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

Living in Northlake, TX

A-

128th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 82 of 100
47th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

We give Northlake an A-. It ranks 128th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and schools, and trails on getting around and errands and things to do.

  • Top-rated schools
  • Fast-growing
  • Well connected
  • Errands and things to do scores low (16 of 100)
  • Getting around scores low (12 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Northlake isHoustonSan AntonioAustinNorthlake
Where Northlake is in Texas.
Population
12,036+129.8% since 2020
Median rent
$1,74624% higher than Texas
Median home value
$565,60099% higher than Texas
Household income
$123,469Median
Average commute
31 minOne way
Violent crime
157Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Northlake

Northlake sits about 35 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 12,036 people lived here in 2025, up 129.8% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is small-town and rural in feel, with mostly newer homes (the median home was built in 2015).

Places locals use include Johnie R. Daniel Library and Chadwick Farms Park.

The median age is 32.6, 44% of households have children, 62% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $123,469 a year (57% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Northlake

  • Low violent crime. 157 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 59% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $123,469, 57% higher than the Texas median.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 130% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Northlake

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $1,746, 24% higher than the Texas median.
  • Homes are pricey for local incomes. The median home costs 4.6 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 31 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 Northlake suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: violent crime is 59% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 75% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 57% higher than the Texas median, with 28 restaurants and 4 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 45% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 8.4% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 59% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 60% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 98% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,746 is 24% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 75% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,746 is 24% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 31% for people on a budget.

Northlake report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Northlake 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 $1,746, homes cost 4.6x income.

    30 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade B+

    Median household income $123,469, 4.2% unemployed.

    78 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade A

    1 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    90 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade C

    157 violent crimes per 100k, 1,092 property crimes per 100k.

    41 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade D-

    0 grocery stores, 28 restaurants, 6 parks mapped in town.

    16 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade D-

    Average commute 31 min, 17% work from home.

    12 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade A

    53% have a bachelor’s degree.

    90 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade B+

    8.4% of adults uninsured.

    76 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade B

    62% of homes owner-occupied.

    69 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade A

    98% of homes have broadband.

    91 of 100 vs US towns

Where Northlake stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $123,46957% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 31%21 points lower than Texas (52%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 53%19 points higher than Texas (34%)

Worse than Texas

  • Home value to income: 4.6x27% higher than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $1,74624% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 31 min18% higher than Texas (27 min)

Cost of living in Northlake

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Northlake is $1,746 a month, 24% higher than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $70,000 a year. Right now 31% 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 $565,600, 99% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $3,096 before tax, or $3,929 with property tax. That is $2,183 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 Northlake 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.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in NorthlakeStudio$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 rent24% higher than Texas$1,746$1,403$1,413
Median home value99% higher than Texas$565,600$283,800$332,700
Home value to income27% higher than Texas4.6x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent21 points lower than Texas31%52%51%
Median property tax per year136% higher than Texas$10,000+$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in themAbout the same as Texas62%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas201519921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$3,929
Mortgage payment
$3,096
Property tax
$833
Median rent, for comparison
$1,746

Based on a $565,600 home in Northlake, 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 Northlake safe?

In 2025, Northlake Police Department reported 20 violent crimes and 139 property crimes. That works out to 157 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 59% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,092 property crimes per 100,000, 48% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 56% 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 Northlake by yearTexas15720212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
157
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,092
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Northlake by yearTexas1,09220212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Northlake

Northlake has 1 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 Northwest ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Johnie R Daniel 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
90
of 100 vs Texas towns
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

  • AJohnie R Daniel ElementaryElementary, Northwest ISD90 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Northlake

We grade 4 areas inside Northlake. The top three are North Northlake (A), Southeast Northlake (A-) and Central Northlake (B+). If price matters most, Central Northlake has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,650 a month. North Northlake is the priciest, at $3,500+. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map
    All 4 Northlake neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Northlake

    Everyday places mapped inside Northlake, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Johnie R. Daniel Library, Chadwick Farms Park.

    The average one-way commute is 31 minutes, 18% 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 35 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Northlake work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $123,469, income per person is $54,560, unemployment is 4.2% and 53% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    0
    Pharmacies
    0
    Restaurants
    28
    Cafes
    4
    Bars
    2
    Parks
    6
    Gyms
    4
    Hospitals and urgent care
    2
    Childcare
    3
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income57% higher than Texas$123,469$78,476$80,734
    Income per person34% higher than Texas$54,560$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas4.2%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line8 points lower than Texas6.3%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher19 points higher than Texas53%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher12 points higher than Texas98%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance11 points lower than Texas8.4%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet6 points higher than Texas98%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute18% higher than Texas31 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home2 points higher than Texas17%14%15%
    Workers who work from home17%
    Workers who take transit0%
    Workers who walk0.7%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Northlake

    Under 1831%
    18 to 3425%
    35 to 6438%
    65 and over6.3%

    Median age 32.6 years. 44% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White60%
    Hispanic or Latino16%
    Black9.3%
    Asian9.6%
    Other or more than one race5.8%

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

    Weather in Northlake

    Northlake has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 36°F. There are about 108 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 37 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Northlake30°50°70°90°57J62F69M76A84M93J97J97A89S79O67N58DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Ft Worth Alliance Ap, 9 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 moderate, 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
    • HurricanesModerate
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresVery high
    • Winter stormsModerate
    • 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 Northlake

    Nearby, Justin gets a B-, Argyle gets an A- and Roanoke 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-JustinTown, 5,447 people3 mi
    2. A-ArgyleTown, 5,371 people4 mi
    3. A-RoanokeSmall city, 10,286 people5 mi
    4. A-BartonvilleTown, 2,112 people6 mi
    5. A+Trophy ClubSmall city, 13,733 people6 mi
    6. BPonderTown, 2,626 people7 mi

    Northlake 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. 44A-Krum6,189 people42 mito downtown
    5. 45A-Grapevine51,139 people20 mito downtown
    6. 46A-Dalworthington Gardens2,180 people24 mito downtown
    7. 47A-Northlake8,283 people35 mito downtown
    8. 48A-Roanoke10,286 people31 mito downtown
    9. 49A-Burleson52,918 people38 mito downtown
    10. 50B+Caddo Mills3,340 people35 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in Northlake: common questions

    Is Northlake, TX a good place to live?

    We give Northlake an A-. It ranks 128th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and schools, and trails on getting around and errands and things to do.

    How much does it cost to live in Northlake?

    Median rent in Northlake is $1,746 a month, 24% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $565,600, 99% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 4.6x 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 $3,929, including property tax.

    Is Northlake safe?

    In 2025, Northlake Police Department reported 157 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 59% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,092 per 100,000, 48% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Northlake?

    We found 1 rated public school campuses inside Northlake. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 90 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Northlake?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Northlake are North Northlake, Southeast Northlake and Central Northlake. We score 4 areas in the city.

    Does Northlake flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Northlake 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 Northlake?

    Summers in Northlake peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 36°F. Expect around 108 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 37 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Northlake?

    The average one-way commute is 31 min, 18% higher than the Texas average. About 17% of workers work from home. It is about 35 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.