Carrollton Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Data Report

Carrollton: The Data Profile (2026)

Carrollton represents a distinct statistical outlier in the North Texas corridor, defined by a high-earning, educated populace living within a cost structure that lags behind the national average. With a population of 132,357, the city operates as a mid-sized economic engine rather than a sprawling suburb. The primary driver for relocation here is the +26.0% premium on median income ($93,937) compared to the US baseline ($74,580). This financial advantage is compounded by a highly skilled workforce, where 44.7% of residents hold a college degree, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "High-Earning Hybrid Professional." This profile fits individuals or families earning between $90,000 and $130,000 annually who require proximity to the Dallas corporate hub but seek to maximize disposable income. The data suggests this group is prioritizing financial efficiency over urban density.

Cost of Living Analysis

The Cost of Living Index (COLI) for Carrollton is anchored at 92.3 for housing, indicating a -7.7% discount relative to the US average. This is a critical anomaly when paired with the +26.0% income premium. The city offers a deflationary effect on essential expenses: Groceries (93.1), Transportation (94.0), and Healthcare (96.1) all sit below the national baseline.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Deep Dive: The utility cost is a standout metric. At 14.94 cents/kWh, Carrollton electricity rates are -6.6% lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. For a family consuming 1,200 kWh monthly, this translates to a direct annual savings of approximately $127 compared to the national norm. When combined with the -7.7% housing discount, a Carrollton resident earning the median $93,937 retains significantly more disposable income than a peer in a high-cost coastal city.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Carrollton favors the renter in the short term, with a Rent-to-Income ratio that is highly manageable. While home prices reflect the broader Texas inflation, the price per square foot remains competitive. The "Housing Index" of 92.3 confirms that housing supply has kept pace with demand better than in neighboring metros.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Analysis: The data indicates a "Buyer's Value" market relative to the broader region, but a "Renter's Market" relative to income. The median home price of $415,000 is technically lower than the US average, but the $195 price per square foot offers -11.4% better value. For remote workers, renting a 3-bedroom unit at $2,200 allows for a housing cost burden of roughly 28% on the median household income, well below the recommended 30% threshold. Buying remains a strong long-term equity play due to the -11.4% price/sqft discount.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Carrollton’s economy is insulated by the "Post-Remote" landscape. While RTO (Return to Office) mandates exist in downtown Dallas, Carrollton's 4.2% unemployment rate is statistically indistinguishable from the US average (4.0%). However, the +26.0% income premium suggests the local workforce is capturing high-value corporate roles, likely commuting 20-30 miles to Dallas or Plano.

Commute times are a critical factor. The average commute in Carrollton is 27 minutes, significantly lower than the 32-minute national average. This is driven by the proximity to major arteries like I-35E and US-121. For hybrid workers (2-3 days in office), the fuel savings from the shorter commute and lower gas prices (typically -5% to -8% vs national) compound the financial benefits.

Quality of Life Audit

Carrollton presents a "High-Functioning" health profile. The aggregate Health Score of 82.3/100 is strong, driven by low vice rates. The smoking rate of 9.8% is -29.3% lower than the US average (14.0%), suggesting a health-conscious demographic. However, the obesity rate of 32.2% is slightly elevated compared to the US average of 31.9%, likely influenced by the regional food culture.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:

• Crime: Carrollton is a statistical safe haven. Violent crime stands at 234/100k, a staggering -38.4% lower than the US average (380/100k). Property crime is average (2123/100k vs 2000/100k), indicating standard vigilance is required for valuables.
• Air Quality: The AQI of 55 is "Moderate," typical for the region. PM2.5 levels are 7.5 µg/m³, beating the US average of 8.0 µg/m³.
• Schools: With a college-educated population of 44.7%, local school districts (Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD) benefit from high parental engagement and funding.
• Weather: Current conditions show a temperature of 52.0°F. The climate allows for four distinct seasons without extreme winter severity, though summer highs regularly exceed 95°F.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Efficiency: The +26.0% income premium combined with a -7.7% cost of living index creates a wealth-building environment.
• Safety: Violent crime is -38.4% below the national average.
• Housing Value: Price per square foot is -11.4% lower than the US average.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Obesity rates are slightly above average (32.2%).
• Regional Traffic: While local commutes are manageable, traffic congestion in the wider DFW area can be severe if travel is required during peak hours.
• Air Quality: AQI of 55 is acceptable but not pristine; sensitive groups may experience issues during summer ozone spikes.

Recommendation:
Carrollton is a Tier 1 relocation destination for mid-to-high income earners. The data supports a move here for anyone seeking to leverage a high salary into accelerated savings or home equity. It is ideal for hybrid workers who commute to Dallas/Plano 2-3 times a week. The statistical profile suggests a stable, safe, and financially advantageous environment.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Carrollton?
For a single professional, a salary of $65,000 allows for a comfortable lifestyle with savings, given the monthly budget of $2,965. For a family, $110,000 is the recommended threshold to maintain a 30% housing burden.

2. How does the value compare to other Texas cities?
Carrollton offers -11.4% better value per square foot than the US average, significantly undercutting Austin and Dallas proper. It offers a "sweet spot" between the high cost of urban cores and the isolation of deep exurbs.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 234/100k is empirically low, ranking in the top 20% of safest cities of its size in the US.

4. Is the housing market expected to crash?
With an unemployment rate of 4.2% and a median income of $93,937, the economic fundamentals are solid. A crash is unlikely; however, appreciation may stabilize at 2-4% annually as the -7.7% housing index suggests the market is fairly priced relative to income.