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

Living in Rowlett, TX

B-

32nd of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 62 of 100
83rd of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Rowlett earns a grade of B- on our index, 32nd of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on internet access and home ownership, and trails on getting around and errands and things to do.

  • Well connected
  • Schools scores low (10 of 100)
  • Errands and things to do scores low (7 of 100)
The municipal building in Rowlett, Texas, United States.
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
67,890+8.5% since 2020
Median rent
$1,99042% higher than Texas
Median home value
$368,80030% higher than Texas
Household income
$112,081Median
Average commute
31 minOne way
Violent crime
157Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Rowlett

Rowlett sits about 15 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 67,890 people lived here in 2025, up 8.5% from 2020. It is suburban.

Local spots people know include Rowlett Community Park, Waterview Community Park and Springfield Park.

The median age is 39.9, 34% of households have children, 75% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $112,081 a year (43% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Rowlett

  • Low violent crime. 157 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 60% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $112,081, 43% higher than the Texas median.

Cons of living in Rowlett

  • Weaker school ratings. Only 21% of the 14 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Higher rent. Median rent is $1,990, 42% higher than the Texas median.
  • 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 heat waves and hail as very high here.

Who Rowlett suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 21% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 60% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 50% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 43% higher than the Texas median, with 181 restaurants and 18 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 23% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 12% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 60% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 59% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 98% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,990 is 42% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 66% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,990 is 42% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 42% for people on a budget.

Rowlett report card

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

    Median rent $1,990, homes cost 3.3x income.

    58 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade A-

    Median household income $112,081, 4.0% unemployed.

    87 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade D-

    14 rated campuses, 21% rated A or B.

    10 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade B

    157 violent crimes per 100k, 1,167 property crimes per 100k.

    66 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade F

    9 grocery stores, 181 restaurants, 43 parks mapped in town.

    7 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade F

    Average commute 31 min, 18% work from home.

    5 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade B-

    38% have a bachelor’s degree.

    63 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade B-

    12% of adults uninsured.

    59 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade A

    75% of homes owner-occupied.

    93 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade A+

    98% of homes have broadband.

    99 of 100 vs US cities

Where Rowlett stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $112,08143% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 75%13 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • People below the poverty line: 6.1%8 points lower than Texas (14%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $1,99042% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 31 min17% higher than Texas (27 min)
  • Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 1.2%1 points lower than Texas (2.6%)

Cost of living in Rowlett

Rowlett renters pay a median of $1,990 a month, 42% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $80,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 51% 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 $368,800, 30% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $2,019 before tax, or $2,508 with property tax. That is $518 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 Rowlett pays $5,867 a year, 39% 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 Rowlett

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in RowlettStudio$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 rent42% higher than Texas$1,990$1,403$1,413
Median home value30% higher than Texas$368,800$283,800$332,700
Home value to income9% lower than Texas3.3x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rentAbout the same as Texas51%52%51%
Median property tax per year39% higher than Texas$5,867$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them13 points higher than Texas75%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199719921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$2,508
Mortgage payment
$2,019
Property tax
$489
Median rent, for comparison
$1,990

Based on a $368,800 home in Rowlett, 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 Rowlett safe?

In 2025, Rowlett Police Department reported 109 violent crimes and 811 property crimes. That works out to 157 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 60% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,167 property crimes per 100,000, 44% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 13% 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 Rowlett 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
1,167
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Rowlett by yearTexas1,16720212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Rowlett

Rowlett has 14 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 21% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Garland ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Keeley Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 75 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
10
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
75
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

  • AKeeley ElementaryElementary, Garland ISD92 of 100
  • BHerfurth ElementaryElementary, Garland ISD87 of 100
  • BRowlett High SchoolHigh, Garland ISD84 of 100
  • CNorma Dorsey ElementaryElementary, Garland ISD78 of 100
  • CRowlett ElementaryElementary, Garland ISD78 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Rowlett

We grade 7 areas inside Rowlett. The top three are Southeast Rowlett (B), West Rowlett (B) and Southwest Rowlett (B-). If price matters most, Southeast Rowlett has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $1,770 a month. East Rowlett is the priciest, at $2,930. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Rowlett neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

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

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    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.

    7 Rowlett neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1BSoutheast Rowlett1,658 people, median rent $1,770, home $282,000100fit
    2. 2BWest Rowlett4,412 people, median rent $2,300, home $362,00083fit
    3. 3B-Southwest Rowlett4,850 people, median rent $2,610, home $375,00067fit
    4. 4B-South Rowlett5,346 people, median rent $1,990, home $385,00050fit
    5. 5B-Northeast Rowlett3,638 people, median rent $1,830, home $478,00033fit
    6. 6C+East Rowlett4,943 people, median rent $2,930, home $328,00017fit
    7. 7CCentral Rowlett28,432 people, median rent $1,950, home $356,0000fit
    All 7 Rowlett neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Rowlett

    Everyday places mapped inside Rowlett, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Rowlett Community Park, Waterview Community Park, Springfield Park.

    The average one-way commute is 31 minutes, 17% longer than the Texas average. 18% 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 15 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Rowlett work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $112,081, income per person is $46,206, unemployment is 4.0% and 38% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    9
    Pharmacies
    8
    Restaurants
    181
    Cafes
    18
    Bars
    8
    Parks
    43
    Gyms
    20
    Hospitals and urgent care
    21
    Childcare
    13
    Libraries
    2

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income43% higher than Texas$112,081$78,476$80,734
    Income per person13% higher than Texas$46,206$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas4.0%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line8 points lower than Texas6.1%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher4 points higher than Texas38%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher7 points higher than Texas93%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance8 points lower than Texas12%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet7 points higher than Texas98%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute17% higher than Texas31 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home4 points higher than Texas18%14%15%
    Workers who work from home18%
    Workers who take transit0.9%
    Workers who walk0.3%
    Workers who bike0%

    Who lives in Rowlett

    Under 1822%
    18 to 3422%
    35 to 6442%
    65 and over14%

    Median age 39.9 years. 34% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White47%
    Hispanic or Latino22%
    Black20%
    Asian7.0%
    Other or more than one race4.2%

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

    Weather in Rowlett

    Rowlett 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 Rowlett30°50°70°90°54J58F65M73A80M88J92J93A87S77O65N56DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Lavon Dam, 9 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 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
    • TornadoesHigh
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • 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 Rowlett

    Nearby, Sachse gets an A, Garland gets a B- and Rockwall 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. ASachseSmall city, 30,491 people4 mi
    2. B-GarlandCity, 246,844 people6 mi
    3. ARockwallCity, 51,168 people6 mi
    4. AHeathSmall city, 10,777 people7 mi
    5. AMurphySmall city, 21,188 people7 mi
    6. B+SunnyvaleTown, 8,336 people9 mi

    Rowlett 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. 80BLewisville131,080 people21 mito downtown
    5. 81B-Justin5,447 people37 mito downtown
    6. 82B-Addison17,290 people12 mito downtown
    7. 83B-Rowlett65,463 people15 mito downtown
    8. 84B-Saginaw24,970 people35 mito downtown
    9. 85B-Aubrey7,396 people33 mito downtown
    10. 86B-Forney31,532 people19 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in Rowlett: common questions

    Is Rowlett, TX a good place to live?

    Rowlett earns a grade of B- on our index, 32nd of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on internet access and home ownership, and trails on getting around and errands and things to do.

    How much does it cost to live in Rowlett?

    Renters in Rowlett pay a median of $1,990 a month, 42% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $368,800, 30% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.3x 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 $2,508, including property tax.

    Is Rowlett safe?

    In 2025, Rowlett Police Department reported 157 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 60% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,167 per 100,000, 44% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Rowlett?

    We found 14 rated public school campuses inside Rowlett. 21% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 10 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Rowlett?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Rowlett are Southeast Rowlett, West Rowlett and Southwest Rowlett. We score 7 areas in the city.

    Does Rowlett flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Rowlett 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 Rowlett?

    Summers in Rowlett 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 Rowlett?

    The average one-way commute is 31 min, 17% higher than the Texas average. About 18% of workers work from home. It is about 15 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.