McKinney vs Melissa: which is better to live in?
McKinney gets A overall and Melissa gets A. McKinney comes out ahead on our index, though keep in mind each is graded against Texas places of its own size.
McKinney wins on cost of living, errands and things to do, getting around, education levels and health. Melissa wins on schools, safety, home ownership and internet access.
McKinney is the better pick for young professionals, retirees and people on a budget.
Side by side
| McKinney | Melissa | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | A | A |
| Population | 236,001 | 29,969 |
| Growth since 2020 | +20.8% | +115.6% |
| Median rent | $1,901 | $2,532 |
| Median home value | $471,800 | $454,000 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $3,232 | $3,057 |
| Median household income | $124,215 | $138,763 |
| Property tax per year | $7,791 | $6,860 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 115 | 49 |
| Property crime per 100k | 680 | 433 |
| Schools rated A or B | 78% | 100% |
| Average commute | 28 min | 34 min |
| Work from home | 24% | 29% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 54% | 53% |
| Median age | 36.9 years | 36.3 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 97 | 97 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | High |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| McKinney | Melissa | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | B- (59) | D+ (31) |
| Jobs and income | A (94) | A (93) |
| Schools | A- (80) | A (92) |
| Safety | A- (86) | A+ (95) |
| Errands and things to do | B+ (79) | C+ (53) |
| Getting around | D- (12) | F (1) |
| Education levels | A- (85) | B (70) |
| Health | B (71) | C+ (52) |
| Home ownership | B+ (73) | A+ (98) |
| Internet access | A- (83) | A+ (96) |
Cost of living
McKinney is the cheaper of the two.
Rent is lower in McKinney: a median of $1,901 a month, 25% lower than Melissa's $2,532.
The median home is worth $471,800 in McKinney and $454,000 in Melissa. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $3,232 a month against $3,057, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.8 times income in McKinney and 3.3 times in Melissa.
Commute and location
Commutes average 28 minutes in McKinney and 34 in Melissa.
The two are about 8 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Melissa has less violent crime. McKinney reported 115 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Melissa reported 49 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 78% of McKinney's 46 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 100% of Melissa's 6.
Common questions
Is McKinney or Melissa better to live in?
McKinney grades higher overall (A vs A). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is McKinney cheaper than Melissa?
Yes. McKinney has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, McKinney or Melissa?
Melissa, 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.