Is North Richland Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in North Richland Hills
North Richland Hills, Texas, is a vibrant city located in Tarrant County, within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. It offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to urban amenities. The city is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of recreational opportunities.
This community provides a blend of residential comfort and economic activity, making it an attractive place for individuals and families alike. North Richland Hills is committed to providing a high quality of life for its residents through various services and amenities.
Is it Safe to Live in North Richland Hills?
North Richland Hills has a crime rate that is higher than the national average. The total crime rate is 16% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). This results in an average of 4.76 daily crimes within the city, which includes both violent and property offenses (AreaVibes).
When compared to other cities, North Richland Hills ranks in the 29th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 29% of U.S. cities (CrimeGrade.org). The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in North Richland Hills is 1 in 41 (NeighborhoodScout). However, it is important to note that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood within the city (CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living and Housing in North Richland Hills
The overall cost of living in North Richland Hills is approximately 1% higher than the national average (Payscale). Housing expenses are also slightly above the national average, with utility prices being 13% higher (Payscale). However, transportation costs, such as gas prices, are 8% lower than the national average (Payscale).
As of March 2026, the median rent for all property types in North Richland Hills is approximately $1,705 per month, which is 13% lower than the national average (Zumper). The median home value in North Richland Hills was $360,700 in 2024 (Vertex AI Search). The homeownership rate in the city is 63.5%, which is lower than the national average (Vertex AI Search).
Housing Costs
The median property value in North Richland Hills was $360,700 in 2024 (Vertex AI Search). This represents an 11.1% increase from the previous year (Vertex AI Search). The homeownership rate stands at 63.5% (Vertex AI Search).
For renters, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types is around $1,705 as of April 2026 (Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment averages about $1,139, while a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,495 (Zumper). Houses for rent in North Richland Hills are more expensive, with an average monthly cost of $2,400 (Zumper).
Job Market and Economy in North Richland Hills
North Richland Hills has a diverse economy with several major employers contributing to its job market. Key industries include retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, and professional, scientific, and technical services (Vertex AI Search). The city is home to the headquarters of HealthMarkets, Give Me The Vin, and GRITR Sports & Outdoors (Wikipedia).
The median household income in North Richland Hills was $97,305 in 2024 (Vertex AI Search). The unemployment rate in North Richland Hills was 3.1% (ZoomProspector). Major employers in the area include Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, Target, and Tyson Prepared Foods (Indeed.com, Lensa, City of North Richland Hills Economic Development Department).
Major Employers
Several prominent companies provide significant employment opportunities within North Richland Hills. These include HealthMarkets, which has its corporate headquarters in the city (Wikipedia). Additionally, Tyson Prepared Foods operates a food processing plant, and Santander Consumer USA, Inc. is a major employer in automobile financing (City of North Richland Hills Economic Development Department).
Other notable employers encompass North Hills Hospital, Bates Container, and Silverleaf Resort, contributing to the diverse employment landscape of the region (City of North Richland Hills Economic Development Department). The presence of these companies supports the local economy and offers a range of career options for residents.
Climate and Weather in North Richland Hills
North Richland Hills experiences a humid subtropical climate. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 35°F to 97°F (Plantmaps). The annual precipitation averages around 39 inches, with minimal snowfall (Plantmaps).
Summers are hot and can be uncomfortably humid from June to August (Plantmaps). The hottest month is typically August, with average high temperatures around 95°F and average lows near 75°F (Plantmaps). Winters are cooler, with January seeing average highs of 57°F and average lows of 36°F (Plantmaps).
Temperature and Precipitation
The average annual temperature in North Richland Hills is approximately 56.2°F for the low and 76.8°F for the high (Plantmaps). October is the wettest month, with an average of 5 inches of precipitation (Plantmaps). The city experiences around 137 days per year with comfortable weather, generally between mid-March to May and October to November (Plantmaps).
The average annual precipitation is 39 inches, with about 1 inch of snowfall per year (Plantmaps). Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, though May tends to have higher rainfall amounts than other months (IDcide).
Education and School Ratings in North Richland Hills
North Richland Hills is served by the Birdville Independent School District (ISD), with the northern portion also being covered by Keller ISD (Wikipedia). The city has a number of public schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Some schools are highly rated, while others perform closer to state averages (SchoolDigger.com).
Notable schools include Smithfield Middle School and Green Valley Elementary, which have received high rankings (SchoolDigger.com). Birdville High School holds an A rating on Niche, with 2,097 students and a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (Niche). Richland High School also has a positive rating, reflecting the quality of education available.
School Performance
Birdville High School is a highly-rated public school with an A rating (Niche). It serves students in grades 9-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (Niche). According to state test scores, 42% of students are proficient in math and 66% in reading (Niche).
Richland High School, also within the Birdville ISD, has a rating of 3.74 out of 5 (Niche). North Ridge Elementary School is a highly-rated public school with 490 students in grades PK-5, and 55% of students are proficient in math and 66% in reading (Niche).
Demographics of North Richland Hills
North Richland Hills is home to a diverse population. As of 2024, the city’s population was approximately 70,800 people (Vertex AI Search). The racial composition includes a majority of White residents, followed by Hispanic and Black or African American populations (Vertex AI Search).
The median age in North Richland Hills is 39.6 years (Vertex AI Search). The population is distributed across various age groups, with a significant portion falling into the adult working and older age brackets (Point2Homes). The city has a higher percentage of U.S. citizens compared to the national average (Vertex AI Search).
Population and Diversity
The population of North Richland Hills was estimated at 70,780 residents in the most recent census data (Point2Homes). Of this population, 48.1% are male and 51.9% are female (Point2Homes). The city’s population has been growing annually at a rate of 0.4% (World Population Review).
In terms of race and ethnicity, White residents constitute the largest group, making up 72.23% of the population (World Population Review). Hispanic residents account for 21.15%, followed by African Americans at 7.7% (World Population Review). A notable portion of residents, 11.2%, identify as belonging to two or more races (World Population Review).
Pros and Cons of Living in North Richland Hills
North Richland Hills offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community and access to amenities. The city is recognized for its family-friendly environment and numerous parks and recreational facilities, such as the NRH2O Family Water Park (Wikipedia). The cost of living is slightly above the national average, particularly for housing, but transportation costs are lower (Payscale).
While the city provides many benefits, potential residents should be aware of the crime rate, which is higher than the national average (AreaVibes). The job market is robust, with major employers across various sectors, and the median household income is well above the national average (Vertex AI Search). The school system is generally well-regarded, with some schools receiving high ratings (SchoolDigger.com).
Advantages of North Richland Hills
Residents enjoy a good quality of life with access to numerous parks and entertainment options. The city is home to the NRH2O Family Water Park and the NYTEX Sports Centre, offering various leisure activities (Wikipedia). The presence of major employers like Walmart and Target provides stable job opportunities (Indeed.com).
The median household income is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong economic base for its residents (Vertex AI Search). Furthermore, the city has a strong community feel, often ranked among the best places to live in Texas and nationally by publications like U.S. News & World Report (Wikipedia).
Disadvantages of North Richland Hills
One of the primary concerns for potential residents is the crime rate, which is higher than the national average (AreaVibes). While specific neighborhoods may be safer, the overall statistics suggest a need for awareness. Additionally, the cost of living, particularly housing expenses, can be higher than in some other areas (Payscale).
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,139, and houses for rent average $2,400 per month (Zumper). While the job market is strong, the average salary of $43,409 might not fully offset the higher cost of living for some individuals (ZipRecruiter).