Small city in Rockwall County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro
Living in Heath, TX
14th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 94 of 100
21st of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
Heath gets an overall grade of A and ranks 14th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on home ownership and education levels, and trails on getting around and errands and things to do. It is a strong pick for families, retirees and remote workers.
- Good for families
- Good for retirees
- Good for remote workers
- Low crime
- Pricey
- Fast-growing
- Well connected
- Errands and things to do scores low (20 of 100)
- Getting around scores low (2 of 100)
- Population
- 11,671+21.0% since 2020
- Median rent
- $3,500+150% higher than Texas
- Median home value
- $766,900170% higher than Texas
- Household income
- $220,828Median
- Average commute
- 35 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 50Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Heath
Heath sits about 18 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 11,671 people lived here in 2025, up 21.0% 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 2003).
Places locals use include Towne Center Park and Heath City Park.
The median age is 43.5, 40% of households have children, 98% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $220,828 a year (181% higher than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Heath
- Strong public schools. 100% of the 5 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
- Low violent crime. 50 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 87% lower than the Texas rate.
- High incomes. The median household earns $220,828, 181% higher than the Texas median.
- Growing fast. The population grew 21% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.
- Healthier population. Only 6.9% of working-age adults lack health insurance.
Cons of living in Heath
- Higher rent. Median rent is $3,500+, 150% higher than the Texas median.
- Higher unemployment. 7.5% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
- 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, heat waves and hail as very high here.
Who Heath suits
- FamiliesA strong fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 87% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 95% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 181% higher than the Texas median, with 14 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 48% for young professionals.
- RetireesA strong fit: 6.9% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 87% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 96% for retirees.
- Remote workersA strong fit: 97% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $3,500+ is 150% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 86% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $3,500+ is 150% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 50% for people on a budget.
Heath report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Heath 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 $3,500+, homes cost 3.5x income.
57 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade B+
Median household income $220,828, 7.5% unemployed.
76 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade A-
5 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.
84 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade A+
50 violent crimes per 100k, 342 property crimes per 100k.
95 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade D
1 grocery store, 14 restaurants, 2 parks mapped in town.
20 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade F
Average commute 35 min, 29% work from home.
2 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade A+
62% have a bachelor’s degree.
95 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade A-
6.9% of adults uninsured.
85 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade A+
98% of homes owner-occupied.
99 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade A
97% of homes have broadband.
92 of 100 vs US cities
Where Heath stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Median household income: $220,828181% higher than Texas ($78,476)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 0%52 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 98%35 points higher than Texas (63%)
Worse than Texas
- Median rent: $3,500+150% higher than Texas ($1,403)
- Average commute: 35 min30% higher than Texas (27 min)
- Unemployment rate: 7.5%2 points higher than Texas (5.3%)
Cost of living in Heath
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Heath is $3,500+ a month, 150% higher than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $140,000 a year. Right now 0% 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 $766,900, 170% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $4,198 before tax, or $5,031 with property tax. That is $1,530 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 Heath pays $10,000+ a year, 136% 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 Heath
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent150% higher than Texas | $3,500+ | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value170% higher than Texas | $766,900 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income4% lower than Texas | 3.5x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent52 points lower than Texas | 0% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year136% higher than Texas | $10,000+ | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them35 points higher than Texas | 98% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 2003 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $4,198
- Property tax
- $833
- Median rent, for comparison
- $3,500+
Based on a $766,900 home in Heath, 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 Heath safe?
In 2025, Heath Police Department reported 6 violent crimes and 41 property crimes. That works out to 50 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 87% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 342 property crimes per 100,000, 84% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 50% 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, Heath Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Heath
Heath has 5 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Rockwall ISD.
Top-rated campuses include Rockwall-Heath High School, Dorothy Smith Pullen Elementary and Maurine Cain Middle. The average rating score across all campuses is 89 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
- ARockwall-Heath High SchoolHigh, Rockwall ISD91 of 100
- ADorothy Smith Pullen ElementaryElementary, Rockwall ISD90 of 100
- AMaurine Cain MiddleMiddle, Rockwall ISD90 of 100
- BAmy Parks-Heath ElementaryElementary, Rockwall ISD89 of 100
- BLinda Lyon ElementaryElementary, Rockwall ISD86 of 100
Best neighborhoods in Heath
We grade 3 areas inside Heath. The top three are Heath Golf & Yacht Club (A+), Rainbow Lake Estates (A+) and Willow Springs (A). Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.
All 3 Heath neighborhoods, A to Z
Daily life in Heath
Everyday places mapped inside Heath, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Towne Center Park, Heath City Park.
The average one-way commute is 35 minutes, 30% longer than the Texas average. 29% 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 18 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Heath work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $220,828, income per person is $106,807, unemployment is 7.5% and 62% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income181% higher than Texas | $220,828 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person162% higher than Texas | $106,807 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate2 points higher than Texas | 7.5% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line12 points lower than Texas | 2.0% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher28 points higher than Texas | 62% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher12 points higher than Texas | 98% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance13 points lower than Texas | 6.9% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet6 points higher than Texas | 97% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute30% higher than Texas | 35 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home15 points higher than Texas | 29% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Heath
Median age 43.5 years. 40% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Heath
Heath 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 daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Lavon Dam, 13 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, hurricane risk is low, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.
- River floodingHigh
- HurricanesLow
- TornadoesVery high
- HailVery high
- Heat wavesVery high
- WildfiresVery high
- Winter stormsModerate
- Strong windVery high
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 Heath
Nearby, Travis Ranch gets a C-, McLendon-Chisholm gets a B+ and Sunnyvale 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.
- C-Travis RanchTown, 9,025 people3 mi
- B+McLendon-ChisholmTown, 4,511 people5 mi
- B+SunnyvaleTown, 8,336 people6 mi
- ARockwallCity, 51,168 people6 mi
- B-ForneySmall city, 31,532 people7 mi
- B-RowlettCity, 65,463 people7 mi
Heath 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
- 18AMcKinney210,600 people29 mito downtown
- 19AProsper37,869 people31 mito downtown
- 20ACopper Canyon2,514 people28 mito downtown
- 21AHeath10,777 people18 mito downtown
- 22AWestlake1,670 people28 mito downtown
- 23AHighland Village16,101 people27 mito downtown
- 24ALantana12,766 people29 mito downtown
Living in Heath: common questions
Is Heath, TX a good place to live?
Heath gets an overall grade of A and ranks 14th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on home ownership and education levels, and trails on getting around and errands and things to do. It is a strong pick for families, retirees and remote workers.
How much does it cost to live in Heath?
Median rent in Heath is $3,500+ a month, 150% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $766,900, 170% higher 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 $5,031, including property tax.
Is Heath safe?
In 2025, Heath Police Department reported 50 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 87% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 342 per 100,000, 84% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Heath?
We found 5 rated public school campuses inside Heath. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 84 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
What are the best neighborhoods in Heath?
Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Heath are Heath Golf & Yacht Club, Rainbow Lake Estates and Willow Springs. We score 3 areas in the city.
Does Heath flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Heath as high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, 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 Heath?
Summers in Heath 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 Heath?
The average one-way commute is 35 min, 30% higher than the Texas average. About 29% of workers work from home. It is about 18 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.