Is Terrell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Terrell
Terrell, Texas, situated east of Dallas, offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to a major metropolitan area. This city provides a unique living experience shaped by its history, diverse community, and evolving economic landscape. Understanding the nuances of Terrell is key for anyone considering a move to this North Texas community.
The city’s location along Interstate 20 provides easy access to Dallas, making it an attractive option for those who seek a slightly more relaxed pace of life without sacrificing proximity to urban amenities. Terrell’s development has been influenced by its agricultural roots and its role as a transportation hub, creating a character that is distinct within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Is it Safe to Live in Terrell?
Terrell’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with some sources indicating it is lower than the national average while others suggest it is higher than the average for similar-sized communities. Overall crime in Terrell is reportedly 12% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, another analysis states that Terrell’s crime rate is considerably higher than the national average across all communities (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime in Terrell is reported at a rate of 4 per one thousand inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout). Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Terrell is 1 in 284 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime in Terrell is reported at a rate of 17 per one thousand population (according to NeighborhoodScout).
When considering specific neighborhoods, safety can vary. Residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 16 in the south to 1 in 49 in the northeast (according to CrimeGrade.org). The D+ grade for violent crime indicates it is higher than the average U.S. city (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Terrell
The overall cost of living in Terrell, Texas, is generally considered to be lower than the national average. Terrell, Texas’s cost of living is 7% lower than the national average (according to PayScale). This figure can fluctuate based on individual career paths, average salaries, and the local real estate market.
Housing expenses in Terrell are notably lower, sitting 39% below the national average (according to PayScale). Utility prices, however, tend to be higher, at 13% above the national average (according to PayScale). Transportation costs are also more affordable, with expenses like gas and bus fares being 11% lower than the national average (according to PayScale).
Grocery prices in Terrell are slightly lower than the national average, by about 2% (according to PayScale). Healthcare costs are marginally higher, at 1% above the national average (according to PayScale). These varying expenses contribute to the overall affordability of living in Terrell.
Housing Costs
The housing market in Terrell offers a range of options for both buyers and renters. As of March 2026, the average home value in Terrell was $281,526, showing a slight decrease of 1.8% over the past year (according to Zillow). The median list price for homes was $375,897 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow).
For renters, the average rent in Terrell was $1,789 as of April 2026 (according to Zillow). Other reports indicate the average rent for an apartment in Terrell is $1,477 as of April 2026 (according to RentCafe), with a decrease of 0.31% compared to the previous year. The median monthly rent was reported as $948 (according to Livability.com).
The price range for rentals in Terrell spans from $750 to $3,300 (according to Zillow). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,232, while a two-bedroom unit is approximately $1,533 (according to RentCafe). For those looking to buy, the price per square foot was $193 in April 2026 (according to HAR.com).
Income and Employment
The median household income in Terrell was reported as $63,583 in late 2025 (according to Livability.com). Other data indicates a median household income of $65,842 as of 2024 (according to ZoomProspector and Data Commons). The average annual salary in Terrell was approximately $40,898 as of April 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter).
However, another source suggests the average salary for jobs in Terrell, Texas, is $69,723 per year or $34 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in Terrell County was 3.6% in early 2026 (according to Data Commons), with a slightly different figure of 3.70% reported for January 2026 (according to FRED).
The cost of living in Terrell is 6% higher than the U.S. national average, with housing costs being 12.3% lower at $1,052 per month for a single person (according to Salary.com). This suggests that while salaries may vary by source, the cost of living can be manageable, especially concerning housing.
Demographics and Community
Terrell’s population is diverse, with a significant presence of White, Hispanic, and Black or African American residents. As of 2024, the population of Terrell was approximately 20,400 people (according to Data USA). The racial composition includes about 42.08% White, 23.89% Black or African American, and 35.5% Hispanic residents (according to Data USA and ZoomProspector).
The median age in Terrell is 32.6 years (according to Data Commons and ZoomProspector). This indicates a relatively young population compared to some other areas. In 2024, approximately 12.1% of Terrell residents were born outside of the country (according to Data USA).
Citizenship in Terrell is high, with 91.8% of residents being U.S. citizens as of 2024, which is slightly lower than the national average (according to Data USA). The city’s demographics reflect a growing and varied community.
Climate and Weather
Terrell experiences a climate typical of North Texas, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature in Terrell is around 64.5°F (according to City of Terrell). July sees the highest average monthly high temperature at 82.8°F, while January has the lowest average monthly low at 40°F (according to City of Terrell).
Throughout the year, temperatures can range from 35°F to 97°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 96°F and lows around 73°F (according to myPerfectWeather and Weather Spark). Winters are cooler, with January lows averaging around 35°F and highs around 57°F (according to myPerfectWeather).
Annual precipitation averages about 40.77 inches (according to City of Terrell) to 41 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). May is usually the wettest month, with an average of 5 inches of precipitation (according to myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is minimal, with an average annual snowfall of 1 inch (according to City of Terrell and Livability.com).
Education in Terrell
Terrell Independent School District (ISD) serves the city’s educational needs, offering a range of schools from elementary to high school. The district as a whole is ranked 828 out of 961 school districts in Texas and holds a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger (according to SchoolDigger.com). Terrell ISD received an overall “B” rating, with a score of 84 (according to Terrell ISD). However, another source indicates a “C-” overall Niche grade for the district (according to Niche).
Student achievement is a focus, with improvements noted in reading and math scores. Global Leadership Academy stands out as a high-performing elementary school within the district (according to SchoolDigger.com). However, Terrell High School’s academic performance is generally below district and state averages, despite a relatively high graduation rate (according to SchoolDigger.com).
A significant portion of the student population, 76.2%, is economically disadvantaged (according to Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). This factor influences the district’s performance ratings and highlights the need for targeted support for students.
Job Market and Major Employers
Terrell’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and healthcare and social assistance being key sectors. Manufacturing employs approximately 2,400 workers, followed by transportation and warehousing with 2,079 workers, and health care and social assistance with 2,040 workers (according to Terrell Texas EDC). The fastest-growing sector is projected to be Health Care and Social Assistance (according to Terrell Texas EDC).
Major employers in Terrell include Terrell ISD, Renfro Industries, Inc., Madix, Inc., and Nucor Co. (according to Terrell Texas EDC). Other prominent companies include Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar General (according to Indeed.com).
The sector with the highest average wages per worker is Management of Companies and Enterprises, with an average wage of $125,708 (according to Terrell Texas EDC). Legal Occupations also show high average wages at $108,500 (according to Terrell Texas EDC).