96 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Ennis | Waxahachie | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | B- (61) | B- (58) |
| Jobs and income | B- (57) | B (69) |
| Schools | C- (36) | C- (37) |
| Safety | C+ (50) | B- (57) |
| Errands and things to do | D- (11) | C- (34) |
| Getting around | F (7) | D+ (25) |
| Education levels | D- (10) | C (40) |
| Health | F (8) | D+ (24) |
| Home ownership | C- (34) | C (42) |
| Internet access | D (22) | C (41) |
Cost of living
Ennis is the cheaper of the two.
Rent is lower in Ennis: a median of $1,362 a month, 16% lower than Waxahachie's $1,618.
The median home is worth $260,100 in Ennis and $336,500 in Waxahachie. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $1,762 a month against $2,277, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.5 times income in Ennis and 3.9 times in Waxahachie.
Commute and location
Commutes average 28 minutes in Ennis and 26 in Waxahachie.
The two are about 13 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Waxahachie has less violent crime. Ennis reported 265 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Waxahachie reported 180 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 55% of Ennis's 11 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 37% of Waxahachie's 19.
Common questions
Is Ennis or Waxahachie better to live in?
Waxahachie grades higher overall (D vs C+). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Ennis cheaper than Waxahachie?
Yes. Ennis has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, Ennis or Waxahachie?
Waxahachie, 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.