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

Living in Sunnyvale, TX

B+

150th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 79 of 100
52nd of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Sunnyvale earns a grade of B+ on our index, 150th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and education levels, and trails on getting around and cost of living. It is a strong pick for remote workers.

  • Good for remote workers
  • Pricey
  • Fast-growing
  • Well connected
  • Cost of living scores low (15 of 100)
  • Getting around scores low (13 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Sunnyvale isHoustonSan AntonioAustinSunnyvale
Where Sunnyvale is in Texas.
Population
9,008+15.8% since 2020
Median rent
$1,422about the same as Texas
Median home value
$565,30099% higher than Texas
Household income
$170,348Median
Average commute
33 minOne way
Violent crime
209Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale sits about 12 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 9,008 people lived here in 2025, up 15.8% 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 2006).

Local spots people know include Samuel Farm North Park, Sunnyvale Town Center Park and Jobson Park.

The median age is 43.3, 38% of households have children, 91% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $170,348 a year (117% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Sunnyvale

  • Strong public schools. 80% of the 5 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Low violent crime. 209 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 46% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $170,348, 117% higher than the Texas median.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 16% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Sunnyvale

  • Long commutes. The average trip to work takes 33 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of heat waves, hail and wildfires as very high here.

Who Sunnyvale suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 80% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 46% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 77% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 117% higher than the Texas median, with 26 restaurants and 5 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 59% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 8.8% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 46% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 62% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 99% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,422 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 81% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,422 is about the same as the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 10% for people on a budget.

Sunnyvale report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Sunnyvale 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 $1,422, homes cost 3.3x income.

    15 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade B

    Median household income $170,348, 7.0% unemployed.

    70 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade A-

    5 rated campuses, 80% rated A or B.

    83 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade C-

    209 violent crimes per 100k, 747 property crimes per 100k.

    38 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade C+

    1 grocery store, 26 restaurants, 10 parks mapped in town.

    49 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade D-

    Average commute 33 min, 14% work from home.

    13 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade A-

    57% have a bachelor’s degree.

    88 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade B+

    8.8% of adults uninsured.

    75 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade A-

    91% of homes owner-occupied.

    81 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade A+

    99% of homes have broadband.

    95 of 100 vs US towns

Where Sunnyvale stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $170,348117% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 91%29 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 57%23 points higher than Texas (34%)

Worse than Texas

  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 80%28 points higher than Texas (52%)
  • Average commute: 33 min23% higher than Texas (27 min)
  • Unemployment rate: 7.0%2 points higher than Texas (5.3%)

Cost of living in Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale renters pay a median of $1,422 a month, about the same as the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $57,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 80% 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 $565,300, 99% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $3,094 before tax, or $3,838 with property tax. That is $2,416 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 Sunnyvale pays $8,926 a year, 111% 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 SunnyvaleStudio$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 rentAbout the same as Texas$1,422$1,403$1,413
Median home value99% higher than Texas$565,300$283,800$332,700
Home value to income8% lower than Texas3.3x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent28 points higher than Texas80%52%51%
Median property tax per year111% higher than Texas$8,926$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them29 points higher than Texas91%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas200619921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$3,838
Mortgage payment
$3,094
Property tax
$744
Median rent, for comparison
$1,422

Based on a $565,300 home in Sunnyvale, 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 Sunnyvale safe?

In 2025, Sunnyvale Police Department reported 19 violent crimes and 68 property crimes. That works out to 209 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 46% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 747 property crimes per 100,000, 64% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is up about 51% 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 Sunnyvale by yearTexas20920212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
209
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
747
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Sunnyvale by yearTexas74720212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale ISD and Education Center International Academy.

Top-rated campuses include Sunnyvale High School, Sunnyvale Middle and Sunnyvale Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 87 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
83
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
87
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

  • ASunnyvale High SchoolHigh, Sunnyvale ISD96 of 100
  • ASunnyvale MiddleMiddle, Sunnyvale ISD92 of 100
  • ASunnyvale ElementaryElementary, Sunnyvale ISD90 of 100
  • ASunnyvale IntermediateElementary, Sunnyvale ISD90 of 100
  • DEducation Center International Academy 1Elementary, Education Center International Academy69 of 100

Daily life in Sunnyvale

Everyday places mapped inside Sunnyvale, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Samuel Farm North Park, Sunnyvale Town Center Park, Jobson Park.

The average one-way commute is 33 minutes, 23% longer than the Texas average. 14% 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 12 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Sunnyvale work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $170,348, income per person is $60,890, unemployment is 7.0% and 57% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
1
Pharmacies
2
Restaurants
26
Cafes
5
Bars
0
Parks
10
Gyms
4
Hospitals and urgent care
5
Childcare
5
Libraries
2

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income117% higher than Texas$170,348$78,476$80,734
Income per person49% higher than Texas$60,890$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate2 points higher than Texas7.0%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line8 points lower than Texas6.0%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher23 points higher than Texas57%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher10 points higher than Texas96%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance11 points lower than Texas8.8%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet7 points higher than Texas99%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute23% higher than Texas33 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from homeAbout the same as Texas14%14%15%
Workers who work from home14%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0%
Workers who bike1.0%

Who lives in Sunnyvale

Under 1828%
18 to 3413%
35 to 6441%
65 and over19%

Median age 43.3 years. 38% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White46%
Hispanic or Latino14%
Black10%
Asian24%
Other or more than one race4.7%

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

Weather in Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale30°50°70°90°54J58F65M73A80M88J92J93A87S77O65N56DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Lavon Dam, 17 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 low, tornado risk is 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
  • HurricanesLow
  • TornadoesHigh
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesVery high
  • WildfiresVery high
  • 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 Sunnyvale

Nearby, Mesquite gets a D-, Travis Ranch gets a C- and Heath 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. D-MesquiteCity, 149,299 people3 mi
  2. C-Travis RanchTown, 9,025 people4 mi
  3. AHeathSmall city, 10,777 people6 mi
  4. FBalch SpringsSmall city, 27,255 people6 mi
  5. B-ForneySmall city, 31,532 people7 mi
  6. B-RowlettCity, 65,463 people9 mi

Sunnyvale 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. 49A-Burleson52,918 people38 mito downtown
  5. 50B+Caddo Mills3,340 people35 mito downtown
  6. 51B+Krugerville1,577 people36 mito downtown
  7. 52B+Sunnyvale8,336 people12 mito downtown
  8. 53B+Euless60,421 people19 mito downtown
  9. 54B+McLendon-Chisholm4,511 people22 mito downtown
  10. 55B+The Colony45,454 people22 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

Living in Sunnyvale: common questions

Is Sunnyvale, TX a good place to live?

Sunnyvale earns a grade of B+ on our index, 150th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and education levels, and trails on getting around and cost of living. It is a strong pick for remote workers.

How much does it cost to live in Sunnyvale?

Renters in Sunnyvale pay a median of $1,422 a month, about the same as the Texas median. The median home is worth $565,300, 99% 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 $3,838, including property tax.

Is Sunnyvale safe?

In 2025, Sunnyvale Police Department reported 209 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 46% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 747 per 100,000, 64% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Sunnyvale?

We found 5 rated public school campuses inside Sunnyvale. 80% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 83 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Sunnyvale flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Sunnyvale as high, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, tornadoes, heat waves, hail and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Sunnyvale?

Summers in Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale?

The average one-way commute is 33 min, 23% higher than the Texas average. About 14% of workers work from home. It is about 12 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.