Is McLendon-Chisholm Safe, Pros and cons of living in McLendon-Chisholm

McLendon-Chisholm, Texas, offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and rural tranquility, making it an appealing location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle within proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This small city, nestled in Rockwall and Kaufman counties, has experienced significant growth while striving to maintain its distinctive character. Its appeal lies in its community-focused atmosphere, well-regarded schools, and a housing market that, while more expensive than the national average, is attractive to homeowners.

The city’s commitment to preserving a rural feel is evident in its development and community planning. McLendon-Chisholm’s strategic location provides residents with convenient access to major employment centers and amenities, while still offering a peaceful retreat from urban sprawl. This balance of accessibility and serenity forms the core of its desirability for a diverse range of residents, from families to retirees.

Is it Safe to Live in McLendon-Chisholm?

McLendon-Chisholm generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages. The community is considered safer than a vast majority of cities across the United States, with a crime rate that is substantially below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes, including assault, rape, murder, and armed robbery, occur less frequently in McLendon-Chisholm compared to most of America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Specifically, the violent crime rate is notably lower than the national average, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime being one in 1,764 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates also fall below the national average for all cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). When considering the cost of crime, McLendon-Chisholm’s per-resident cost is less than both the national and state averages, further underscoring its safe environment (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Real Estate

The housing market in McLendon-Chisholm is characterized by higher-than-average home values and a strong preference for homeownership. The median property value in McLendon-Chisholm was approximately $629,400 in 2024, which is nearly double the national average (as reported by Data USA). This median value saw a modest increase of 4.14% between 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Data USA).

The homeownership rate in McLendon-Chisholm is exceptionally high, standing at 98.5% (as reported by Data USA), significantly exceeding the national average of 65.2%. This indicates a community where residents are deeply invested in their properties. The median rent price in McLendon-Chisholm is around $1,284, which is lower than the national median rent (as reported by Niche). However, the strong preference for ownership suggests that rental properties are less common.

As of March 2026, the median home price in McLendon-Chisholm was around $649,000, showing a slight year-over-year increase (as reported by Redfin). Homes in this market typically sell after about 184 days on the market, and the market is considered not very competitive, with multiple offers being rare (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is approximately $194, which has seen a decrease year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).

Job Market and Economy

The economy of McLendon-Chisholm is supported by a growing workforce that primarily engages in professional and service-oriented industries. As of 2024, the city employed approximately 2,393 individuals, marking a 5% increase from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The largest employment sectors include Finance & Insurance, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA).

The highest-paying industries in McLendon-Chisholm are Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting, & Mining, followed by Construction and Information (as reported by Data USA). Management Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations are the most common job groups for residents (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in McLendon-Chisholm is notably low, reported at 1.6% (as reported by Niche).

The median household income in McLendon-Chisholm has seen steady growth, reaching $204,773 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This is considerably higher than the national median, reflecting a prosperous resident base. The poverty rate is also remarkably low, at 0.89% (as reported by Data Commons), significantly below the national average of 12.5%.

Climate and Weather

McLendon-Chisholm experiences a climate typical of North Texas, with distinct seasons characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from a low of 34°F to a high of 96°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area receives an average annual precipitation of about 40 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers in McLendon-Chisholm can be hot and humid, with August being the warmest month, often seeing average high temperatures around 95°F and lows around 73°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The period from June to August can feel uncomfortably humid (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters are cooler, with January being the coldest month, featuring average highs of 56°F and lows of 35°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The months with the most comfortable weather, generally characterized by mild temperatures and lower humidity, occur from mid-March to May and again from October to mid-November (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May typically sees the most rainfall, with an average of 5 inches, while August tends to be the driest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

McLendon-Chisholm is recognized for its highly-rated public schools, contributing to its appeal for families. The public schools in the area generally receive high ratings, with Niche ranking McLendon-Chisholm among the top suburbs for public schools in Texas (as reported by Niche). The overall quality of education is a significant draw for residents looking for strong academic environments for their children.

Within the community, schools like Bobby Summers Middle School have received a B+ overall Niche grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 (as reported by Niche). Elementary schools such as Pioneer Ptaa Technology Royse City Elementary School also hold strong B+ ratings (as reported by Niche). The school districts serving McLendon-Chisholm, such as Rockwall Independent School District, are highly regarded, contributing to the area’s reputation for educational excellence (as reported by Niche).

The commitment to education is reflected in the school district’s performance metrics, which include state test scores and student-teacher ratios. These factors are crucial for parents evaluating potential school systems. The emphasis on quality education makes McLendon-Chisholm a desirable location for families prioritizing academic achievement for their children.

Demographics and Community

McLendon-Chisholm is a growing city with a population of approximately 4,511 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The population has seen significant growth, increasing by over 67% since the 2020 census (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in McLendon-Chisholm is 39.8 years (as reported by World Population Review).

The racial composition of McLendon-Chisholm is predominantly White, accounting for about 66.1% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 19.2%, and Black residents at 7.9% (as reported by World Population Review). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with 96.7% holding citizenship, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

The community is characterized by a strong sense of homeownership, with 98.5% of residents owning their homes (as reported by Data USA). Many residents are homeowners, and a significant portion of the population consists of retirees (as reported by Niche). The community tends to be conservative, and living in McLendon-Chisholm offers a rural feel while being a suburb of Dallas (as reported by Niche).