Living in Carrollton, TX
Carrollton is the 218th-largest city in the US, home to about 135,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (103.1 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 134,562+0.8% since 2020
- Median home value
- $381,0003.8 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,735/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $101,396median, per year
- Price level
- 103.1US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 58° / 97°lows 38° / 78°
- Average commute
- 24 min22% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: Dallas County, Denton County
Time zone: Central Time (UTC-6, UTC-5 in summer)
Elevation: about 528 ft
Metro area: Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
Cost of living in Carrollton
The median home in Carrollton is worth $381,000 and the median household earns $101,396 a year, so a typical home costs about 3.8 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,735 a month, about 20% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro area at 103.1, with housing at 117.9 and goods at 102.8 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $77,300 here. Texas has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Texas is 8.2%.
What would my salary be worth in Carrollton?
Carrollton weather
Average highs run from 58°F in January to 97°F in July, and January nights average 38°F. It gets 38 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 2 inches of snow. Expect about 108 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are March to April and November.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Carrollton
People and work
The median resident is 39.2 years old, and 45% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 58% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 24 minutes; 22% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 39.2426th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 45%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 59%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,67136.7 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%1% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 3.3%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 7.1%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1988median year
Who moves to Carrollton, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Houston (Harris County), Austin (Travis County) and Los Angeles (Los Angeles County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Houston (Harris County), Austin (Travis County) and San Antonio (Bexar County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Very High
FEMA rating for Dallas County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, inland flooding, heat wave, winter weather.
Home prices
+0.5% in a year
Up 35% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Dallas-Plano-Irving, TX (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
28% good days
45 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Carrollton
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Globe Life Field 21 miles
- Dallas College 17 miles
- Tarrant County College District 31 miles
- University of North Texas 21 miles
- The University of Texas at Arlington 23 miles
- Texas Christian University 35 miles
- Southern Methodist University 12 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Carrollton
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Love Field Airport DAL | 11 mi | 8,654,991 |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport DFW | 12 mi | 42,351,316 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Carrollton
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas College | 17 mi | 43,869 | $16,414 | n/a |
| University of North Texas | 21 mi | 34,341 | $15,358 | 63% |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | 23 mi | 32,294 | $17,040 | 51% |
| Collin County Community College District | 18 mi | 26,449 | $10,747 | n/a |
| The University of Texas at Dallas | 8 mi | 21,751 | $15,271 | 79% |
| Texas Woman's University | 21 mi | 8,767 | $11,060 | 49% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Carrollton
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 2, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 16 and the first frost comes around November 29.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Dallas Love Field, TX, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Carrollton.
Wildfire smoke in Carrollton
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Carrollton on about 152 days a year, including about 21 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Carrollton
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 51,995 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Carrollton
Downtown Carrollton is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District | Pre-K to 12 | 24,165 | 39 | 13.5 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Dallas Independent School District (139,802 students), Frisco Independent School District (65,289 students), Lewisville Independent School District (47,876 students), Plano Independent School District (46,612 students), Richardson Independent School District (36,971 students), Irving Independent School District (30,767 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Carrollton's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Carrollton's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Charleston, SC70% matchCompare
- Atlanta, GA67% matchCompare
- North Charleston, SC67% matchCompare
- South Fulton, GA66% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Carrollton
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Pros and cons of living in Carrollton
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Texas has no state income tax on wages.
Cons
- Data Summers are long and hot: about 108 days a year reach 90°F.
- Data High natural hazard risk in Dallas County (FEMA rates it very high), led by tornado, inland flooding and heat wave.
- Data Air quality is a concern: 45 days in 2025 were unhealthy at least for sensitive groups (EPA).
Carrollton report card from locals
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Carrollton through locals' eyes
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Cities near Carrollton
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewisville, TX | 7 mi | 139,006 | $378,500 | 103.1 | Compare |
| Richardson, TX | 9 mi | 118,542 | $431,400 | 103.1 | Compare |
| Plano, TX | 9 mi | 293,028 | $465,900 | 103.1 | Compare |
| Irving, TX | 11 mi | 257,076 | $315,600 | 103.1 | Compare |
| Frisco, TX | 11 mi | 236,955 | $642,100 | 103.1 | Compare |
| Flower Mound, TX | 14 mi | 79,540 | $560,200 | 103.1 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Carrollton ranks 44th of 77 in our best suburbs of Dallas ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Carrollton with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Carrollton a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show homes that cost under four years of median income, no state income tax on wages; the trade-offs are 108 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Compare Carrollton side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Carrollton?
The Census Bureau estimates Carrollton had 134,562 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 133,482 in April 2020 (+0.8%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Carrollton?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $77,300 in the Carrollton area. The median household here earns $101,396.
When is the best time to visit Carrollton?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, March to April and November are the most comfortable months. July averages 97°F and January 58°F for daytime highs.
What county is Carrollton in?
Carrollton spans Dallas County (51%), Denton County (48%) by share of the city's land. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Carrollton in?
Carrollton is on Central Time (UTC-6, or UTC-5 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Carrollton?
About 528 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
No. Texas does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Carrollton. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Dallas Love Field, TX station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.