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

Living in Lake Dallas, TX

C+

353rd of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 52 of 100
97th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Lake Dallas gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 353rd of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on jobs and income and internet access, and trails on getting around and cost of living.

  • Tornado risk is very high
  • Hail risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Lake Dallas isHoustonSan AntonioAustinLake Dallas
Where Lake Dallas is in Texas.
Population
7,852+1.9% since 2020
Median rent
$1,5198% higher than Texas
Median home value
$269,0005% lower than Texas
Household income
$76,879Median
Average commute
28 minOne way
Violent crime
126Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Lake Dallas

Lake Dallas sits about 27 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 7,852 people lived here in 2025, up 1.9% from 2020. It is suburban.

Local spots people know include Lake Dallas City Park and Lake Dallas Public Library.

The median age is 40.2, 34% of households have children, 69% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $76,879 a year (about the same as the Texas median).

Pros of living in Lake Dallas

  • Low violent crime. 126 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 68% lower than the Texas rate.

Cons of living in Lake Dallas

  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes and hail as very high here.

Who Lake Dallas suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: violent crime is 68% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 42% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is about the same as the Texas median, with 26 restaurants and 1 cafe in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 64% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 17% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 68% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 35% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 93% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,519 is 8% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 55% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,519 is 8% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 20% for people on a budget.

Lake Dallas report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Lake Dallas with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade D

    Median rent $1,519, homes cost 3.5x income.

    22 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade B+

    Median household income $76,879, 2.8% unemployed.

    79 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade C-

    2 rated campuses, 0% rated A or B.

    36 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade C+

    126 violent crimes per 100k, 628 property crimes per 100k.

    56 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade B-

    0 grocery stores, 26 restaurants, 5 parks mapped in town.

    61 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade D

    Average commute 28 min, 16% work from home.

    21 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade C+

    33% have a bachelor’s degree.

    48 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D+

    17% of adults uninsured.

    25 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade B-

    69% of homes owner-occupied.

    61 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade B

    93% of homes have broadband.

    68 of 100 vs US towns

Where Lake Dallas stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • People below the poverty line: 3.7%10 points lower than Texas (14%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 69%7 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Vacant homes: 5.5%4 points lower than Texas (9.4%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $1,5198% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 0.7%2 points lower than Texas (2.6%)
  • Average commute: 28 min4% higher than Texas (27 min)

Cost of living in Lake Dallas

Lake Dallas renters pay a median of $1,519 a month, 8% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $61,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 53% 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 $269,000, 5% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,472 before tax, or $1,850 with property tax. That is $331 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 Lake Dallas pays $4,535 a year, 7% higher than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in Lake DallasStudio$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 rent8% higher than Texas$1,519$1,403$1,413
Median home value5% lower than Texas$269,000$283,800$332,700
Home value to income3% lower than Texas3.5x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent2 points higher than Texas53%52%51%
Median property tax per year7% higher than Texas$4,535$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them7 points higher than Texas69%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199819921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,850
Mortgage payment
$1,472
Property tax
$378
Median rent, for comparison
$1,519

Based on a $269,000 home in Lake Dallas, 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 Lake Dallas safe?

In 2025, Lake Dallas Police Department reported 10 violent crimes and 50 property crimes. That works out to 126 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 68% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 628 property crimes per 100,000, 70% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 53% 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 Lake Dallas by yearTexas12620212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
126
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
628
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Lake Dallas by yearTexas62820212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Lake Dallas

Lake Dallas has 2 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 0% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Lake Dallas 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 towns
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

  • CLake Dallas ElementaryElementary, Lake Dallas ISD79 of 100
  • CLake Dallas MiddleMiddle, Lake Dallas ISD76 of 100

Daily life in Lake Dallas

Everyday places mapped inside Lake Dallas, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Lake Dallas City Park, Lake Dallas Public Library.

The average one-way commute is 28 minutes, 4% longer than the Texas average. 16% 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 27 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Lake Dallas work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $76,879, income per person is $40,306, unemployment is 2.8% and 33% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
0
Pharmacies
0
Restaurants
26
Cafes
1
Bars
4
Parks
5
Gyms
1
Hospitals and urgent care
0
Childcare
4
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household incomeAbout the same as Texas$76,879$78,476$80,734
Income per personAbout the same as Texas$40,306$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas2.8%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line10 points lower than Texas3.7%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher1 points lower than Texas33%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher1 points higher than Texas87%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance3 points lower than Texas17%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet2 points higher than Texas93%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute4% higher than Texas28 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home2 points higher than Texas16%14%15%
Workers who work from home16%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0.7%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Lake Dallas

Under 1822%
18 to 3421%
35 to 6441%
65 and over15%

Median age 40.2 years. 34% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White58%
Hispanic or Latino34%
Black5.5%
Asian1.0%
Other or more than one race2.2%

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

Weather in Lake Dallas

Lake Dallas 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 Lake Dallas30°50°70°90°56J60F68M76A83M91J96J96A88S78O66N57DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Denton 2 Se, 7 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
  • WildfiresModerate
  • 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 Lake Dallas

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

  1. B+Hickory CreekTown, 5,611 people2 mi
  2. BShady ShoresTown, 2,922 people2 mi
  3. ACorinthSmall city, 23,385 people3 mi
  4. AHighland VillageSmall city, 16,101 people3 mi
  5. BOak PointTown, 5,887 people4 mi
  6. ACopper CanyonTown, 2,514 people5 mi

Lake Dallas 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. 94B-Lavon6,498 people25 mito downtown
  5. 95C+Aurora1,760 people47 mito downtown
  6. 96C+Bridgeport6,331 people65 mito downtown
  7. 97C+Lake Dallas7,822 people27 mito downtown
  8. 98C+Crowley19,532 people38 mito downtown
  9. 99C+Westworth Village2,643 people38 mito downtown
  10. 100C+Waxahachie45,347 people27 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

Living in Lake Dallas: common questions

Is Lake Dallas, TX a good place to live?

Lake Dallas gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 353rd of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on jobs and income and internet access, and trails on getting around and cost of living.

How much does it cost to live in Lake Dallas?

Renters in Lake Dallas pay a median of $1,519 a month, 8% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $269,000, 5% 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 $1,850, including property tax.

Is Lake Dallas safe?

In 2025, Lake Dallas Police Department reported 126 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 68% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 628 per 100,000, 70% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Lake Dallas?

We found 2 rated public school campuses inside Lake Dallas. 0% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 36 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Lake Dallas flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Lake Dallas 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 Lake Dallas?

Summers in Lake Dallas 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 Lake Dallas?

The average one-way commute is 28 min, 4% higher than the Texas average. About 16% of workers work from home. It is about 27 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.