Is Forney Safe, Pros and cons of living in Forney
Forney, Texas, offers a blend of suburban charm and proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between a quieter lifestyle and access to urban amenities. The city has experienced significant population growth, attracting new residents with its developing infrastructure and community-focused atmosphere. As with any city, understanding the various facets of life in Forney, from safety and cost of living to educational opportunities and job prospects, is crucial for potential movers.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Forney, Texas, covering key aspects that influence the quality of life for its residents. By examining crime statistics, economic indicators, climate, and community resources, individuals can make informed decisions about whether Forney is the right fit for their needs and aspirations. The following sections delve into these important details to paint a clear picture of this growing North Texas city.
Is it Safe to Live in Forney?
Forney demonstrates a strong safety record, with crime rates significantly lower than national averages. The city’s overall crime rate is 62% below the national average, contributing to a sense of security for its residents (AreaVibes). This statistic is further supported by the fact that Forney is safer than 62% of all cities in the United States, according to their analysis.
Delving deeper into the statistics, Forney experiences an average of 0.9 daily crimes, with a breakdown of 0.17 violent incidents and 0.72 property-related offenses per day (AreaVibes). Violent crimes in Forney are 57% lower than the national average, and property crimes are 63% lower than the U.S. average (AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout reports a violent crime rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants, which is higher than most communities of similar population sizes but still lower than the state average (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are reported at 8 per 1,000 residents, which is considered average for U.S. cities of all sizes (NeighborhoodScout).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Forney presents a mix of opportunities for both buyers and renters. As of March 2026, the median listing price for a home in Forney was around $335,000 (Orchard). Homes in Forney typically spend an average of 62 days on the market, indicating a steady turnover rate (Orchard).
For those interested in renting, the median rental price in Forney hovers around $2,000 per month (Orchard). Single-family homes for rent can start at approximately $2,000 per month and exceed $3,500 (Wan Bridge Group). The rental market shows continued demand, with around 483 active listings supporting options for renters (Orchard).
Cost of Living Factors
Forney’s overall cost of living is slightly higher than the U.S. average, estimated to be about 7% higher (Wan Bridge Group). Housing costs in Forney are slightly above national averages but are less than those found in much of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro area (Wan Bridge Group). The median home price in Forney is approximately $387,000, with some data placing it closer to $420,000 (Wan Bridge Group).
Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are notably lower than the national average, by approximately 11% (PayScale). Grocery prices in Forney are also slightly less expensive than the national average, with savings of about 3% (Wan Bridge Group). Utility prices, however, are about 13% higher than the national average (PayScale).
Economy and Employment
Job Market and Major Employers
Forney’s economy is growing, and its proximity to Dallas provides access to a broader job market. While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, the city’s growth suggests a developing commercial sector. The employment rate in Forney is robust, with 94.1% of its workforce employed, representing 15,818 residents (Point2Homes).
The workforce is predominantly composed of white-collar workers, making up 78.4% of residents, with blue-collar workers constituting the remaining 21.6% (Point2Homes). This indicates a skilled labor force within the city.
Income and Salary Information
The median household income in Forney was reported as $104,112 in 2024 (Data USA, Point2Homes). This figure is higher than the state average and compares favorably to surrounding areas (Point2Homes). The average annual household income in Forney was $115,118 in 2024 (Point2Homes).
The average salary in Forney, as of April 2026, is approximately $41,314 per year, which equates to about $19.86 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Forney typically range between $29,857 and $50,693 annually, depending on the occupation and experience level (ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment and Poverty
The unemployment rate in Forney was 3.7% as of February 2026 (Data Commons). This rate is considered healthy and indicates a stable job market within the city (Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Forney stands at 8.78% (Data USA) and 8.6% (Niche), which is a concern for some residents but within a range that many communities experience.
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Weather Patterns
Forney experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters (Wikipedia). Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 35°F to 96°F (myPerfectWeather). The warmest month is typically August, with average highs around 95°F and lows of 73°F (myPerfectWeather).
Winters are cooler, with January seeing average highs of 56°F and lows of 35°F (myPerfectWeather). The city experiences moderate temperature variations between day and night, with differences reaching up to 23°F in the summer and 22°F in the winter (IDcide).
Precipitation and Seasonal Conditions
The annual precipitation in Forney averages around 41 inches, with rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year (myPerfectWeather). May is typically the wettest month, with an average of about 4.74 inches of precipitation (IDcide, myPerfectWeather).
Summers can be uncomfortably humid from June to August (myPerfectWeather). The drier season typically spans from October to April, with January having the fewest wet days (Forney Climate). Conversely, the wetter season runs from April to October, with May having the most days with precipitation (Forney Climate).
Education and Community
School District Performance
The Forney Independent School District serves the city and surrounding areas. For the 2024-2025 school year, the district received an overall rating of 79 (C) from the Texas Education Agency (Texas School Report Cards). This includes a Student Achievement rating of 79 (C) and a School Progress rating of 75 (C) (Texas School Report Cards).
Within the district, public schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% and a reading proficiency score of 52%, which is comparable to the Texas public school averages (Niche, Forney Independent School District). The district is ranked in the top 50% of Texas public schools (Forney Independent School District).
Demographics and Diversity
Forney is home to approximately 31,532 residents as of 2024, with a projected population of 37,453 by 2026 (Data USA, Point2Homes). The city is experiencing rapid growth, with a population increase of 91.96% since 2020 (Data USA). The median age in Forney is 31.4 years (Data USA).
The racial composition of Forney includes White residents at 51.7%, followed by Hispanic residents at 22.4%, and Black residents at 19.3% (Point2Homes). Approximately 8.45% of residents were born outside the country (Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Forney
Advantages of Forney Living
Forney offers a significantly lower crime rate than the national average, making it a safe place to live (AreaVibes). The cost of living, particularly housing, is more affordable than in the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, despite being slightly above the national average (Wan Bridge Group). The city boasts a strong employment rate and a growing job market, with a median household income that is competitive within the state (Point2Homes, Data USA).
Residents also benefit from a pleasant climate with hot summers and mild winters, and a reasonable amount of annual precipitation (myPerfectWeather). The Forney Independent School District provides a solid educational foundation, with ratings comparable to state averages (Forney Independent School District).
Considerations for Potential Residents
While Forney’s cost of living is more affordable than some nearby urban centers, it is still slightly higher than the national average, particularly in utility costs (PayScale, Wan Bridge Group). The hot and humid summers can be intense for those unaccustomed to them (myPerfectWeather). Although the school district performs adequately, its ratings are in the mid-range compared to other districts in Texas (Forney Independent School District).
The city’s rapid population growth, while indicative of its appeal, may also lead to increased traffic and strain on infrastructure. Potential residents should also note the median age is relatively young, suggesting a community that may be in transition as it continues to expand and evolve.