Haltom City vs North Richland Hills: which is better to live in?
Haltom City gets F overall and North Richland Hills gets A-. North Richland Hills comes out ahead on our index, though keep in mind each is graded against Texas places of its own size.
Haltom City wins on getting around. North Richland Hills wins on cost of living, jobs and income, schools, safety, errands and things to do, education levels, health, home ownership and internet access.
North Richland Hills is the better pick for families, young professionals, retirees, remote workers and people on a budget.
Side by side
| Haltom City | North Richland Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | F | A- |
| Population | 45,542 | 70,843 |
| Growth since 2020 | -1.2% | +1.3% |
| Median rent | $1,415 | $1,704 |
| Median home value | $218,800 | $360,700 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $1,452 | $2,428 |
| Median household income | $59,057 | $97,305 |
| Property tax per year | $3,058 | $5,449 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 359 | 151 |
| Property crime per 100k | 2,338 | 1,771 |
| Schools rated A or B | 25% | 80% |
| Average commute | 25 min | 27 min |
| Work from home | 8.7% | 16% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 13% | 37% |
| Median age | 35.7 years | 39.6 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 98 | 98 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Haltom City | North Richland Hills | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | C- (38) | B- (63) |
| Jobs and income | C- (35) | A- (86) |
| Schools | D (17) | B (71) |
| Safety | D (20) | B- (57) |
| Errands and things to do | B- (61) | A- (86) |
| Getting around | D (17) | D- (15) |
| Education levels | F (3) | B- (62) |
| Health | F (2) | C+ (48) |
| Home ownership | D (22) | B (68) |
| Internet access | C (40) | A (90) |
Cost of living
Haltom City is the cheaper of the two.
Rent is lower in Haltom City: a median of $1,415 a month, 17% lower than North Richland Hills's $1,704.
The median home is worth $218,800 in Haltom City and $360,700 in North Richland Hills. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $1,452 a month against $2,428, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.7 times income in Haltom City and 3.7 times in North Richland Hills.
Commute and location
Commutes average 25 minutes in Haltom City and 27 in North Richland Hills.
The two are about 4 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
North Richland Hills has less violent crime. Haltom City reported 359 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and North Richland Hills reported 151 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 25% of Haltom City's 12 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 80% of North Richland Hills's 15.
Common questions
Is Haltom City or North Richland Hills better to live in?
North Richland Hills grades higher overall (F vs A-). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Haltom City cheaper than North Richland Hills?
Yes. Haltom City has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, Haltom City or North Richland Hills?
North Richland Hills, 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.