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

Living in Terrell, TX

F

189th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 2 of 100
177th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

We give Terrell an F. It ranks 189th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and home ownership, and trails on health and education levels.

  • Fast-growing
  • Jobs and income scores low (17 of 100)
  • Errands and things to do scores low (10 of 100)
Downtown Terrell, Texas
Photo: Renelibrary, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
23,921+35.5% since 2020
Median rent
$1,23212% lower than Texas
Median home value
$218,50023% lower than Texas
Household income
$65,842Median
Average commute
27 minOne way
Violent crime
327Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Terrell

Terrell sits about 28 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 23,921 people lived here in 2025, up 35.5% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is small-town and rural in feel.

Places locals use include Ben Gill Park, Pavilion and Lions Club Park.

The median age is 32.6, 44% of households have children, 59% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $65,842 a year (16% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Terrell

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,232, 12% lower than the Texas median.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 36% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Terrell

  • Weaker school ratings. Only 29% of the 7 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Higher unemployment. 7.6% of the labor force is out of work, against 5.3% statewide.
  • 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, hail and wildfires as very high here.

Who Terrell suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 29% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 16% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 7% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 16% lower than the Texas median, with 132 restaurants and 11 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 4% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 21% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 16% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 2% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 85% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,232 is 12% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 0% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $1,232 is 12% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 26% for people on a budget.

Terrell report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Terrell 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 C

    Median rent $1,232, homes cost 3.3x income.

    46 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D

    Median household income $65,842, 7.6% unemployed.

    17 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade D

    7 rated campuses, 29% rated A or B.

    21 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade C-

    327 violent crimes per 100k, 1,250 property crimes per 100k.

    35 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D-

    7 grocery stores, 132 restaurants, 11 parks mapped in town.

    10 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade C-

    Average commute 27 min, 4.9% work from home.

    35 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade F

    16% have a bachelor’s degree.

    6 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    21% of adults uninsured.

    3 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade C

    59% of homes owner-occupied.

    43 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade F

    85% of homes have broadband.

    7 of 100 vs US cities

Where Terrell stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median rent: $1,23212% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Vacant homes: 5.0%4 points lower than Texas (9.4%)
  • Home value to income: 3.3x8% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 16%18 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 62%10 points higher than Texas (52%)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 85%7 points lower than Texas (91%)

Cost of living in Terrell

Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Terrell is $1,232 a month, 12% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $49,000 a year. Right now 62% 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 $218,500, 23% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,196 before tax, or $1,513 with property tax. That is $281 a month more than the median rent, a gap that can be worth it if you plan to stay a while.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Terrell pays $3,803 a year, 10% lower 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 Terrell

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in TerrellStudio$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 rent12% lower than Texas$1,232$1,403$1,413
Median home value23% lower than Texas$218,500$283,800$332,700
Home value to income8% lower than Texas3.3x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent10 points higher than Texas62%52%51%
Median property tax per year10% lower than Texas$3,803$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them4 points lower than Texas59%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas198419921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,513
Mortgage payment
$1,196
Property tax
$317
Median rent, for comparison
$1,232

Based on a $218,500 home in Terrell, 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 Terrell safe?

In 2025, Terrell Police Department reported 80 violent crimes and 306 property crimes. That works out to 327 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 16% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 1,250 property crimes per 100,000, 40% 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 Terrell by yearTexas32720212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
327
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
1,250
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Terrell by yearTexas1,25020212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Terrell

Terrell has 7 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 29% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Terrell ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Global Leadership Academy. 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
21
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

  • AGlobal Leadership AcademyElementary, Terrell ISD93 of 100
  • BTerrell High SchoolHigh, Terrell ISD80 of 100
  • CGilbert Willie Sr ElementaryElementary, Terrell ISD74 of 100
  • CDr Bruce Wood ElementaryElementary, Terrell ISD72 of 100
  • CW H Burnett ElementaryOther, Terrell ISD71 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Terrell

We grade 3 areas inside Terrell. The top three are Southwest Terrell (C-), Central Terrell (D-) and Northeast Terrell (F). Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map
    All 3 Terrell neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Terrell

    Everyday places mapped inside Terrell, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Ben Gill Park, Pavilion, Lions Club Park.

    The average one-way commute is 27 minutes, about the same as the Texas average. 5% 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 28 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Terrell work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

    The median household income is $65,842, income per person is $25,723, unemployment is 7.6% and 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    7
    Pharmacies
    4
    Restaurants
    132
    Cafes
    11
    Bars
    6
    Parks
    11
    Gyms
    8
    Hospitals and urgent care
    3
    Childcare
    4
    Libraries
    2

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income16% lower than Texas$65,842$78,476$80,734
    Income per person37% lower than Texas$25,723$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points higher than Texas7.6%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line2 points higher than Texas16%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher18 points lower than Texas16%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher7 points lower than Texas79%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance2 points higher than Texas21%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet7 points lower than Texas85%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commuteAbout the same as Texas27 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home9 points lower than Texas4.9%14%15%
    Workers who work from home4.9%
    Workers who take transit0%
    Workers who walk2.1%
    Workers who bike0.4%

    Who lives in Terrell

    Under 1829%
    18 to 3425%
    35 to 6433%
    65 and over13%

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

    Race and ethnicity
    White37%
    Hispanic or Latino35%
    Black24%
    Asian0.1%
    Other or more than one race3.5%

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

    Weather in Terrell

    Terrell has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 96°F and January lows about 36°F. There are about 103 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 38 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Terrell30°50°70°90°57J62F69M76A84M92J96J96A90S79O68N59DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Terrell Muni Ap, 2 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 moderate, 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
    • HurricanesModerate
    • TornadoesHigh
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesVery high
    • WildfiresVery high
    • Winter stormsHigh
    • Strong windModerate

    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 Terrell

    Nearby, Oak Ridge gets a C+, Talty gets a B and Poetry gets a C. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. C+Oak RidgeTown, 1,192 people6 mi
    2. BTaltyTown, 2,881 people7 mi
    3. CPoetryTown, 1,642 people7 mi
    4. FElmoTown, 1,379 people8 mi
    5. B-ForneySmall city, 31,532 people9 mi
    6. B+McLendon-ChisholmTown, 4,511 people10 mi

    Terrell 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. 174FHaltom City45,767 people29 mito downtown
    5. 175FKemp1,302 people40 mito downtown
    6. 176FElmo1,379 people36 mito downtown
    7. 177FTerrell20,366 people28 mito downtown
    8. 178FLancaster40,820 people14 mito downtown
    9. 179FSansom Park5,392 people37 mito downtown
    10. 180FHeartland10,607 people20 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

    Living in Terrell: common questions

    Is Terrell, TX a good place to live?

    We give Terrell an F. It ranks 189th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and home ownership, and trails on health and education levels.

    How much does it cost to live in Terrell?

    Median rent in Terrell is $1,232 a month, 12% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $218,500, 23% lower 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 $1,513, including property tax.

    Is Terrell safe?

    In 2025, Terrell Police Department reported 327 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 16% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,250 per 100,000, 40% lower than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Terrell?

    We found 7 rated public school campuses inside Terrell. 29% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 21 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Terrell?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Terrell are Southwest Terrell, Central Terrell and Northeast Terrell. We score 3 areas in the city.

    Does Terrell flood?

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

    What is the weather like in Terrell?

    Summers in Terrell peak at about 96°F in July, and January nights fall to about 36°F. Expect around 103 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 38 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Terrell?

    The average one-way commute is 27 min, about the same as the Texas average. About 4.9% of workers work from home. It is about 28 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.