City in Rockwall County, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro

Living in Rockwall, TX

A

12th of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 90 of 100
29th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Rockwall earns a grade of A on our index, 12th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on jobs and income and internet access, and trails on getting around. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers.

  • Good for families
  • Good for young professionals
  • Good for retirees
  • Good for remote workers
  • Low crime
  • Fast-growing
  • Well connected
  • Getting around scores low (2 of 100)
  • Tornado risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Rockwall isHoustonSan AntonioAustinFort WorthRockwall
Where Rockwall is in Texas.
Population
53,980+14.1% since 2020
Median rent
$1,94739% higher than Texas
Median home value
$411,70045% higher than Texas
Household income
$115,580Median
Average commute
32 minOne way
Violent crime
111Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Rockwall

Rockwall sits about 21 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 53,980 people lived here in 2025, up 14.1% 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).

Local spots people know include Squabble Creek Mountain Bike Trail, Harry Myers Park and Leon Tuttle Sports Complex.

The median age is 39.5, 38% of households have children, 72% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $115,580 a year (47% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Rockwall

  • Strong public schools. 77% of the 13 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Low violent crime. 111 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 71% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $115,580, 47% higher than the Texas median.

Cons of living in Rockwall

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $1,947, 39% 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, heat waves and hail as very high here.

Who Rockwall suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 77% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 71% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 87% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 47% higher than the Texas median, with 261 restaurants and 20 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 83% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA strong fit: 10% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 71% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 90% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 96% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,947 is 39% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 83% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,947 is 39% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 30% for people on a budget.

Rockwall report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Rockwall 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 $1,947, homes cost 3.6x income.

    54 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade A

    Median household income $115,580, 4.4% unemployed.

    89 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade B+

    13 rated campuses, 77% rated A or B.

    75 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade A-

    111 violent crimes per 100k, 1,014 property crimes per 100k.

    83 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade B+

    11 grocery stores, 261 restaurants, 43 parks mapped in town.

    78 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade F

    Average commute 32 min, 19% work from home.

    2 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade A-

    49% have a bachelor’s degree.

    84 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade B+

    10% of adults uninsured.

    76 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade B+

    72% of homes owner-occupied.

    76 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade A-

    96% of homes have broadband.

    88 of 100 vs US cities

Where Rockwall stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $115,58047% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 49%15 points higher than Texas (34%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 72%10 points higher than Texas (63%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $1,94739% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 32 min19% higher than Texas (27 min)
  • Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 1.0%2 points lower than Texas (2.6%)

Cost of living in Rockwall

Rockwall renters pay a median of $1,947 a month, 39% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $78,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 52% 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 $411,700, 45% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $2,254 before tax, or $2,756 with property tax. That is $809 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 Rockwall pays $6,032 a year, 43% 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 Rockwall

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in RockwallStudio$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 rent39% higher than Texas$1,947$1,403$1,413
Median home value45% higher than Texas$411,700$283,800$332,700
Home value to incomeAbout the same as Texas3.6x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas52%52%51%
Median property tax per year43% higher than Texas$6,032$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them10 points higher than Texas72%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas200319921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$2,756
Mortgage payment
$2,254
Property tax
$503
Median rent, for comparison
$1,947

Based on a $411,700 home in Rockwall, 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 Rockwall safe?

In 2025, Rockwall Police Department reported 61 violent crimes and 559 property crimes. That works out to 111 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 71% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,014 property crimes per 100,000, 51% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime has been fairly steady since 2021.

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 Rockwall by yearTexas11120212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
111
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,014
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Rockwall by yearTexas1,01420212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Rockwall

Rockwall has 13 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 77% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Rockwall ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Nebbie Williams Elementary, Rockwall High School and Celia Hays Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 86 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
75
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
86
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

  • ANebbie Williams ElementaryElementary, Rockwall ISD93 of 100
  • ARockwall High SchoolHigh, Rockwall ISD93 of 100
  • ACelia Hays ElementaryElementary, Rockwall ISD92 of 100
  • AJ W Williams MiddleMiddle, Rockwall ISD92 of 100
  • ASherry and Paul Hamm ElementaryElementary, Rockwall ISD92 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Rockwall

We grade 18 areas inside Rockwall. The top three are Hidden Valley Estates (A+), Central Rockwall (A) and Caruth Lakes (A). If price matters most, Central Rockwall has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,450 a month. Chandlers Landing 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.

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    Rank Rockwall neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

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    A lot
    Most
    A lot
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    A lot
    Some
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    Some
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    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.

    18 Rockwall neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1A+Hidden Valley Estates4,103 people, home $426,000100fit
    2. 2ACentral Rockwall3,024 people, median rent $1,450, home $449,00094fit
    3. 3ACaruth Lakes4,930 people, median rent $2,040, home $385,00088fit
    4. 4ANorthwest Rockwall2,884 people, median rent $1,830, home $525,00082fit
    5. 5ASaddle Star Estates2,141 people, median rent $2,560, home $651,00076fit
    6. 6AThe Estates of Coast Royale1,538 people, home $387,00071fit
    7. 7A-Breezy Hill2,250 people, home $716,00065fit
    8. 8A-Chandlers Landing1,573 people, median rent $3,500+, home $452,00059fit
    9. 9A-East Rockwall2,609 people, median rent $3,140, home $369,00053fit
    10. 10B+Orleans on the Lake1,805 people, median rent $2,070, home $418,00047fit
    11. 11BFlagstone Estates3,527 people, median rent $2,290, home $290,00041fit
    12. 12BRockwall Downes1,967 people, median rent $1,840, home $782,00035fit
    13. 13B-Fontanna Ranch1,253 people, median rent $3,040, home $366,00029fit
    14. 14C+Waterstone Estates2,970 people, median rent $1,690, home $292,00024fit
    15. 15C-Rockwall Lake Estates665 people, median rent $2,530, home $282,00018fit
    All 18 Rockwall neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Rockwall

    Everyday places mapped inside Rockwall, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Squabble Creek Mountain Bike Trail, Harry Myers Park, Leon Tuttle Sports Complex.

    The average one-way commute is 32 minutes, 19% longer than the Texas average. 19% 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 21 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Rockwall work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $115,580, income per person is $52,156, unemployment is 4.4% and 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    11
    Pharmacies
    13
    Restaurants
    261
    Cafes
    20
    Bars
    16
    Parks
    43
    Gyms
    36
    Hospitals and urgent care
    13
    Childcare
    14
    Libraries
    1

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income47% higher than Texas$115,580$78,476$80,734
    Income per person28% higher than Texas$52,156$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rateAbout the same as Texas4.4%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line10 points lower than Texas4.0%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher15 points higher than Texas49%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher10 points higher than Texas96%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance9 points lower than Texas10%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet5 points higher than Texas96%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute19% higher than Texas32 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home5 points higher than Texas19%14%15%
    Workers who work from home19%
    Workers who take transit0.2%
    Workers who walk0.8%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Rockwall

    Under 1824%
    18 to 3420%
    35 to 6440%
    65 and over16%

    Median age 39.5 years. 38% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White65%
    Hispanic or Latino16%
    Black11%
    Asian4.6%
    Other or more than one race3.5%

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

    Weather in Rockwall

    Rockwall 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 Rockwall30°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 wavesVery high
    • WildfiresHigh
    • 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 Rockwall

    Nearby, Fate gets a B, Heath gets an A and McLendon-Chisholm 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.

    1. BFateSmall city, 22,884 people3 mi
    2. AHeathSmall city, 10,777 people6 mi
    3. B+McLendon-ChisholmTown, 4,511 people6 mi
    4. B-RowlettCity, 65,463 people6 mi
    5. B-LavonTown, 6,498 people7 mi
    6. A-WylieCity, 60,334 people8 mi

    Rockwall 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. 26AMurphy21,188 people18 mito downtown
    5. 27ADouble Oak3,071 people27 mito downtown
    6. 28AMelissa20,136 people36 mito downtown
    7. 29ARockwall51,168 people21 mito downtown
    8. 30AHaslet3,280 people35 mito downtown
    9. 31ALucas8,351 people23 mito downtown
    10. 32ACorinth23,385 people30 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in Rockwall: common questions

    Is Rockwall, TX a good place to live?

    Rockwall earns a grade of A on our index, 12th of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on jobs and income and internet access, and trails on getting around. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers.

    How much does it cost to live in Rockwall?

    Renters in Rockwall pay a median of $1,947 a month, 39% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $411,700, 45% 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 $2,756, including property tax.

    Is Rockwall safe?

    In 2025, Rockwall Police Department reported 111 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 71% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,014 per 100,000, 51% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Rockwall?

    We found 13 rated public school campuses inside Rockwall. 77% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 75 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Rockwall?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Rockwall are Hidden Valley Estates, Central Rockwall and Caruth Lakes. We score 18 areas in the city.

    Does Rockwall flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Rockwall as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: 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 Rockwall?

    Summers in Rockwall 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 Rockwall?

    The average one-way commute is 32 min, 19% higher than the Texas average. About 19% of workers work from home. It is about 21 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.