Small city in Ellis County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro

Living in Ennis, TX

D

154th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 20 of 100
150th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

We give Ennis a D. It ranks 154th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and jobs and income, and trails on getting around and health.

  • Fast-growing
  • Errands and things to do scores low (11 of 100)
  • Getting around scores low (7 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Ennis isHoustonSan AntonioAustinFort WorthEnnis
Where Ennis is in Texas.
Population
25,694+27.6% since 2020
Median rent
$1,362about the same as Texas
Median home value
$260,1008% lower than Texas
Household income
$75,074Median
Average commute
28 minOne way
Violent crime
265Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Ennis

Ennis sits about 33 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 25,694 people lived here in 2025, up 27.6% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is small-town and rural in feel.

Local spots people know include Bluebonnet Park, Lions Park and Rotary Park.

The median age is 34.4, 41% of households have children, 63% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $75,074 a year (4% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Ennis

  • Growing fast. The population grew 28% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Ennis

  • 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 heat waves, hail and wildfires as very high here.

Who Ennis suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 55% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 32% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 28% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 4% lower than the Texas median, with 110 restaurants and 12 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 10% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 23% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 32% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 17% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 89% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,362 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 7% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,362 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 52% for people on a budget.

Ennis report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Ennis with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade B-

    Median rent $1,362, homes cost 3.5x income.

    61 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade B-

    Median household income $75,074, 2.9% unemployed.

    57 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C-

    11 rated campuses, 55% rated A or B.

    36 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade C+

    265 violent crimes per 100k, 776 property crimes per 100k.

    50 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D-

    6 grocery stores, 110 restaurants, 15 parks mapped in town.

    11 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade F

    Average commute 28 min, 8.6% work from home.

    7 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D-

    21% have a bachelor’s degree.

    10 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    23% of adults uninsured.

    8 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade C-

    63% of homes owner-occupied.

    34 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D

    89% of homes have broadband.

    22 of 100 vs US cities

Where Ennis stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 48%3 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • People below the poverty line: 11%3 points lower than Texas (14%)
  • Unemployment rate: 2.9%2 points lower than Texas (5.3%)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 21%13 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 23%4 points higher than Texas (20%)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 89%3 points lower than Texas (91%)

Cost of living in Ennis

Ennis renters pay a median of $1,362 a month, about the same as the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $54,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 48% 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 $260,100, 8% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,424 before tax, or $1,762 with property tax. That is $400 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 Ennis pays $4,061 a year, 4% lower 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 Ennis

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in EnnisStudio$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$1,362$1,403$1,413
Median home value8% lower than Texas$260,100$283,800$332,700
Home value to income4% lower than Texas3.5x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent3 points lower than Texas48%52%51%
Median property tax per year4% lower than Texas$4,061$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in themAbout the same as Texas63%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199019921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,762
Mortgage payment
$1,424
Property tax
$338
Median rent, for comparison
$1,362

Based on a $260,100 home in Ennis, 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 Ennis safe?

In 2025, Ennis Police Department reported 69 violent crimes and 202 property crimes. That works out to 265 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 32% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 776 property crimes per 100,000, 63% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is up about 85% 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 Ennis by yearTexas26520212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
265
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
776
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Ennis by yearTexas77620212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Ennis

Ennis has 11 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 55% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Ennis ISD.

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
36
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
78
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

  • BG W Carver Early Childhood CenterOther, Ennis ISD86 of 100
  • BTravis ElementaryElementary, Ennis ISD86 of 100
  • BEnnis High SchoolHigh, Ennis ISD84 of 100
  • BDavid S Crockett Early Childhood CenterOther, Ennis ISD82 of 100
  • BHouston ElementaryElementary, Ennis ISD82 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Ennis

We grade 3 areas inside Ennis. The top three are South Ennis (B-), Southeast Ennis (C-) and Central Ennis (D-). Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map
    All 3 Ennis neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Ennis

    Everyday places mapped inside Ennis, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Bluebonnet Park, Lions Park, Rotary Park.

    The average one-way commute is 28 minutes, about the same as the Texas average. 9% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

    Downtown Dallas is about 33 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Ennis work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $75,074, income per person is $33,059, unemployment is 2.9% and 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    6
    Pharmacies
    8
    Restaurants
    110
    Cafes
    12
    Bars
    6
    Parks
    15
    Gyms
    10
    Hospitals and urgent care
    3
    Childcare
    3
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income4% lower than Texas$75,074$78,476$80,734
    Income per person19% lower than Texas$33,059$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas2.9%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line3 points lower than Texas11%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher13 points lower than Texas21%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher8 points lower than Texas78%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance4 points higher than Texas23%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet3 points lower than Texas89%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute4% higher than Texas28 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home6 points lower than Texas8.6%14%15%
    Workers who work from home8.6%
    Workers who take transit0%
    Workers who walk0.0%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Ennis

    Under 1826%
    18 to 3425%
    35 to 6436%
    65 and over13%

    Median age 34.4 years. 41% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White43%
    Hispanic or Latino46%
    Black9.3%
    Asian0%
    Other or more than one race2.5%

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

    Weather in Ennis

    Ennis has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 94°F and January lows about 36°F. There are about 103 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 40 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Ennis30°50°70°90°56J61F68M75A82M90J94J95A88S79O67N59DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Bardwell Dam, 5 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 moderate, tornado risk is 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
    • HurricanesModerate
    • TornadoesHigh
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresVery high
    • Winter stormsHigh
    • 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 Ennis

    Nearby, Garrett gets a C-, Palmer gets a B and Rice gets a C-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. C-GarrettTown, 1,260 people3 mi
    2. BPalmerTown, 2,515 people7 mi
    3. C-RiceTown, 1,241 people12 mi
    4. C+WaxahachieSmall city, 45,347 people13 mi
    5. C-FerrisTown, 3,238 people15 mi
    6. CRed OakSmall city, 17,077 people15 mi

    Ennis 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. 147DPecan Acres4,161 people43 mito downtown
    5. 148DNew Fairview1,570 people45 mito downtown
    6. 149DRio Vista1,312 people52 mito downtown
    7. 150DEnnis22,588 people33 mito downtown
    8. 151DCrandall4,763 people21 mito downtown
    9. 152DGrand Prairie201,883 people16 mito downtown
    10. 153DAzle14,126 people45 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in Ennis: common questions

    Is Ennis, TX a good place to live?

    We give Ennis a D. It ranks 154th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and jobs and income, and trails on getting around and health.

    How much does it cost to live in Ennis?

    Renters in Ennis pay a median of $1,362 a month, about the same as the Texas median. The median home is worth $260,100, 8% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.5x 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 $1,762, including property tax.

    Is Ennis safe?

    In 2025, Ennis Police Department reported 265 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 32% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 776 per 100,000, 63% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Ennis?

    We found 11 rated public school campuses inside Ennis. 55% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 36 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Ennis?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Ennis are South Ennis, Southeast Ennis and Central Ennis. We score 3 areas in the city.

    Does Ennis flood?

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

    What is the weather like in Ennis?

    Summers in Ennis peak at about 94°F in July, and January nights fall to about 36°F. Expect around 103 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 40 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Ennis?

    The average one-way commute is 28 min, 4% higher than the Texas average. About 8.6% of workers work from home. It is about 33 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.