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

Living in Willow Park, TX

A+

24th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 96 of 100
12th of 181 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area

Willow Park gets an overall grade of A+ and ranks 24th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and schools, 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
  • Top-rated schools
  • Fast-growing
  • Well connected
  • Getting around scores low (18 of 100)
  • Tornado risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Willow Park isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinWillow Park
Where Willow Park is in Texas.
Population
7,439+38.9% since 2020
Median rent
$2,41572% higher than Texas
Median home value
$374,20032% higher than Texas
Household income
$132,045Median
Average commute
30 minOne way
Violent crime
121Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Willow Park

Willow Park sits about 51 miles from downtown Dallas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro. 7,439 people lived here in 2025, up 38.9% 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 Willow Park North Playground and Willow Park - Cross Timbers Park.

The median age is 45.8, 43% of households have children, 83% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $132,045 a year (68% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Willow Park

  • Low violent crime. 121 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 69% lower than the Texas rate.
  • High incomes. The median household earns $132,045, 68% higher than the Texas median.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 39% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Willow Park

  • Higher rent. Median rent is $2,415, 72% higher than the Texas median.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes and wildfires as very high here.

Who Willow Park suits

  • FamiliesA strong fit: violent crime is 69% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 96% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 68% higher than the Texas median, with 36 restaurants and 5 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 90% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA strong fit: 8.6% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 69% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 95% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA strong fit: 100% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $2,415 is 72% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 98% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $2,415 is 72% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 46% for people on a budget.

Willow Park report card

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

    Median rent $2,415, homes cost 2.8x income.

    44 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade A-

    Median household income $132,045, 2.3% unemployed.

    81 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade A+

    1 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.

    97 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade B-

    121 violent crimes per 100k, 485 property crimes per 100k.

    61 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade B+

    5 grocery stores, 36 restaurants, 3 parks mapped in town.

    76 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade D

    Average commute 30 min, 16% work from home.

    18 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade A+

    52% have a bachelor’s degree.

    95 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade B+

    8.6% of adults uninsured.

    74 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade B+

    83% of homes owner-occupied.

    78 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade A+

    100% of homes have broadband.

    99 of 100 vs US towns

Where Willow Park stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Median household income: $132,04568% higher than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 83%21 points higher than Texas (63%)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 32%19 points lower than Texas (52%)

Worse than Texas

  • Median rent: $2,41572% higher than Texas ($1,403)
  • Average commute: 30 min11% higher than Texas (27 min)
  • Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 0.9%2 points lower than Texas (2.6%)

Cost of living in Willow Park

Willow Park renters pay a median of $2,415 a month, 72% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $97,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 32% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,481 for a one-bedroom, $1,745 for a two-bedroom and $2,284 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 $374,200, 32% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $2,048 before tax, or $2,558 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Willow Park pays $6,114 a year, 44% 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 Willow ParkStudio$1,4611 bedroom$1,4812 bedrooms$1,7453 bedrooms$2,2844 bedrooms$2,866
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Fort Worth-Arlington, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent72% higher than Texas$2,415$1,403$1,413
Median home value32% higher than Texas$374,200$283,800$332,700
Home value to income22% lower than Texas2.8x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent19 points lower than Texas32%52%51%
Median property tax per year44% higher than Texas$6,114$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 Texas200319921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$2,558
Mortgage payment
$2,048
Property tax
$510
Median rent, for comparison
$2,415

Based on a $374,200 home in Willow 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.

Is Willow Park safe?

In 2025, Willow Park Police Department reported 9 violent crimes and 36 property crimes. That works out to 121 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 69% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 485 property crimes per 100,000, 77% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is up about 26% 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 Willow Park by yearTexas12120212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
121
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
485
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Willow Park by yearTexas48520212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Willow Park

Willow Park has 1 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 Aledo ISD.

Top-rated campuses include McCall Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 93 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
97
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
93
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

  • AMcCall ElementaryElementary, Aledo ISD93 of 100

Daily life in Willow Park

Everyday places mapped inside Willow Park, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Willow Park North Playground, Willow Park - Cross Timbers Park.

The average one-way commute is 30 minutes, 11% longer than the Texas average. 16% 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 51 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Willow Park work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $132,045, income per person is $52,793, unemployment is 2.3% and 52% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
5
Pharmacies
1
Restaurants
36
Cafes
5
Bars
4
Parks
3
Gyms
10
Hospitals and urgent care
3
Childcare
2
Libraries
0

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income68% higher than Texas$132,045$78,476$80,734
Income per person30% higher than Texas$52,793$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate3 points lower than Texas2.3%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line4 points lower than Texas10%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher18 points higher than Texas52%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher14 points higher than Texas100%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance11 points lower than Texas8.6%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet9 points higher than Texas100%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute11% higher than Texas30 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home2 points higher than Texas16%14%15%
Workers who work from home16%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk0.9%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Willow Park

Under 1825%
18 to 3412%
35 to 6448%
65 and over14%

Median age 45.8 years. 43% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White87%
Hispanic or Latino9.2%
Black0.1%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race4.1%

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

Weather in Willow Park

Willow Park has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 95°F and January lows about 32°F. There are about 90 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 35 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Willow Park30°50°70°90°56J60F68M76A82M90J95J95A88S78O66N58DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Weatherford, 7 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 high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

  • River floodingModerate
  • HurricanesLow
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailHigh
  • Heat wavesHigh
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsLow
  • 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 Willow Park

Nearby, Hudson Oaks gets a B-, Annetta gets an A+ and Aledo 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. B-Hudson OaksTown, 2,586 people3 mi
  2. A+AnnettaTown, 3,264 people4 mi
  3. A+AledoTown, 5,825 people5 mi
  4. C-WeatherfordSmall city, 35,788 people7 mi
  5. B-LakesideTown, 1,401 people10 mi
  6. D-White SettlementSmall city, 18,150 people11 mi

Willow 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. 9A+Allen110,265 people22 mito downtown
  5. 10A+Annetta3,264 people52 mito downtown
  6. 11A+Southlake31,137 people25 mito downtown
  7. 12A+Willow Park5,874 people51 mito downtown
  8. 13A+Keller45,976 people28 mito downtown
  9. 14A+Aledo5,825 people49 mito downtown
  10. 15A+Oak Leaf1,827 people20 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of dallas-fort worth

Living in Willow Park: common questions

Is Willow Park, TX a good place to live?

Willow Park gets an overall grade of A+ and ranks 24th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on internet access and schools, 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 Willow Park?

Renters in Willow Park pay a median of $2,415 a month, 72% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $374,200, 32% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.8x 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 $2,558, including property tax.

Is Willow Park safe?

In 2025, Willow Park Police Department reported 121 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 69% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 485 per 100,000, 77% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Willow Park?

We found 1 rated public school campuses inside Willow Park. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 97 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Willow Park flood?

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

What is the weather like in Willow Park?

Summers in Willow Park peak at about 95°F in July, and January nights fall to about 32°F. Expect around 90 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 35 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Willow Park?

The average one-way commute is 30 min, 11% higher than the Texas average. About 16% of workers work from home. It is about 51 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.