Is Rowlett Safe, Pros and cons of living in Rowlett
Rowlett, Texas, nestled on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. This growing community is a sought-after destination for those seeking a higher quality of life within the dynamic Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Its strategic location provides residents with convenient access to major employment centers, diverse recreational opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene.
As a city that has experienced significant growth and development, Rowlett presents a unique lifestyle proposition. It balances the appeal of a close-knit community with the advantages of a well-connected metropolitan area. This article delves into the various facets of living in Rowlett, examining its safety, cost of living, job market, climate, education, and demographic makeup to provide a comprehensive overview for prospective residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Rowlett?
Rowlett’s overall crime rate is reported to be 31% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This translates to approximately 2.76 daily crime occurrences, with a smaller portion being violent crimes. Violent crime rates in Rowlett are 58% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes), and the chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 659 (according to AreaVibes).
While the city’s overall crime rate is lower than the national average, there can be variations in safety across different neighborhoods. Reports indicate that residents generally perceive the northeast part of the city as the safest. Conversely, western neighborhoods may experience higher crime rates, with chances of being a victim ranging from 1 in 8 to 1 in 28 depending on the specific area (according to AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident in Rowlett is approximately $698 per year, which is higher than both the national and state averages (according to AreaVibes).
Cost of Living in Rowlett
Housing Costs
The housing market in Rowlett presents a mixed picture, with varying figures from different sources. The median home value in Rowlett was reported as $368,800 in 2024 (according to Data USA), and another source indicates the average home value is $371,473, showing a decrease of 4.4% over the past year (according to Zillow). Redfin reports the median sale price of a home in Rowlett was $378K last month, down 10.1% since last year (according to Redfin).
Rental prices also show some variation. The median gross rent in Rowlett is $1,990 per month (according to Point2Homes). Apartments.com states the average rent in Rowlett is $1,400 per month as of April 2026, which is 15% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). RentCafe indicates the average rent for an apartment in Rowlett is $1,668 as of April 2026 (according to RentCafe), while Zillow reports the average rent in Rowlett is $2,450 as of April 2026 (according to Zillow).
Overall Expenses
Rowlett’s overall cost of living is approximately 7% higher than the national average (according to Salary.com). This is influenced by housing expenses, which are 4% higher than the national average, and utility prices, which are 13% higher (according to PayScale). Conversely, transportation expenses in Rowlett are 11% lower than the national average (according to PayScale).
For a single person, the estimated monthly living expenses in Rowlett are around $2,651, while for a family of four, these costs rise to approximately $5,839 per month (according to Salary.com). These figures suggest that while some expenses are higher, careful budgeting can make Rowlett an accessible option for many.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers and Industries
The economy of Rowlett, TX, is robust, employing approximately 35,500 residents (according to Data USA). The largest industries contributing to this employment include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, and retail trade (according to Data USA). Other significant employers in the area include major retail chains like Walmart, McDonald’s, Dollar General, ALDI, and Target (according to Indeed.com).
Top-paying industries in Rowlett include public administration, information, and utilities (according to Data USA). Several companies are noted for their significant presence and impact on the local economy, including Tenet Healthcare and 7-Eleven, which have substantial operations in the broader Dallas area and influence the regional job market (according to Lensa).
Salaries and Unemployment
The average annual household income in Rowlett was reported at $127,635 in 2024 (according to Point2Homes), with a median income of $112,081 (according to Point2Homes). The average salary in Rowlett is approximately $53,662 per year, or about $25.80 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). However, a different source states the average salary in Rowlett is $50,098 (according to Zippia).
The unemployment rate in Rowlett currently stands at 4.10% (according to YCharts), which is higher than the long-term average of 4.06% (according to YCharts). This rate is considered to be around 4% to 5%, which is a generally stable range for the workforce (according to Point2Homes).
Climate and Weather
Temperatures
Rowlett experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 35°F to 96°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The summer months, from June to August, are hot and can feel uncomfortably humid (according to myPerfectWeather). August is the hottest month, with average highs around 95°F and lows of 74°F (according to myPerfectWeather).
Conversely, winter brings cooler temperatures, with January being the coldest month. Average highs in January are around 56°F, with average lows of 35°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The overall average temperature in Rowlett is approximately 76°F high and 55°F low (according to Livability.com).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Rowlett receives an average annual precipitation of about 41 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). Rain falls throughout the year, with May typically being the wettest month, averaging around 4.3 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather). This makes May one of the months with the most wet days, averaging about 11.4 days with precipitation (according to myPerfectWeather).
The drier season typically spans from late October to mid-April. January experiences the least amount of rain, with an average of approximately 1.7 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). The chance of a wet day varies seasonally, with a higher probability between April and October.
Education in Rowlett
School Ratings
Rowlett is served by the Garland Independent School District and one elementary school in the Rockwall Independent School District (according to SchoolDigger.com). The public schools in Rowlett are generally considered to be above average (according to Niche). Rowlett High School, for instance, has received a “B” rating from the Texas Education Agency, reflecting recognized performance (according to Texas Tribune Schools Explorer).
Several elementary schools in Rowlett, such as Keeley Elementary and Herfurth Elementary, are noted for their high performance, with Keeley Elementary receiving a 5-star rating and demonstrating strong proficiency rates (according to SchoolDigger.com). However, there can be disparities in academic performance across different schools, with a correlation sometimes observed between socioeconomic status and student outcomes (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Educational Environment
Rowlett High School has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, which is higher than the Texas state average of 14:1 (according to Rowlett High School). The school’s diversity score is also noted as being higher than the state average (according to Rowlett High School). While Rowlett High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Texas for overall test scores, its graduation rate is 91%, placing it in the top 50% in Texas (according to Rowlett High School).
The educational environment in Rowlett aims to provide a solid foundation for students. The district’s commitment to education is reflected in the performance of its schools, with continuous efforts to improve student achievement and engagement across all grade levels.
Demographics of Rowlett
Population and Diversity
Rowlett is home to a population of approximately 65,463 residents (according to Point2Homes). The city is growing, with an estimated population of 66,813 as of 2023 (according to Wikipedia). The racial makeup of Rowlett is diverse, with Caucasian individuals forming the largest group at 53.9% of the population, followed by African Americans at 20.1%, and those of Asian descent at 7% (according to Point2Homes). Other sources indicate a slightly different composition, with White residents at 47%, Hispanic at 22%, and African American at 20% (according to Niche).
Citizenship within Rowlett is high, with 95.4% of residents being U.S. citizens (according to Data USA). The median age in Rowlett is 40 years old (according to Point2Homes), with a balanced gender distribution, where 49.8% of residents are male and 50.2% are female (according to Point2Homes).
Age and Household Structure
The age distribution in Rowlett shows a significant portion of the population in the prime working and family-rearing years. Adults between 25 and 44 constitute 26.9% of the population, while those aged 45 to 64 make up 28.4% (according to Point2Homes). Approximately 17.3% of residents are children under 15, and about 13.8% are 65 or older (according to Point2Homes).
Rowlett has an estimated 23,352 households, with an average of three members per household (according to Point2Homes). The majority of these households, 77.1%, are families, while the remaining 22.9% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives (according to Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Rowlett
Advantages of Rowlett
Rowlett offers a desirable lifestyle with numerous advantages for its residents. The city boasts a strong sense of community and a wealth of parks and recreational areas, contributing to its designation as one of the best places to live in Texas (according to Niche). Its location on Lake Ray Hubbard provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic views.
The public schools in Rowlett are generally above average (according to Niche), and the city provides a growing, upscale environment with significant development (according to Wikipedia). Rowlett’s diverse population and its status as a suburb of Dallas offer a balance of small-town charm and big-city access.
Potential Drawbacks
While Rowlett offers many benefits, potential residents should consider certain drawbacks. The cost of living, particularly housing expenses, is higher than the national average (according to PayScale). Rowlett’s overall crime rate, though lower than the national average, is higher than 70% of Texas cities, and some neighborhoods have higher crime rates than others (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Rowlett High School, while having a good graduation rate, ranks in the bottom 50% for overall test scores in Texas (according to Rowlett High School). Additionally, some sources indicate that Rowlett’s cost of living is higher than the national average, with specific expenses like utilities being notably above the national figures (according to PayScale).