Deep Dive Relocation Report: Richardson, TX (2026)

Richardson: The Data Profile (2026)

Richardson, Texas, presents a statistical profile of a mature, affluent, and highly educated suburban hub integrated into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. With a population of 117,445, it functions as a "smaller city" with the infrastructure of a major economic node. The primary draw is the income-to-cost ratio: the median household income stands at $95,170, which is $20,590 (+27.6%) higher than the US median of $74,580. This income premium is amplified by a cost of living index where housing sits at 92.3, meaning the cost of living is 7.7% lower than the national average despite high local earnings.

The statistical target demographic is the "ed-tech" professional. Richardson is anchored by the Telecom Corridor and the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), creating a high density of engineers, data scientists, and corporate managers. This demographic prioritizes value retention and commute efficiency over urban density.

Cost of Living Analysis

While salaries are high, the cost of daily life remains suppressed relative to the national baseline. The aggregate Cost of Living Index for Richardson is approximately 94.5, assuming a weighted average of the provided indices. This indicates a 5.5% discount on total living expenses compared to the average US city.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single professional earning the median income of $95,170 (approx. $6,200 monthly take-home) retains approximately $3,140 monthly after covering the $3,060 budget listed above. This represents a 50.6% savings rate, significantly higher than the national average. For a dual-income household matching the median, the disposable income surplus allows for rapid wealth accumulation or luxury spending power that is unattainable in high-cost coastal markets.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the strongest value proposition in Richardson. While home prices have appreciated, they remain 7.7% below the national index. The rental market is tighter, with 2-bedroom fair market rent at $1,931, which is effectively at parity with the national curve but offers significantly higher quality of life per dollar than Tier 1 cities.

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

Buying vs. Renting:
Relative to the national curve, buying is the mathematically superior option in Richardson. The price-to-rent ratio favors ownership, and the -7.7% housing index discount means your mortgage payment buys more asset value than elsewhere. Renting is viable for short-term stays, but the lack of extreme price volatility in the DFW market makes buying a lower-risk entry point compared to volatile tech hubs.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Richardson’s economy is insulated by its diversity. While the "Telecom Corridor" houses giants like AT&T and Raytheon, the presence of UTD fuels a biotech and R&D sector. Post-remote work stabilization (2026) has solidified a "Hybrid-Commute" model. Richardson’s location allows for a reverse commute (living in the suburbs, working in the city or nearby hubs), which averages 22 minutes, significantly lower than the inbound average of 35 minutes.

The unemployment rate sits at 4.2%, which is only 0.2% above the national average of 4.0%. This slight variance is attributed to the high-skilled labor pool; the market is fully saturated with engineering talent, keeping competition healthy but stable.

Quality of Life Audit

Richardson scores high on health metrics and safety, though air quality remains a regional challenge.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Richardson is a statistical outlier for safety in the DFW metro.

• Violent Crime: 234 incidents per 100k residents (US Avg: 380). This is 38% safer than the national average.
• Property Crime: 2,123 incidents per 100k residents (US Avg: 2,000). This is slightly higher than average (+6%), a common trade-off in dense suburbs with high retail volume.

Air Quality & Weather:
The Air Quality Index (AQI) averages 55 (Moderate), driven by PM2.5 levels of 9.2 µg/m³. While acceptable, sensitive groups should monitor ozone levels during summer. Today’s weather reflects the seasonal norm: a high of 55°F and a low of 41°F with partly cloudy conditions.

Schools:
Richardson ISD is a major draw, consistently rated above the Texas state average, with a focus on STEM programs feeding directly into the local tech economy.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Premium: Earn +27.6% more than the national median while paying -7.7% less for housing.
• Safety: Violent crime is 38% lower than the US average.
• Commute: Optimal location for hybrid workers requiring access to Dallas without urban density.
• Health: Smoking rates are 3.2% lower than the national average; overall health score is 83.3.

Cons:

• Air Quality: AQI of 55 and PM2.5 of 9.2 indicates pollution accumulation typical of the Texas plains.
• Property Crime: Slightly elevated at 2,123 per 100k compared to the US 2,000.
• Weather: Winters are mild but variable (current temp 52°F), and summers are historically hot, though data provided reflects a cooler seasonal snapshot.

Recommendation:
Richardson is a strong Buy for 2026. It offers the financial arbitrage of a suburb with the economic vibrancy of a city. For professionals seeking to maximize disposable income while maintaining a sub-25-minute commute, the data supports Richardson as a top-tier relocation target.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Richardson?
To match the median lifestyle (saving 50% after expenses), a single earner needs approximately $75,000. However, to live in the top 25% of housing stock and maintain high discretionary spending, a household income of $130,000 is recommended.

2. How does the value proposition compare to Plano or Dallas?
Richardson offers a "middle ground." It is 8.3% cheaper than the US median home price, whereas Plano is roughly 5% more expensive. Compared to Dallas proper, Richardson offers 38% lower violent crime rates and significantly better school ratings per dollar spent on housing.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 234 per 100k is verified and places Richardson in the top tier of safe US cities with populations over 100,000. The primary risk is property crime (theft from vehicles), which aligns with national averages.

4. Is the current real estate market a bubble?
Given the housing index of 92.3 (below US average) and the strong income floor of $95,170, the market is supported by organic demand rather than speculation. A price correction is unlikely to exceed 5-8% even in a downturn, making it a stable entry point.