City in Denton County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro

Living in Denton, TX

C-

52nd of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 37 of 100
126th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

We give Denton a C-. It ranks 52nd of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on getting around and education levels, and trails on errands and things to do and health.

  • Fast-growing
  • Errands and things to do scores low (15 of 100)
  • Tornado risk is very high
The Denton County, Texas courthouse located at 33.2151° -97.1331°, Denton, Texas, United States. The Romanesque style structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Photo: Aaron Jacobs on en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
169,431+21.1% since 2020
Median rent
$1,420about the same as Texas
Median home value
$348,20023% higher than Texas
Household income
$76,019Median
Average commute
24 minOne way
Violent crime
205Per 100k, 2025

About Denton

On the north edge of the Dallas to Fort Worth area, Denton is the seat of Denton County and the spot where I-35E and I-35W join back into one I-35. The city incorporated in 1866 and is named for John B. Denton, a preacher and lawyer killed in 1841. The county courthouse still sits in the middle of the town square.

Two universities shape the town. The University of North Texas is one of the largest schools in the state, and Texas Woman's University dates to 1901. Along with Denton ISD, Peterbilt Motors and the Denton State Supported Living Center, they are the biggest employers. Besides the interstates, US 77, US 377 and US 380 cross the city, and the DCTA A-train commuter line connects to DART for trips into Dallas. Lewisville Lake lies about 15 miles south of town.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

What it's like to live in Denton

Denton sits about 36 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 169,431 people lived here in 2025, up 21.1% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out.

Places locals use include Lake Forest Park, Cross Timbers Park and Denton Parks and Rec.

The median age is 31.4, 26% of households have children, 50% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $76,019 a year (about the same as the Texas median).

Pros of living in Denton

  • Low violent crime. 205 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 47% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 21% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Denton

  • Homes are pricey for local incomes. The median home costs 4.6 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Errands mean a drive. Compared with similar Texas places, fewer homes here are within a mile of a grocery store, pharmacy, park or clinic.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes and hail as very high here.

Who Denton suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 54% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 47% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 33% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is about the same as the Texas median, with 582 restaurants and 53 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 31% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 15% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 47% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 17% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 92% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,420 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 9% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,420 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 6% for people on a budget.

Denton report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Denton with other US cities of 50,000+ people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

  • Cost of living: grade C

    Median rent $1,420, homes cost 4.6x income.

    41 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade C-

    Median household income $76,019, 5.1% unemployed.

    38 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C-

    24 rated campuses, 54% rated A or B.

    39 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade C+

    205 violent crimes per 100k, 1,735 property crimes per 100k.

    50 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D-

    21 grocery stores, 582 restaurants, 116 parks mapped in town.

    15 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade B+

    Average commute 24 min, 14% work from home.

    75 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade B-

    42% have a bachelor’s degree.

    63 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D+

    15% of adults uninsured.

    25 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade C-

    50% of homes owner-occupied.

    34 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade C

    92% of homes have broadband.

    42 of 100 vs US cities

Where Denton stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 42%8 points higher than Texas (34%)
  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 15%5 points lower than Texas (20%)
  • Average commute: 24 min11% lower than Texas (27 min)

Worse than Texas

  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 50%13 points lower than Texas (63%)
  • Home value to income: 4.6x27% higher than Texas (3.6x)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 61%9 points higher than Texas (52%)

Cost of living in Denton

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Denton is $1,420 a month, about the same as the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $57,000 a year. Right now 61% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,536 for a one-bedroom, $1,807 for a two-bedroom and $2,275 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $348,200, 23% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,906 before tax, or $2,364 with property tax. That is $944 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Denton pays $5,493 a year, 30% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Denton

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in DentonStudio$1,4911 bedroom$1,5362 bedrooms$1,8073 bedrooms$2,2754 bedrooms$2,892
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Dallas, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rentAbout the same as Texas$1,420$1,403$1,413
Median home value23% higher than Texas$348,200$283,800$332,700
Home value to income27% higher than Texas4.6x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent9 points higher than Texas61%52%51%
Median property tax per year30% higher than Texas$5,493$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them13 points lower than Texas50%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199719921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$2,364
Mortgage payment
$1,906
Property tax
$458
Median rent, for comparison
$1,420

Based on a $348,200 home in Denton, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Denton safe?

In 2025, Denton Police Department reported 355 violent crimes and 2,999 property crimes. That works out to 205 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 47% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,735 property crimes per 100,000, 17% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 30% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Denton by yearTexas20520212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
205
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,735
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Denton by yearTexas1,73520212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Denton Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Denton

Denton has 24 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 54% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Denton ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Guyer High School. The average rating score across all campuses is 80 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
39
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
80
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • AGuyer High SchoolHigh, Denton ISD92 of 100
  • BPecan Creek ElementaryElementary, Denton ISD89 of 100
  • BEmilio & Guadalupe Gonzalez Pre-K CenterOther, Denton ISD88 of 100
  • BMcNair ElementaryElementary, Denton ISD88 of 100
  • BNette ShultzElementary, Denton ISD88 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Denton

We grade 8 areas inside Denton. The top three are East Denton (B+), Lake Sharon Estates Phase 3 (B) and South Denton (C+). If price matters most, Southwest Denton has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,160 a month. Lake Sharon Estates Phase 3 is the priciest, at $2,420. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Denton neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    8 Denton neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1B+East Denton8,313 people, median rent $1,650, home $315,000100fit
    2. 2BLake Sharon Estates Phase 39,366 people, median rent $2,420, home $380,00086fit
    3. 3C+South Denton25,130 people, median rent $1,710, home $380,00071fit
    4. 4CSouthwest Denton12,855 people, median rent $1,160, home $503,00057fit
    5. 5CCentral Denton17,063 people, median rent $1,590, home $274,00043fit
    6. 6C-Southeast Denton37,758 people, median rent $1,580, home $332,00029fit
    7. 7D+Brentwood Place9,557 people, median rent $1,740, home $309,00014fit
    8. 8DDenton Square16,474 people, median rent $1,140, home $246,0000fit
    All 8 Denton neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Denton

    Everyday places mapped inside Denton, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Lake Forest Park, Cross Timbers Park, Denton Parks and Rec.

    The average one-way commute is 24 minutes, 11% shorter than the Texas average. 14% of workers work from home. 5.4% walk, bike or take transit to work.

    Downtown Dallas is about 36 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Denton work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $76,019, income per person is $38,167, unemployment is 5.1% and 42% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    21
    Pharmacies
    28
    Restaurants
    582
    Cafes
    53
    Bars
    67
    Parks
    116
    Gyms
    57
    Hospitals and urgent care
    31
    Childcare
    25
    Libraries
    19

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income3% lower than Texas$76,019$78,476$80,734
    Income per person6% lower than Texas$38,167$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas5.1%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line2 points higher than Texas16%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher8 points higher than Texas42%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher6 points higher than Texas92%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance5 points lower than Texas15%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internetAbout the same as Texas92%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute11% lower than Texas24 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from homeAbout the same as Texas14%14%15%
    Workers who work from home14%
    Workers who take transit0.8%
    Workers who walk3.9%
    Workers who bike0.7%

    Who lives in Denton

    Under 1818%
    18 to 3438%
    35 to 6431%
    65 and over12%

    Median age 31.4 years. 26% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White54%
    Hispanic or Latino26%
    Black11%
    Asian4.0%
    Other or more than one race5.4%

    Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

    Weather in Denton

    Denton has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 34°F. There are about 95 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 38 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Denton30°50°70°90°56J60F68M76A83M91J96J96A88S78O66N57DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Denton 2 Se, 4 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, hurricane risk is low, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

    • River floodingModerate
    • HurricanesLow
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesHigh
    • WildfiresHigh
    • Winter stormsModerate
    • Strong windModerate

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Denton

    Nearby, Krum gets an A-, Corinth gets an A and Shady Shores gets a B. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. A-KrumTown, 6,189 people5 mi
    2. ACorinthSmall city, 23,385 people8 mi
    3. BShady ShoresTown, 2,922 people8 mi
    4. C-Cross RoadsTown, 2,035 people8 mi
    5. B+KrugervilleTown, 1,577 people9 mi
    6. A-ArgyleTown, 5,371 people10 mi

    Denton in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

    How it ranks among 181 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Flower Mound78,389 people26 mito downtown
    2. 2A+Trophy Club13,733 people29 mito downtown
    3. 3A+University Park25,155 people4 mito downtown
    4. 123C-Cross Roads2,035 people33 mito downtown
    5. 124C-Garrett1,260 people30 mito downtown
    6. 125C-Combine2,785 people21 mito downtown
    7. 126C-Denton152,866 people36 mito downtown
    8. 127C-Ferris3,238 people19 mito downtown
    9. 128C-Springtown3,855 people54 mito downtown
    10. 129C-Weatherford35,788 people59 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in Denton: common questions

    Is Denton, TX a good place to live?

    We give Denton a C-. It ranks 52nd of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on getting around and education levels, and trails on errands and things to do and health.

    How much does it cost to live in Denton?

    Median rent in Denton is $1,420 a month, about the same as the Texas median. The median home is worth $348,200, 23% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 4.6x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $2,364, including property tax.

    Is Denton safe?

    In 2025, Denton Police Department reported 205 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 47% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,735 per 100,000, 17% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Denton?

    We found 24 rated public school campuses inside Denton. 54% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 39 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Denton?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Denton are East Denton, Lake Sharon Estates Phase 3 and South Denton. We score 8 areas in the city.

    Does Denton flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Denton as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, heat waves, hail and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Denton?

    Summers in Denton peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 34°F. Expect around 95 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 38 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Denton?

    The average one-way commute is 24 min, 11% lower than the Texas average. About 14% of workers work from home. It is about 36 miles from downtown Dallas.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.