City in Dallas County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro
Living in Grand Prairie, TX
65th of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 19 of 100
152nd of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
We give Grand Prairie a D. It ranks 65th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on home ownership and safety, and trails on getting around and health.
- Getting around scores low (8 of 100)
- Health scores low (13 of 100)
- Population
- 209,434+6.8% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,62916% higher than Texas
- Median home value
- $295,5004% higher than Texas
- Household income
- $81,619Median
- Average commute
- 28 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 202Per 100k, 2025
About Grand Prairie
Right in the middle of the Metroplex, Grand Prairie runs from about 12 miles west of downtown Dallas to about 15 miles east of Fort Worth. Most of the city is in Dallas County, with parts in Tarrant and Ellis counties. It started in 1863 as Dechman, named for Alexander McRae Dechman, and took its current name from old maps that labeled this region the grand prairie of Texas. It incorporated in 1909.
I-30 and I-20 run east and west across the city, and SH 360 and SH 161 (the President George Bush Turnpike) run north and south. Aerospace and manufacturing are a big deal here. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is the largest employer, Airbus Helicopters has its U.S. headquarters in town, and Poly-America runs a large plant. On the south side, Joe Pool Lake draws people for fishing, boating and swimming, and Lone Star Park hosts horse racing.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, gptx.org
What it's like to live in Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie sits about 16 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 209,434 people lived here in 2025, up 6.8% from 2020.
Local spots people know include Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake, Lloyd Park Campground and Mountain Creek Lake Park.
The median age is 34.4, 38% of households have children, 59% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $81,619 a year (4% higher than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Grand Prairie
- Low violent crime. 202 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 48% lower than the Texas rate.
Cons of living in Grand Prairie
- Weaker school ratings. Only 40% of the 57 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
- Higher rent. Median rent is $1,629, 16% higher than the Texas median.
- 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 and hail as very high here.
Who Grand Prairie suits
- FamiliesNot the best fit: 40% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 48% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 34% for families.
- Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 4% higher than the Texas median, with 501 restaurants and 37 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 5% for young professionals.
- RetireesNot the best fit: 22% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 48% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 19% for retirees.
- Remote workersNot the best fit: 93% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,629 is 16% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 23% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,629 is 16% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 11% for people on a budget.
Grand Prairie report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Grand Prairie 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 $1,629, homes cost 3.6x income.
48 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade C+
Median household income $81,619, 5.2% unemployed.
51 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade D
57 rated campuses, 40% rated A or B.
22 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade B-
202 violent crimes per 100k, 1,331 property crimes per 100k.
59 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade D
34 grocery stores, 501 restaurants, 75 parks mapped in town.
21 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade F
Average commute 28 min, 13% work from home.
8 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade D
30% have a bachelor’s degree.
21 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade D-
22% of adults uninsured.
13 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade B-
59% of homes owner-occupied.
62 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade C+
93% of homes have broadband.
53 of 100 vs US cities
Where Grand Prairie stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Vacant homes: 4.8%5 points lower than Texas (9.4%)
- People below the poverty line: 12%2 points lower than Texas (14%)
- Homes with broadband internet: 93%2 points higher than Texas (91%)
Worse than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 59%7 points higher than Texas (52%)
- Median rent: $1,62916% higher than Texas ($1,403)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 59%4 points lower than Texas (63%)
Cost of living in Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie renters pay a median of $1,629 a month, 16% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $65,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 59% 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 $295,500, 4% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,617 before tax, or $2,030 with property tax. That is $401 a month more than the median rent, a gap that can be worth it if you plan to stay a while.
Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Grand Prairie pays $4,954 a year, 17% 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 Grand Prairie
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent16% higher than Texas | $1,629 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value4% higher than Texas | $295,500 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas | 3.6x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent7 points higher than Texas | 59% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year17% higher than Texas | $4,954 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them4 points lower than Texas | 59% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1992 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $1,617
- Property tax
- $413
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,629
Based on a $295,500 home in Grand Prairie, 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 Grand Prairie safe?
In 2025, Grand Prairie Police Department reported 424 violent crimes and 2,796 property crimes. That works out to 202 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 48% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,331 property crimes per 100,000, 36% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 14% 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 by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Grand Prairie Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie has 57 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 40% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Mansfield ISD and Grand Prairie ISD.
Top-rated campuses include Cora Spencer Elementary, Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute and Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy. The average rating score across all campuses is 77 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.
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
- ACora Spencer ElementaryElementary, Mansfield ISD97 of 100
- AGrand Prairie Collegiate InstituteOther, Grand Prairie ISD97 of 100
- AGrand Prairie Fine Arts AcademyOther, Grand Prairie ISD97 of 100
- ASchool for the Highly GiftedOther, Grand Prairie ISD97 of 100
- AYoung Women's Leadership Academy High SchoolHigh, Grand Prairie ISD97 of 100
Best neighborhoods in Grand Prairie
We grade 10 areas inside Grand Prairie. The top three are West Grand Prairie (A-), South Grand Prairie (A-) and Lake Port Village (B-). If price matters most, West Grand Prairie has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,700 a month. South Grand Prairie is the priciest, at $2,090. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.
Rank Grand Prairie neighborhoods your way
What matters to you?
Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.
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.
- 1A-South Grand Prairie23,939 people, median rent $2,090, home $471,000100fit
- 2A-West Grand Prairie1,056 people, median rent $1,700, home $298,00089fit
- 3B-Lake Port Village4,119 people, median rent $2,050, home $385,00078fit
- 4C+Southwest Grand Prairie3,297 people, median rent $1,840, home $365,00067fit
- 5CNorth Westchester Meadows19,258 people, median rent $1,790, home $341,00056fit
- 6C-Central Grand Prairie30,689 people, median rent $1,980, home $319,00044fit
- 7D+Northwest Grand Prairie8,644 people, median rent $1,650, home $280,00033fit
- 8D-North Grand Prairie58,344 people, median rent $1,530, home $247,00022fit
- 9D-Indian Hills24,985 people, median rent $1,270, home $214,00011fit
- 10FNortheast Grand Prairie21,809 people, median rent $1,640, home $221,0000fit
All 10 Grand Prairie neighborhoods, A to Z
Daily life in Grand Prairie
Everyday places mapped inside Grand Prairie, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake, Lloyd Park Campground, Mountain Creek Lake Park.
The average one-way commute is 28 minutes, 5% longer than the Texas average. 13% 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 16 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Grand Prairie work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $81,619, income per person is $35,192, unemployment is 5.2% and 30% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income4% higher than Texas | $81,619 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person14% lower than Texas | $35,192 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas | 5.2% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line2 points lower than Texas | 12% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher4 points lower than Texas | 30% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher4 points lower than Texas | 82% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance3 points higher than Texas | 22% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet2 points higher than Texas | 93% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute5% higher than Texas | 28 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home2 points lower than Texas | 13% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Grand Prairie
Median age 34.4 years. 38% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 33°F. There are about 101 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 41 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Joe Pool Lake, 3 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 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
- TornadoesHigh
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesVery high
- WildfiresLow
- Winter stormsModerate
- Strong windLow
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 Grand Prairie
Nearby, Arlington gets a D, Cedar Hill gets a D+ and Duncanville gets a D-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- DArlingtonCity, 397,742 people6 mi
- D+Cedar HillSmall city, 48,879 people6 mi
- D-DuncanvilleSmall city, 39,683 people6 mi
- A-MansfieldCity, 77,510 people8 mi
- A-Dalworthington GardensTown, 2,180 people8 mi
- D+PantegoTown, 2,337 people9 mi
Grand Prairie in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
How it ranks among 181 places in the metro.
- 1A+Flower Mound78,389 people26 mito downtown
- 2A+Trophy Club13,733 people29 mito downtown
- 3A+University Park25,155 people4 mito downtown
- 149DRio Vista1,312 people52 mito downtown
- 150DEnnis22,588 people33 mito downtown
- 151DCrandall4,763 people21 mito downtown
- 152DGrand Prairie201,883 people16 mito downtown
- 153DAzle14,126 people45 mito downtown
- 154DBlue Ridge1,104 people41 mito downtown
- 155DGreenville31,222 people44 mito downtown
Living in Grand Prairie: common questions
Is Grand Prairie, TX a good place to live?
We give Grand Prairie a D. It ranks 65th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on home ownership and safety, and trails on getting around and health.
How much does it cost to live in Grand Prairie?
Renters in Grand Prairie pay a median of $1,629 a month, 16% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $295,500, 4% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.6x 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 $2,030, including property tax.
Is Grand Prairie safe?
In 2025, Grand Prairie Police Department reported 202 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 48% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,331 per 100,000, 36% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Grand Prairie?
We found 57 rated public school campuses inside Grand Prairie. 40% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 22 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.
What are the best neighborhoods in Grand Prairie?
Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Grand Prairie are West Grand Prairie, South Grand Prairie and Lake Port Village. We score 10 areas in the city.
Does Grand Prairie flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Grand Prairie as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, heat waves and hail. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Grand Prairie?
Summers in Grand Prairie peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 33°F. Expect around 101 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 41 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Grand Prairie?
The average one-way commute is 28 min, 5% higher than the Texas average. About 13% of workers work from home. It is about 16 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.