Fate vs Rockwall: which is better to live in?
Fate gets B overall and Rockwall gets A. Rockwall comes out ahead on our index, though keep in mind each is graded against Texas places of its own size.
Fate wins on home ownership and internet access. Rockwall wins on cost of living, jobs and income, schools, errands and things to do, getting around, education levels and health.
Rockwall is the better pick for families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers.
Side by side
| Fate | Rockwall | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | B | A |
| Population | 29,007 | 53,980 |
| Growth since 2020 | +61.3% | +14.1% |
| Median rent | $2,500 | $1,947 |
| Median home value | $384,300 | $411,700 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,645 | $2,756 |
| Median household income | $132,752 | $115,580 |
| Property tax per year | $6,495 | $6,032 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 112 | 111 |
| Property crime per 100k | 303 | 1,014 |
| Schools rated A or B | 50% | 77% |
| Average commute | 35 min | 32 min |
| Work from home | 17% | 19% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 42% | 49% |
| Median age | 31.6 years | 39.5 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 95 | 95 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Very low | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Fate | Rockwall | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | C (41) | C+ (54) |
| Jobs and income | B+ (78) | A (89) |
| Schools | C+ (50) | B+ (75) |
| Safety | A- (84) | A- (83) |
| Errands and things to do | D (17) | B+ (78) |
| Getting around | F (2) | F (2) |
| Education levels | B- (59) | A- (84) |
| Health | C (46) | B+ (76) |
| Home ownership | A- (82) | B+ (76) |
| Internet access | A+ (98) | A- (88) |
Cost of living
Rockwall is the cheaper of the two.
Rent is higher in Fate: a median of $2,500 a month, 28% higher than Rockwall's $1,947.
The median home is worth $384,300 in Fate and $411,700 in Rockwall. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,645 a month against $2,756, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 2.9 times income in Fate and 3.6 times in Rockwall.
Commute and location
Commutes average 35 minutes in Fate and 32 in Rockwall.
The two are about 3 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Rockwall has less violent crime. Fate reported 112 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Rockwall reported 111 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 50% of Fate's 6 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 77% of Rockwall's 13.
Common questions
Is Fate or Rockwall better to live in?
Rockwall grades higher overall (B vs A). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Fate cheaper than Rockwall?
No. Rockwall has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, Fate or Rockwall?
Rockwall, 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.