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

Living in Fate, TX

B

57th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 72 of 100
67th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Fate earns a grade of B on our index, 57th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on internet access and safety, and trails on getting around and errands and things to do.

  • Low crime
  • Fast-growing
  • Well connected
  • Errands and things to do scores low (17 of 100)
  • Getting around scores low (2 of 100)
This is a photo taken of Downtown Fate TX in 2023.
Photo: Sfosterfate, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
29,007+61.3% since 2020
Median rent
$2,50078% higher than Texas
Median home value
$384,30035% higher than Texas
Household income
$132,752Median
Average commute
35 minOne way
Violent crime
112Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Fate

Fate sits about 24 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 29,007 people lived here in 2025, up 61.3% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is spread out, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2013).

Places locals use include Robert Smith Family Park, Woodcreek Playground and Woodcreek Lakeside Park.

The median age is 31.6, 55% of households have children, 92% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $132,752 a year (69% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Fate

  • Low violent crime. 112 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 71% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $132,752, 69% higher than the Texas median.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 61% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Fate

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $2,500, 78% higher than the Texas median.
  • Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 35 minutes, against 27 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 Fate suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 50% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 71% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 73% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 69% higher than the Texas median, with 29 restaurants and 6 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 25% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 12% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 71% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 67% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 98% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $2,500 is 78% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 73% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $2,500 is 78% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 35% for people on a budget.

Fate report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Fate 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 C

    Median rent $2,500, homes cost 2.9x income.

    41 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade B+

    Median household income $132,752, 5.4% unemployed.

    78 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C+

    6 rated campuses, 50% rated A or B.

    50 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade A-

    112 violent crimes per 100k, 303 property crimes per 100k.

    84 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D

    1 grocery store, 29 restaurants, 18 parks mapped in town.

    17 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade F

    Average commute 35 min, 17% work from home.

    2 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade B-

    42% have a bachelor’s degree.

    59 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade C

    12% of adults uninsured.

    46 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade A-

    92% of homes owner-occupied.

    82 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade A+

    98% of homes have broadband.

    98 of 100 vs US cities

Where Fate stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 92%29 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Median household income: $132,75269% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • People below the poverty line: 3.6%10 points lower than Texas (14%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $2,50078% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 35 min32% higher than Texas (27 min)
  • Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 0.8%2 points lower than Texas (2.6%)

Cost of living in Fate

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Fate is $2,500 a month, 78% higher than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $100,000 a year. Right now 52% 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 $384,300, 35% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $2,104 before tax, or $2,645 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Fate pays $6,495 a year, 53% 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 Fate

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in FateStudio$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 rent78% higher than Texas$2,500$1,403$1,413
Median home value35% higher than Texas$384,300$283,800$332,700
Home value to income20% lower than Texas2.9x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas52%52%51%
Median property tax per year53% higher than Texas$6,495$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them29 points higher than Texas92%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas201319921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$2,645
Mortgage payment
$2,104
Property tax
$541
Median rent, for comparison
$2,500

Based on a $384,300 home in Fate, 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 Fate safe?

In 2025, Fate Police Department reported 34 violent crimes and 92 property crimes. That works out to 112 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 71% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 303 property crimes per 100,000, 85% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is up about 41% 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 Fate by yearTexas11220212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
112
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
303
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Fate by yearTexas30320212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Fate

Fate has 6 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 50% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Rockwall ISD, Royse City ISD and Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy.

Top-rated campuses include Billie Stevenson Elementary. 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
50
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

  • ABillie Stevenson ElementaryElementary, Rockwall ISD91 of 100
  • BMiss May Vernon ElementaryElementary, Royse City ISD84 of 100
  • BPioneer Technology (PTAA) FateOther, Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy83 of 100
  • CLupe Garcia ElementaryElementary, Rockwall ISD79 of 100
  • CBobby Summers MiddleMiddle, Royse City ISD76 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Fate

We grade 7 areas inside Fate. The top three are Monterra (A), Woodcreek (A-) and Avondale (B+). If price matters most, Avondale has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,190 a month. Chamberlain Crossing is the priciest, at $2,870. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Fate 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.

    7 Fate neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1AMonterra3,831 people, home $448,000100fit
    2. 2A-Woodcreek3,820 people, median rent $2,570, home $441,00083fit
    3. 3B+Avondale3,205 people, median rent $1,190, home $389,00067fit
    4. 4B+Chamberlain Crossing1,201 people, median rent $2,870, home $361,00050fit
    5. 5C+Spring Meadow1,383 people, median rent $2,090, home $329,00033fit
    6. 6D+Luby Acres3,415 people, median rent $2,730, home $340,00017fit
    7. 7D+Melody Ranch2,877 people, median rent $2,100, home $397,0000fit
    All 7 Fate neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Fate

    Everyday places mapped inside Fate, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Robert Smith Family Park, Woodcreek Playground, Woodcreek Lakeside Park.

    The average one-way commute is 35 minutes, 32% longer than the Texas average. 17% 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 24 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Fate work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $132,752, income per person is $41,804, unemployment is 5.4% and 42% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    1
    Pharmacies
    3
    Restaurants
    29
    Cafes
    6
    Bars
    6
    Parks
    18
    Gyms
    6
    Hospitals and urgent care
    1
    Childcare
    2
    Libraries
    0

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income69% higher than Texas$132,752$78,476$80,734
    Income per personAbout the same as Texas$41,804$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas5.4%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line10 points lower than Texas3.6%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher9 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 insurance7 points lower than Texas12%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet7 points higher than Texas98%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute32% higher than Texas35 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home3 points higher than Texas17%14%15%
    Workers who work from home17%
    Workers who take transit0%
    Workers who walk0.8%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Fate

    Under 1834%
    18 to 3421%
    35 to 6439%
    65 and over6.6%

    Median age 31.6 years. 55% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White50%
    Hispanic or Latino32%
    Black11%
    Asian3.0%
    Other or more than one race4.5%

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

    Weather in Fate

    Fate has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 92°F and January lows about 34°F. There are about 95 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 40 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Fate30°50°70°90°54J58F65M73A80M88J92J93A87S77O65N56DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Lavon Dam, 8 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is very low, 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 floodingVery low
    • HurricanesLow
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesHigh
    • WildfiresHigh
    • Winter stormsLow
    • Strong windHigh

    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 Fate

    Nearby, Rockwall gets an A, Royse City gets a C+ and Lavon 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. ARockwallCity, 51,168 people3 mi
    2. C+Royse CitySmall city, 20,037 people5 mi
    3. B-LavonTown, 6,498 people6 mi
    4. B+McLendon-ChisholmTown, 4,511 people7 mi
    5. B+NevadaTown, 1,319 people7 mi
    6. A-WylieCity, 60,334 people7 mi

    Fate 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. 64B+Rhome1,699 people44 mito downtown
    5. 65B+Watauga23,233 people29 mito downtown
    6. 66B+Edgecliff Village3,766 people35 mito downtown
    7. 67BFate22,884 people24 mito downtown
    8. 68BGrandview2,176 people44 mito downtown
    9. 69BHurst39,861 people24 mito downtown
    10. 70BOak Point5,887 people30 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in Fate: common questions

    Is Fate, TX a good place to live?

    Fate earns a grade of B on our index, 57th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on internet access and safety, and trails on getting around and errands and things to do.

    How much does it cost to live in Fate?

    Median rent in Fate is $2,500 a month, 78% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $384,300, 35% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.9x 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 $2,645, including property tax.

    Is Fate safe?

    In 2025, Fate Police Department reported 112 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 71% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 303 per 100,000, 85% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Fate?

    We found 6 rated public school campuses inside Fate. 50% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 50 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Fate?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Fate are Monterra, Woodcreek and Avondale. We score 7 areas in the city.

    Does Fate flood?

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

    What is the weather like in Fate?

    Summers in Fate peak at about 92°F in July, and January nights fall to about 34°F. Expect around 95 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 40 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Fate?

    The average one-way commute is 35 min, 32% higher than the Texas average. About 17% of workers work from home. It is about 24 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.