Is Murphy Safe, Pros and cons of living in Murphy
Murphy, Texas, offers a suburban lifestyle with a strong sense of community, appealing to families and individuals seeking a balance between peaceful living and access to urban amenities. The city is known for its well-regarded public schools and a commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents. With a growing population and a developing commercial landscape, Murphy presents an attractive option for those looking to relocate.
The city is situated northeast of Dallas, making it part of the expansive Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This strategic location provides residents with convenient access to major employment centers and cultural attractions in the larger metropolitan area. Murphy’s history dates back to the late 1800s, evolving from its agricultural roots into a modern suburban city.
Is it Safe to Live in Murphy?
Murphy, Texas, is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The city boasts a low overall crime rate, with violent crimes being particularly infrequent. Residents often feel secure in their neighborhoods, contributing to the community’s overall appeal.
Analysis of FBI crime statistics indicates that Murphy is safer than a large percentage of U.S. cities. The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Murphy is considerably lower than the national average. While specific neighborhood safety can vary, the general trend points towards a secure environment for its inhabitants.
Crime Rates and Statistics
Murphy’s total crime rate is substantially lower than the national average, with reports showing it to be 76% lower per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to a very low number of daily crimes, including a minimal incidence of violent crimes. Property crimes also remain well below national benchmarks (as reported by AreaVibes).
According to NeighborhoodScout, Murphy is safer than 66% of U.S. cities, and in Texas, only about 27% of communities have lower crime rates. The chance of being a victim of crime in Murphy is approximately 1 in 195, which is far lower than the U.S. average of 1 in 47 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The city’s violent crime rate is also well below the national average, with a very low chance of becoming a victim of violent crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Pros and Cons of Living in Murphy
Murphy offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and access to metropolitan conveniences, making it a desirable place to live. The city is particularly attractive to families due to its highly-rated school system and numerous parks and recreational opportunities. Its strong community feel and generally safe environment further enhance its appeal.
However, like any location, Murphy has its drawbacks. The cost of living, particularly housing, can be higher than the national average, and commutes to work can be lengthy for some residents. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Texas city.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Murphy is approximately 12% less expensive than the national average and 4% less expensive than the average city in Texas (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This calculation considers various expenses, including food, transportation, healthcare, housing, utilities, and taxes. Food costs in Murphy are noted as being more affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Despite the overall cost of living being favorable, housing prices in Murphy are higher than the Texas average. The median home value is around $487,817, while the median listing price is $629,000 (as reported by Livability.com and realtor.com®). The average cost of rent is also on the higher side, with the median rent reported at $3,190 per month, which is significantly higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow).
Housing Market and Rent
Murphy’s housing market is characterized by a high proportion of homeowners, with approximately 94% of residents owning their homes (as reported by Niche). The median home value in Murphy is around $555,500, which is considerably higher than the national median of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). This indicates a strong real estate market with substantial property values.
Rental prices in Murphy are also elevated, with the average rent for all bedroom counts and property types standing at $3,190 as of May 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This figure is approximately 59.5% higher than the national average rent (as reported by Zillow). Houses for rent in Murphy average around $3,190 per month, while apartments can range from approximately $1,377 for a one-bedroom to $1,700 for a two-bedroom (as reported by Zumper).
Job Market and Salaries
The job market in Murphy, Texas, offers a range of opportunities, with employment growing at a rate of 7.72% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). A significant portion of Murphy’s workforce, about 30.67%, works from home, indicating a strong presence of telecommuters in knowledge-based professions (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
The average annual salary in Murphy is approximately $47,562, equating to about $22.87 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average salary, with ERI SalaryExpert reporting $70,056 per year or $34 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Salaries can vary significantly by occupation, with top-paying roles including Registered Nurse (RN), Accountant, and Marketing positions (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Murphy is reported to be 2% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a relatively robust job market within the city. For context, the unemployment rate in Texas was 4.3% in February 2026, unchanged from the previous month (as reported by USAFacts).
This favorable unemployment rate contributes to the overall economic stability of the area. A lower-than-average unemployment rate indicates that a higher percentage of the labor force is employed, which is a positive sign for the local economy.
Climate and Weather
Murphy, Texas, experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from 35°F to 96°F. The city receives an average of 42 inches of precipitation annually, with minimal snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather and AreaVibes).
Summer months, from June to August, can be uncomfortably humid. The hottest month is typically August, with average high temperatures around 95°F and lows of 74°F. Conversely, January is the coldest month, with average highs of 56°F and lows of 35°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Temperature and Precipitation
Throughout the year, Murphy’s temperatures fluctuate, with hot summers and cooler winters. The average annual precipitation is around 42 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May tends to be the wettest month, while August receives the least amount of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The city experiences distinct seasons, with a hot season from June to September and a cool season from November to February. During the hot season, daily high temperatures frequently exceed 88°F, while during the cool season, daily highs remain below 63°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education in Murphy
Murphy is home to a highly regarded public school system, making it an attractive location for families with children. The schools in Murphy consistently receive high ratings, with several elementary and middle schools recognized for their academic performance and quality of education (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com).
The Plano Independent School District (ISD), which serves Murphy, is ranked among the top districts in Texas. Schools within Murphy, such as Murphy Middle School, Hunt Elementary, and Boggess Elementary, have received stellar ratings and consistently outperform district and state averages in key academic areas (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
School Ratings and Districts
Murphy’s public schools are a significant draw for residents, with institutions like Murphy Middle School earning high rankings, such as 116th out of 2,361 middle schools in Texas (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Hunt Elementary and Boggess Elementary are also distinguished, ranking among the top elementary schools in the state (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
These schools consistently demonstrate strong academic proficiency in reading, math, and science. The Plano ISD, serving Murphy, is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, evidenced by high spending per student and low student-teacher ratios (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). The district itself is ranked well within Texas, contributing to the high quality of education available to Murphy’s students.
Demographics of Murphy
Murphy, Texas, is a diverse city with a population of approximately 21,188 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). The city’s demographic makeup includes a significant White population, followed by a substantial Asian community, and smaller percentages of Black or African American, Hispanic, and multiracial residents (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review).
The foreign-born population in Murphy is notable, with about 24.6% of residents born outside the United States (as reported by Data USA). This diversity contributes to the cultural richness of the community. The median age in Murphy is around 41.7 years, indicating a population that is generally mature but with a notable presence of younger families (as reported by World Population Review).
Population and Diversity
Murphy’s population is composed of approximately 51.4% White residents and 32.4% Asian residents, with 7.0% identifying as Black or African American (as reported by Census Dots and World Population Review). This demographic profile is distinct from the state of Texas overall, where the Hispanic population is much larger (as reported by Census Dots).
The city has seen a growth in its Asian population, which is significantly higher than the Texas average. Murphy ranks high statewide for the proportion of Asian residents within its population. Conversely, the Hispanic population share has seen a decline since the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots).
Income and Household Statistics
The median household income in Murphy is remarkably high, standing at $175,699 (as reported by World Population Review and Data USA). This figure is substantially higher than the national average, indicating a prosperous resident base. The income per capita in Murphy is also well above the national average, reported at $83,094 (as reported by World Population Review).
Despite the high income levels, a small percentage of families, around 2.5% to 3.04%, live in poverty (as reported by Data USA and World Population Review). The poverty level in Murphy is notably 77% lower than the national average, underscoring the general economic well-being of its residents (as reported by AreaVibes).
Major Employers and Economic Landscape
Murphy’s economic landscape is supported by a variety of major employers, primarily in the retail and service sectors. Large retail chains like Walmart, Lowe’s Home Improvement, and Target have a significant presence, drawing customers from a wide retail trade area (as reported by Indeed.com and MurphyEDC). Several dining options and fitness centers also contribute to the local economy and provide employment opportunities.
The city benefits from its strategic location within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, providing access to larger employment centers in nearby Plano and Richardson. The commercial corridor along FM 544 is a key economic driver, experiencing high vehicle traffic daily, which supports local businesses (as reported by MurphyEDC).
Key Industries and Companies
The primary employment sectors for Murphy residents include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). Major companies with a presence in or near Murphy include retail giants like Walmart and Target, as well as food service providers such as McDonald’s and Taco Bell (as reported by Indeed.com).
The Corridor at Murphy serves as a central hub for retail and services, anchored by major brands that attract a substantial customer base. This commercial activity not only provides local jobs but also contributes significantly to the city’s economic vitality. The presence of these established companies indicates a stable and active local economy.