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

Living in Murphy, TX

A

21st of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 91 of 100
26th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Murphy earns a grade of A on our index, 21st of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on home ownership and safety, and trails on getting around and cost of living. It is a strong pick for families and retirees.

  • Good for families
  • Good for retirees
  • Top-rated schools
  • Low crime
  • Pricey
  • Well connected
  • Cost of living scores low (15 of 100)
  • Getting around scores low (6 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Murphy isHoustonSan AntonioAustinMurphy
Where Murphy is in Texas.
Population
20,985-0.1% since 2020
Median rent
$2,847103% higher than Texas
Median home value
$555,50096% higher than Texas
Household income
$175,699Median
Average commute
32 minOne way
Violent crime
38Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Murphy

Murphy sits about 18 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 20,985 people lived here in 2025, down 0.1% from 2020. It is suburban, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2005).

Local spots people know include Waters Edge Park, Liberty Ridge Park and The Timbers Nature Preserve Park.

The median age is 41.7, 52% of households have children, 94% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $175,699 a year (124% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Murphy

  • Strong public schools. 80% of the 5 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Low violent crime. 38 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 90% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $175,699, 124% higher than the Texas median.

Cons of living in Murphy

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $2,847, 103% higher than the Texas median.
  • Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 32 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes and hail as very high here.

Who Murphy suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 80% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 90% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 93% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 124% higher than the Texas median, with 93 restaurants and 7 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 71% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA strong fit: 8.4% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 90% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 89% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 97% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $2,847 is 103% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 76% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $2,847 is 103% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 7% for people on a budget.

Murphy report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Murphy 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 D-

    Median rent $2,847, homes cost 3.2x income.

    15 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade A

    Median household income $175,699, 4.2% unemployed.

    91 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade A-

    5 rated campuses, 80% rated A or B.

    87 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade A+

    38 violent crimes per 100k, 554 property crimes per 100k.

    95 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade B-

    3 grocery stores, 93 restaurants, 16 parks mapped in town.

    62 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade F

    Average commute 32 min, 32% work from home.

    6 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade B+

    62% have a bachelor’s degree.

    80 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade B

    8.4% of adults uninsured.

    72 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade A+

    94% of homes owner-occupied.

    100 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade A

    97% of homes have broadband.

    92 of 100 vs US cities

Where Murphy stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $175,699124% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 94%31 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 62%28 points higher than Texas (34%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $2,847103% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 86%34 points higher than Texas (52%)
  • Average commute: 32 min21% higher than Texas (27 min)

Cost of living in Murphy

Murphy renters pay a median of $2,847 a month, 103% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $114,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 86% 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 $555,500, 96% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $3,041 before tax, or $3,777 with property tax. That is $930 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 Murphy pays $8,835 a year, 109% 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 Murphy

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in MurphyStudio$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 rent103% higher than Texas$2,847$1,403$1,413
Median home value96% higher than Texas$555,500$283,800$332,700
Home value to income13% lower than Texas3.2x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent34 points higher than Texas86%52%51%
Median property tax per year109% higher than Texas$8,835$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them31 points higher than Texas94%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas200519921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$3,777
Mortgage payment
$3,041
Property tax
$736
Median rent, for comparison
$2,847

Based on a $555,500 home in Murphy, 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 Murphy safe?

In 2025, Murphy Police Department reported 8 violent crimes and 117 property crimes. That works out to 38 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 90% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 554 property crimes per 100,000, 73% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is up about 33% 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 Murphy by yearTexas3820212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
38
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
554
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Murphy by yearTexas55420212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Murphy

Murphy has 5 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 80% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Wylie ISD and Plano ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Tibbals Elementary, Boggess Elementary and Hunt Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 90 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
87
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
90
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

  • ATibbals ElementaryElementary, Wylie ISD96 of 100
  • ABoggess ElementaryElementary, Plano ISD94 of 100
  • AHunt ElementaryElementary, Plano ISD93 of 100
  • AMurphy MiddleMiddle, Plano ISD92 of 100
  • CMcMillen High SchoolHigh, Plano ISD76 of 100

Daily life in Murphy

Everyday places mapped inside Murphy, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Waters Edge Park, Liberty Ridge Park, The Timbers Nature Preserve Park.

The average one-way commute is 32 minutes, 21% longer than the Texas average. 32% 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 Murphy work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $175,699, income per person is $56,417, unemployment is 4.2% and 62% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
3
Pharmacies
6
Restaurants
93
Cafes
7
Bars
5
Parks
16
Gyms
15
Hospitals and urgent care
4
Childcare
5
Libraries
0

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income124% higher than Texas$175,699$78,476$80,734
Income per person38% higher than Texas$56,417$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas4.2%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line11 points lower than Texas3.0%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher28 points higher than Texas62%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher9 points higher than Texas95%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance11 points lower than Texas8.4%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet6 points higher than Texas97%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute21% higher than Texas32 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home18 points higher than Texas32%14%15%
Workers who work from home32%
Workers who take transit0.7%
Workers who walk0.4%
Workers who bike0.1%

Who lives in Murphy

Under 1829%
18 to 3415%
35 to 6445%
65 and over11%

Median age 41.7 years. 52% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White51%
Hispanic or Latino4.5%
Black7.0%
Asian32%
Other or more than one race4.6%

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

Weather in Murphy

Murphy 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 Murphy30°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 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 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 Murphy

Nearby, Parker gets an A-, Sachse gets an A and Seis Lagos 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. A-ParkerTown, 5,999 people3 mi
  2. ASachseSmall city, 30,491 people3 mi
  3. A+Seis LagosTown, 1,391 people5 mi
  4. ALucasTown, 8,351 people6 mi
  5. A-RichardsonCity, 118,731 people7 mi
  6. B-RowlettCity, 65,463 people7 mi

Murphy 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. 23AHighland Village16,101 people27 mito downtown
  5. 24ALantana12,766 people29 mito downtown
  6. 25ACarrollton133,740 people16 mito downtown
  7. 26AMurphy21,188 people18 mito downtown
  8. 27ADouble Oak3,071 people27 mito downtown
  9. 28AMelissa20,136 people36 mito downtown
  10. 29ARockwall51,168 people21 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

Living in Murphy: common questions

Is Murphy, TX a good place to live?

Murphy earns a grade of A on our index, 21st of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on home ownership and safety, and trails on getting around and cost of living. It is a strong pick for families and retirees.

How much does it cost to live in Murphy?

Renters in Murphy pay a median of $2,847 a month, 103% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $555,500, 96% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.2x 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 $3,777, including property tax.

Is Murphy safe?

In 2025, Murphy Police Department reported 38 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 90% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 554 per 100,000, 73% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Murphy?

We found 5 rated public school campuses inside Murphy. 80% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 87 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

Does Murphy flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Murphy 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 Murphy?

Summers in Murphy 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 Murphy?

The average one-way commute is 32 min, 21% higher than the Texas average. About 32% 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.