Rockwall vs Rowlett: which is better to live in?
Rockwall gets A overall and Rowlett gets B-. Rockwall comes out ahead on our index.
Rockwall wins on schools, safety, errands and things to do, education levels and health. Rowlett wins on cost of living, getting around, home ownership and internet access.
Rockwall suits families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers better, while Rowlett suits people on a budget better.
Side by side
| Rockwall | Rowlett | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | A | B- |
| Population | 53,980 | 67,890 |
| Growth since 2020 | +14.1% | +8.5% |
| Median rent | $1,947 | $1,990 |
| Median home value | $411,700 | $368,800 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $2,756 | $2,508 |
| Median household income | $115,580 | $112,081 |
| Property tax per year | $6,032 | $5,867 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 111 | 157 |
| Property crime per 100k | 1,014 | 1,167 |
| Schools rated A or B | 77% | 21% |
| Average commute | 32 min | 31 min |
| Work from home | 19% | 18% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 49% | 38% |
| Median age | 39.5 years | 39.9 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 95 | 95 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Moderate | Moderate |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Rockwall | Rowlett | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | C+ (54) | B- (58) |
| Jobs and income | A (89) | A- (87) |
| Schools | B+ (75) | D- (10) |
| Safety | A- (83) | B (66) |
| Errands and things to do | B+ (78) | F (7) |
| Getting around | F (2) | F (5) |
| Education levels | A- (84) | B- (63) |
| Health | B+ (76) | B- (59) |
| Home ownership | B+ (76) | A (93) |
| Internet access | A- (88) | A+ (99) |
Cost of living
Overall costs are close between the two.
Median rent is about the same: $1,947 a month in Rockwall and $1,990 in Rowlett.
The median home is worth $411,700 in Rockwall and $368,800 in Rowlett. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $2,756 a month against $2,508, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.6 times income in Rockwall and 3.3 times in Rowlett.
Commute and location
Commutes average 32 minutes in Rockwall and 31 in Rowlett.
The two are about 6 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Rockwall has less violent crime. Rockwall reported 111 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Rowlett reported 157 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 77% of Rockwall's 13 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 21% of Rowlett's 14.
Common questions
Is Rockwall or Rowlett better to live in?
Rockwall grades higher overall (A vs B-). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Rockwall cheaper than Rowlett?
They cost about the same to live in.
Which is safer, Rockwall or Rowlett?
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.