countyscore
26.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 97.1Health 73.9Water Quality 66.8

County Report Card

About Denton County, Texas

Denton County struggles on the national stage

Denton County's composite score of 26.2 is far below the national median of 50.0. While wealthy, its scores are dragged down by high environmental risk and poor safety metrics.

Ranking well below the Texas average

The county sits significantly below the Texas state average of 41.9. Despite its high income levels, its overall livability profile is hampered by suburban sprawl challenges.

High incomes and excellent health outcomes

Denton County features a massive income score of 97.1 and a median household income of $108,185. It also supports healthy lifestyles, evidenced by its strong health score of 73.9.

High costs and significant safety concerns

The county faces a cost score of 3.1 and a safety score of 2.5. With median home values at $403,400 and an effective tax rate of 1.721%, affordability is a major hurdle.

Suited for high-earning health-conscious residents

Denton County is ideal for affluent professionals who prioritize high salaries and health services. Those seeking safety or affordable housing may want to look elsewhere.

204060801006.63.12.573.933.297.13.166.834.3Tax6.6Cost3.1Safety2.5Health73.9Schools33.2Income97.1Risk3.1Water66.8Weather34.326.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Denton County DNA

Foverall

How Denton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Denton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (97.1/100) but notably weak in Safety (2.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
6.6-45.4
Cost
3.1-44.9
Safety
2.5-52.5
Health
73.9+23.900000000000006
Schools
33.2-20.799999999999997
Income
97.1+46.099999999999994
Risk
3.1-43.9
Water
66.8+8.799999999999997
Weather
34.3-21.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$403,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,642/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$403,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$65,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $108,185/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Collin County
Texas
30.4
Dallas County
Texas
26.2
Wise County
Texas
36.7
Tarrant County
Texas
31.5
Cooke County
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37.1
Rockwall County
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40.6
Grayson County
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32.8
Love County
Oklahoma
44.1

Deep Dives

Denton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Denton County

via TaxByCounty

Denton's rate rivals Dallas's tax burden

Denton County's 1.72% effective tax rate nearly doubles the national median of 0.87%, placing it in the top 25% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Homeowners pay $6,943 annually on a median home value of $403,400—far exceeding the national median tax of $2,690.

Second-highest rate in Texas

Only Dallas County (1.68%) comes close to Denton's 1.72% effective tax rate among 254 Texas counties. The median property tax of $6,943 is more than triple the statewide average of $2,193, reflecting both high home values and high rates.

Dallas-Fort Worth's twin tax burden

Denton County mirrors Dallas County's aggressive tax stance at 1.72% versus 1.68%, while surrounding rural counties like Delta (0.98%) and DeWitt (0.86%) tax far more lightly. This reflects Denton's rapid suburban growth and corresponding school funding demands.

High-value homes face hefty bills

The typical Denton County home worth $403,400 generates $6,943 in annual property taxes at the 1.72% rate. With mortgage-related costs included, total tax obligations reach $7,326—making Denton among the highest-tax counties nationally in absolute dollars.

High-value homes often overassessed

Rapidly appreciating suburbs like Denton frequently see inflated property assessments that outpace actual market values, particularly in competitive real estate markets. Homeowners should request a formal appraisal challenge with Denton County's appraisal district to ensure their assessed value reflects current fair market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Denton County

via CostByCounty

Denton's prosperity commands housing premium

Denton County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% sits just above the national norm, but its $108,185 median household income—45% higher than the national average—tells the full story. Residents here earn enough to absorb housing costs that would strain typical American households.

Denton: Texas's wealth and growth engine

Denton County's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio matches the Texas state average of 18.1%, a feat accomplished through significantly above-average incomes of $108,185. The county's median rent of $1,642 reflects its status as one of Texas's fastest-growing, highest-earning regions.

Premium pricing for premium incomes

Denton County's median rent of $1,642 and home value of $403,400 far exceed neighboring Dallas County ($1,469 rent, $277,900 homes), reflecting its wealthier demographic. Yet the county's 18.2% affordability ratio rivals more affordable rural counties because Denton incomes scale upward.

High earners, high housing costs

Denton households allocate $1,642 monthly for rent or $2,128 for mortgages on a median income of $108,185. Despite steep absolute housing costs, the county's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio proves sustainable for its higher-earning workforce.

Denton for career growth seekers

Relocate to Denton County if your job offer or career prospects justify premium housing costs—rent at $1,642 remains manageable at 18.2% of typical incomes here. The county's median income of $108,185 positions it as Texas's wealth center, ideal for professionals commanding top salaries.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Denton County

via IncomeByCounty

Denton County far exceeds nation

Denton County's median household income of $108,185 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by 44.8%, placing it among the most prosperous counties nationally. The county's per capita income of $52,909 towers 59.4% above the national average, reflecting a highly educated, high-earning population.

Texas's wealthiest county tier

At $108,185, Denton County ranks among Texas's top earners, outpacing the state average of $64,737 by 67.0%. Its per capita income of $52,909 exceeds the state average of $33,197 by 59.5%, positioning it as an economic powerhouse within the state.

Denton leads the Dallas metroplex

Denton County substantially outearns neighboring Dallas County ($74,149) and Collin County, driven by high-wage suburbs like Frisco, Plano, and Denton proper that attract tech companies and corporate relocations. The county's growth trajectory continues as major employers expand northward.

Housing costs remain proportional

Despite a median home value of $403,400—the highest among the eight counties—Denton's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% remains well below the 20% health threshold. High incomes allow residents to afford premium housing without financial strain.

Diversify beyond real estate

Denton County's high incomes enable aggressive retirement savings, investment portfolio diversification, and wealth building beyond homeownership. Working with a financial advisor to optimize tax strategies, build stock portfolios, and plan generational wealth transfer becomes increasingly valuable at higher income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Denton County

via CrimeByCounty

Denton County Faces Elevated Crime Rates

Denton County reports a total crime rate of 4,397.7 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly double the national average of 2,385.5. This high activity results in a safety score of 93.1, indicating more frequent challenges than many other counties. Residents here experience a more active criminal landscape compared to the US as a whole.

Challenging Statistics Within Texas

Denton’s safety score of 93.1 falls below the Texas average of 96.8. The county's total crime rate of 4,397.7 is more than twice the state average of 2,052.5. This data highlights significant public safety demands across the county’s 40 reporting agencies.

Much Higher Crime Rate Than Neighbors

Denton County's crime rate of 4,397.7 is starkly higher than Dallas County's rate of 1,314.8. Even compared to regional peers, Denton sees significantly more reported incidents per capita. This makes Denton a localized outlier for crime activity in the North Texas region.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Property crime is the primary driver of local statistics, reaching 3,763.5 per 100,000 residents. However, violent crime is also elevated at 634.2, which is much higher than the national rate of 369.8. These numbers reflect a busy law enforcement environment dealing with both theft and physical incidents.

Prioritize Robust Home Security

Given the high property crime rate of 3,763.5, residents should invest in comprehensive security systems and cameras. Joining a neighborhood watch and keeping valuables out of sight can help lower your individual risk. High crime rates in Denton County require a proactive approach to personal and home protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Denton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rapidly Growing Suburban Network

Denton County supports 170,039 students across 229 public schools and 14 districts. The landscape is rich with options, including 135 elementary schools and 36 high schools serving this booming North Texas region.

Competitive Graduation Rates and Efficiency

The county maintains an 88.8% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $6,390 is below the state average, the county manages high enrollment with consistent results.

Lewisville and Denton Lead Growth

Lewisville ISD is the largest district with 49,060 students, followed by Denton ISD and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. Charter schools are also prevalent, with 20 campuses making up nearly 9% of the county's schools.

Suburban Excellence and Large High Schools

The majority of schools—133 in total—are located in suburban settings, with an average school size of 743 students. Massive campuses like Lewisville High School host over 4,200 students, reflecting the area's high-density suburban character.

Settle Near Top North Texas Districts

Denton County is a premier destination for families who want a mix of suburban luxury and strong public schools. Use school district boundaries as a guide when searching for your next home in this vibrant area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Denton County

via RiskByCounty

Denton County faces elevated disaster risk

Denton County's composite risk score of 96.91 places it in the "Relatively High" category, significantly exceeding the national average. This rapidly growing North Texas county sits atop multiple overlapping hazard zones.

Second-highest risk in Texas

At 96.91, Denton County ranks near the top of Texas's riskiest counties, just behind Dallas (99.65) and well above the state average of 49.00. The county's boom in population and development has intensified vulnerability.

Paired with Dallas in regional risk

Denton (96.91) and Dallas (99.65) form a high-risk corridor, while surrounding counties like Collin and Wise experience lower exposure. The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex concentration amplifies disaster impacts across this zone.

Tornadoes and floods top the list

Tornado risk of 99.81 and flood risk of 95.71 dominate Denton's hazard profile, with wildfire (92.97) and earthquake (73.98) adding substantial additional concern. These converging hazards create year-round preparedness demands.

Multi-layer insurance is critical

Flood insurance is essential given the 95.71 flood score and is not covered by standard policies; earthquake coverage should also be considered given 73.98 risk. Building or accessing a reinforced safe room and signing up for county weather alerts are vital tornado protections.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Denton County

via WaterByCounty

Denton County earns B grade for water

The county reports 20 health violations over five years, maintaining a low violation rate of 2.5 per 100,000 residents. This rate is far superior to the Texas state average of 581.9. Despite the high population, Denton's water systems show strong adherence to safety standards.

Federal assessments pending for Denton County streams

Denton County's water bodies are not currently assessed under the federal Clean Water Act §303(d) guidelines. This means no official impairment data exists for the current reporting cycle. The ecological health of these watersheds remains unclassified in federal databases.

Extensive monitoring network protects Denton County

There are 113 active monitoring sites that have recorded 126,825 measurements over the last five years. Technicians prioritize measuring physical characteristics, inorganics, and nutrients. This robust data stream allows for precise tracking of water quality trends across the county.

Elm Fork Trinity River at half capacity

The Elm Fork Trinity River near Lewisville currently flows at 400 cubic feet per second. This discharge represents 52% of the long-term mean of 772 cfs. While not as critically low as neighboring areas, it indicates a significant decrease in typical surface water volume.

Practice conservation as river levels decline

Denton County's drinking water quality is generally high, but declining river flows suggest a need for water awareness. Residents should follow local conservation guidelines to protect source water levels in the Elm Fork. Consistent monitoring helps ensure that the current Grade B status is maintained through dry periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Denton County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Heat With Significant Rainfall

Denton County averages 65.4°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. With 37.8 inches of rain per year, it is wetter than many other parts of the American Southwest.

Mirroring the Standard Texas Climate

The county's annual average of 65.4°F almost perfectly matches the state average of 65.5°F. It is slightly wetter than the state as a whole, receiving 37.8 inches of rain compared to the 31.9-inch state mean.

Standard North Texas Metroplex Weather

Denton shares the humid subtropical climate of Dallas and Tarrant counties. It experiences the same 100 days of extreme heat annually that characterize the broader North Texas region.

Triple Digit Heat and Negligible Snow

Summers are intense with a July average of 85.3°F and 100 days exceeding 90°F. Snow is rare, averaging only 0.1 inches per year, while winter temperatures stay mild at a 46.8°F average.

Maximize Cooling and Storm Readiness

Homeowners should invest in powerful air conditioning to manage the 100 days of extreme heat. Since the county receives nearly 38 inches of rain, keeping gutters clear for heavy spring downpours is a must.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Denton County

via SoilByCounty

The productive Alfisols of North Texas

Denton County features Alfisols with a pH of 6.84, which is very close to the national median of 6.5. These soils are generally more acidic than the Texas average of 7.09, making them highly versatile for various agricultural uses.

Fine sandy loam provides great structure

The dominant texture is fine sandy loam, composed of 38.1% sand, 25.5% silt, and 30.5% clay. This mix offers excellent workability while retaining enough clay to hold essential plant nutrients.

Strong water capacity for steady growth

The soil holds 1.53% organic matter, slightly below the state average of 1.66%. However, its available water capacity of 0.138 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.133 in/in, helping plants survive dry spells.

Reliable drainage for varied land use

Classified as well drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, these soils allow for moderate infiltration. This makes the county's land favorable for both residential development and intensive gardening.

Versatile gardening in Zone 8b

Denton's Zone 8b climate and near-neutral pH allow for success with everything from tomatoes to peaches. The fine sandy loam texture is a gift for any gardener looking to establish a productive backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Denton County

via LawnByCounty

A Top Choice for Texas Lawns

Denton County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 55.9, making it one of the easiest places in Texas to maintain a healthy yard. This score is well above both the state average of 31.7 and the national average of 50.0. For residents in hardiness zone 8b, the local environment is remarkably supportive for turfgrass.

Perfectly Timed Rains and Heat

With 37.8 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits comfortably in the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. There are 100 extreme heat days each year, which is slightly less than the state average, giving grass a small break from the Texas sun. The 6,276 growing degree days provide a robust and steady season for warm-season grasses.

Prime Soil for Lush Growth

Denton features excellent fine sandy loam soil with a 38.1% sand and 30.5% clay composition. The pH level of 6.84 is nearly perfect for most lawn types, staying within the optimal 6.0-7.0 range. This well-drained soil foundation reduces the need for heavy amendments and complex drainage projects.

Exceptional Drought Stability

Remarkably, Denton County has experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year, a rare feat for Texas. While 100% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry (D0), it has avoided the severe D2+ levels seen elsewhere in the state. Consistent watering habits now will help maintain this high level of landscape health.

Target Your Planting Window

The local growing season is framed by the last spring frost on March 24th and the first fall frost on November 17th. Bermuda and Zoysia thrive in these conditions and can be established easily in the spring. Take advantage of the favorable soil and climate to create a standout lawn this season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Denton County's county score?
Denton County, Texas has a composite county score of 26.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Denton County rank among counties in Texas?
Denton County ranks #235 among all counties in Texas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Denton County, Texas?
The median annual property tax in Denton County is $6,943, with an effective tax rate of 1.72%. This earns Denton County a tax score of 6.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Denton County?
The median household income in Denton County, Texas is $108,185 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Denton County earns an income score of 97.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Denton County, Texas a good place to live?
Denton County scores 26.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #235 in Texas. The best way to evaluate Denton County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Denton County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.