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

Living in University Park, TX

A+

4th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 99 of 100
3rd of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

University Park earns a grade of A+ on our index, 4th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on education levels and internet access, and trails on cost of living. 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
  • Errands close by
  • Top-rated schools
  • Pricey
  • Well connected
  • Short commutes
  • Cost of living scores low (11 of 100)
  • Tornado risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where University Park isHoustonSan AntonioAustinUniversity Park
Where University Park is in Texas.
Population
25,323+0.2% since 2020
Median rent
$3,272133% higher than Texas
Median home value
$1,861,800556% higher than Texas
Household income
$250,000+Median
Average commute
17 minOne way
Violent crime
No dataNo full-year report

What it's like to live in University Park

University Park sits about 4 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 25,323 people lived here in 2025, up 0.2% from 2020. It is densely built.

Local spots people know include Curtis Park, Caruth Park and Native Texas Park.

The median age is 29.4, 50% of households have children, 83% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $250,000+ a year (219% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in University Park

  • Strong public schools. 100% of the 5 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $250,000+, 219% higher than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 17 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Plenty close to home. 3 grocery stores, 93 restaurants and 24 parks are mapped in town.
  • Healthier population. Only 6.3% of working-age adults lack health insurance.

Cons of living in University Park

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $3,272, 133% higher than the Texas median.
  • Homes are pricey for local incomes. The median home costs 7.4 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, heat waves and hail as very high here.

Who University Park suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 95% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 219% higher than the Texas median, with 93 restaurants and 14 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 100% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA strong fit: 6.3% of working-age adults are uninsured. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 92% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 99% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $3,272 is 133% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 93% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $3,272 is 133% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 3% for people on a budget.

University Park report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare University Park 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 D-

    Median rent $3,272, homes cost 7.4x income.

    11 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade A

    Median household income $250,000+, 3.6% unemployed.

    92 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade A+

    5 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    99 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: no grade

    No full year of crime data from local police.

    No score vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade A+

    3 grocery stores, 93 restaurants, 24 parks mapped in town.

    99 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade A+

    Average commute 17 min, 23% work from home.

    97 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade A+

    91% have a bachelor’s degree.

    100 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade A-

    6.3% of adults uninsured.

    87 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade B

    83% of homes owner-occupied.

    70 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade A+

    99% of homes have broadband.

    99 of 100 vs US cities

Where University Park stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $250,000+219% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 91%57 points higher than Texas (34%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 83%21 points higher than Texas (63%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $3,272133% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Home value to income: 7.4x106% higher than Texas (3.6x)

Cost of living in University Park

University Park renters pay a median of $3,272 a month, 133% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $131,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 48% 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 $1,861,800, 556% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $10,191 before tax, or $11,024 with property tax. That is $7,752 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 University Park 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.

See the full cost of living breakdown for University Park

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in University ParkStudio$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 rent133% higher than Texas$3,272$1,403$1,413
Median home value556% higher than Texas$1,861,800$283,800$332,700
Home value to income106% higher than Texas7.4x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent3 points lower than Texas48%52%51%
Median property tax per year136% higher than Texas$10,000+$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them21 points higher than Texas83%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199019921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$11,024
Mortgage payment
$10,191
Property tax
$833
Median rent, for comparison
$3,272

Based on a $1,861,800 home in University Park, 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.

Schools in University Park

University Park has 5 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 Highland Park ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Highland Park High School, University Park Elementary and Highland Park Middle. The average rating score across all campuses is 95 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
99
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
95
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

  • AHighland Park High SchoolHigh, Highland Park ISD96 of 100
  • AUniversity Park ElementaryElementary, Highland Park ISD96 of 100
  • AHighland Park MiddleMiddle, Highland Park ISD95 of 100
  • AHyer ElementaryElementary, Highland Park ISD95 of 100
  • AMcCulloch IntermediateMiddle, Highland Park ISD95 of 100

Daily life in University Park

Everyday places mapped inside University Park, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Curtis Park, Caruth Park, Native Texas Park.

The average one-way commute is 17 minutes, 35% shorter than the Texas average. 23% of workers work from home. 9.2% walk, bike or take transit to work.

Downtown Dallas is about 4 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in University Park work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $250,000+, income per person is $113,291, unemployment is 3.6% and 91% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
3
Pharmacies
9
Restaurants
93
Cafes
14
Bars
1
Parks
24
Gyms
11
Hospitals and urgent care
5
Childcare
3
Libraries
9

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income219% higher than Texas$250,000+$78,476$80,734
Income per person178% higher than Texas$113,291$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.6%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line9 points lower than Texas4.7%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher57 points higher than Texas91%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher13 points higher than Texas99%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance13 points lower than Texas6.3%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet8 points higher than Texas99%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute35% lower than Texas17 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home8 points higher than Texas23%14%15%
Workers who work from home23%
Workers who take transit0.4%
Workers who walk7.7%
Workers who bike1.0%

Who lives in University Park

Under 1829%
18 to 3425%
35 to 6437%
65 and over8.6%

Median age 29.4 years. 50% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White80%
Hispanic or Latino8.1%
Black1.2%
Asian5.7%
Other or more than one race5.0%

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

Weather in University Park

University Park has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 97°F and January lows about 38°F. There are about 108 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 38 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in University Park30°50°70°90°58J62F70M77A85M93J97J97A90S80O68N59DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Dallas Love Fld, 4 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
  • WildfiresLow
  • 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 University Park

Nearby, Highland Park gets an A+, Dallas gets a C- and Farmers Branch 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. A+Highland ParkTown, 8,773 people1 mi
  2. C-DallasCity, 1,307,930 people2 mi
  3. A-Farmers BranchSmall city, 36,645 people7 mi
  4. B-AddisonSmall city, 17,290 people8 mi
  5. A-RichardsonCity, 118,731 people9 mi
  6. B-GarlandCity, 246,844 people9 mi

University Park 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. 4A+Seis Lagos1,391 people22 mito downtown
  5. 5A+Frisco219,304 people25 mito downtown
  6. 6A+Coppell42,154 people18 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

Living in University Park: common questions

Is University Park, TX a good place to live?

University Park earns a grade of A+ on our index, 4th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on education levels and internet access, and trails on cost of living. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees and remote workers.

How much does it cost to live in University Park?

Renters in University Park pay a median of $3,272 a month, 133% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $1,861,800, 556% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 7.4x 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 $11,024, including property tax.

Are the schools good in University Park?

We found 5 rated public school campuses inside University Park. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 99 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.

Does University Park flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in University Park 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 University Park?

Summers in University Park peak at about 97°F in July, and January nights fall to about 38°F. Expect around 108 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 38 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in University Park?

The average one-way commute is 17 min, 35% lower than the Texas average. About 23% of workers work from home. It is about 4 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.