Arlington Relocation Report: A 2026 Deep Dive

Arlington: The Data Profile (2026)

Arlington, TX, represents a specific post-remote economic archetype: the stable, mid-sized commuter city. With a population of 398,423, it operates with the infrastructure of a larger metro but retains a distinct suburban identity. The economic baseline reveals a critical nuance: the median income sits at $69,208, which is -7.2% lower than the US median of $74,580. However, the cost of living offset is immediate, with the overall index resting at 92.3 (-7.7% vs US average).

Educational attainment is statistically average at 32.9% college-educated (vs US 33.1%), suggesting a workforce focused on practical trades and service rather than high-tech specialization. The statistical target demographic is the "Value-Seeking Hybrid Worker"—professionals requiring proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex for 2-3 day/week office mandates, prioritizing square footage and utility savings over urban density.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the median income is lower, the purchasing power per dollar is significantly higher. The aggregate data suggests a single person can maintain a comfortable lifestyle for roughly $3,400 monthly, while a family of four requires approximately $6,200. The most significant outlier is electricity, priced at 14.94 cents/kWh (US avg: 16.0 cents/kWh), a -6.6% saving that compounds heavily in the Texas climate.

Disposable Income Analysis:
The gap between the median income ($69,208) and the cost of living for a family is tight. A two-income household earning the median would clear roughly $4,500/month after taxes, leaving a comfortable buffer. However, a single-income household at the median faces a -12% disposable income deficit relative to the national curve.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary draw. With a Housing Index of 92.3, Arlington offers a -7.7% discount on shelter costs compared to the national average. While home prices are moderating nationally, Arlington's price-per-square-foot remains accessible. Renting is a viable strategy, though the gap between renting and buying is narrowing due to stabilized interest rates.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Buying is statistically advantageous in Arlington. With a median home price of $345,000, the price-to-rent ratio favors ownership. For buyers securing a rate near 6.5%, the monthly mortgage on a median home is comparable to renting a 3BR unit ($2,100/mo). Given the -15.9% discount on price-per-square-foot, buying builds equity faster than in the US average market.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Arlington's economy is anchored by the "Texas Triangle" logistics and defense sectors. The 4.2% unemployment rate is slightly elevated above the 4.0% US average, indicating a competitive labor market for white-collar roles. However, for the post-remote workforce, Arlington serves as a strategic hub.

RTO & Commute:
With 60% of Dallas-Fort Worth employers mandating 2-3 days in-office, Arlington’s location offers a "sweet spot." Average commutes to Dallas (~25 miles) take 35-45 minutes via I-30, significantly shorter than exurbs to the north. The lower cost of living effectively subsidizes the commute, acting as a "location arbitrage" for DFW workers.

Quality of Life Audit

Arlington presents a complex health profile. While the aggregate Health Score is 79.5/100 (Good), underlying risk factors are statistically high. The environment, however, is a major asset. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of 54 is in the "Moderate" range, significantly better than many industrial peers.

Safety & Crime:
Safety is a bifurcated metric. Violent Crime stands at 446/100k, which is 17% higher than the US average (380/100k). However, Property Crime is the critical outlier at 2,876/100k—a staggering 43.8% increase over the US average (2,000/100k). Residents must budget for enhanced home security measures.

Schools & Weather:
Arlington ISD serves the population with average ratings (Niche Grade: B-). Weather-wise, the current snapshot of 52.0°F and Mostly Clear conditions is typical for the transitional season. However, residents must prepare for high summer heat, which drives electricity costs despite the low 14.94 cents/kWh rate.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: A -14.8% discount on median home prices provides massive equity potential.
• Utility Savings: Electricity rates are -6.6% below the national average.
• Commute Arbitrage: Strategic positioning for DFW hybrid workers saves ~$300/month in living costs vs. Dallas.

Cons:

• Property Crime: The rate of 2,876/100k requires vigilance and security investment.
• Health Risks: High rates of obesity (33.8%) and diabetes (12.0%) suggest a challenging environment for preventative health.
• Income Ceiling: Median income lags the US average by 7.2%, potentially capping long-term earnings growth.

Recommendation:
Arlington is a Strong Buy (Tier 2) for 2026. It is best suited for dual-income households or remote-first professionals who need occasional DFW access. It is not recommended for single-income earners targeting the median salary, nor for those prioritizing low-crime metrics above all else.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Arlington?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 is the baseline for "comfortable" (saving 15%). For a family of four, the target rises to $95,000 to maintain the same standard of living.

2. How does the value compare to other Texas cities?
Arlington offers a -18% cost advantage over Austin and a -12% advantage over Fort Worth. It sacrifices urban amenities for pure housing utility.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate?
Yes. The data indicates a 43.8% higher property crime rate than the US average. Violent crime is 17% higher. It is statistically safer than Dallas but less safe than Plano or Frisco.

4. Is 2026 a good time to buy?
With the Housing Index at 92.3 and inventory stabilizing, 2026 represents a "floor" in pricing. Buying now captures the -7.7% discount before potential rate cuts drive prices upward.