Is Garland Safe, Pros and cons of living in Garland
Garland, Texas, offers a blend of suburban comfort and urban accessibility, making it an attractive location for a diverse range of residents. Situated northeast of Dallas, it is part of the expansive Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, providing convenient access to major employment centers and cultural attractions. The city boasts a rich history, evolving from its early days as a railroad town to a significant industrial and residential hub.
With a population exceeding 246,000 residents, Garland is a substantial city with a dynamic economy. Its strategic location and robust infrastructure support a variety of industries, contributing to a stable job market. The community is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, ample green spaces, and a commitment to providing a high quality of life for its inhabitants.
Is it Safe to Live in Garland?
Garland’s crime rate is a significant consideration for potential residents. The city experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average, with 22 crimes per one thousand residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This means the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Garland is approximately 1 in 46.
When compared to the state of Texas, Garland’s crime rate is higher than in 86% of its cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 437, while the property crime rate stands at 20 per one thousand population. Notably, Garland has a particularly high rate of motor vehicle theft, with a 1 in 253 chance of a resident experiencing this type of crime (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs in Garland
Median Home Prices
The housing market in Garland presents a mixed picture regarding affordability. The median sale price of a home in Garland was approximately $287,000 last month, reflecting a 6.0% decrease since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median price per square foot is around $171, also showing a slight decrease of 4.5% year-over-year (as reported by Redfin).
However, these figures can vary by zip code. For instance, in the 75044 zip code, the median home price was $351,000 in March 2026, up 3.3% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Conversely, in the 75041 zip code, the median sale price was $266,000 in March 2026, a decrease of 5.5% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
Rental Market
The rental market in Garland offers a range of options. The average rent in Garland, TX, is approximately $1,975 (as reported by Zillow). This figure represents a decrease of $225 over the past year and $20 over the past month.
Alternatively, other sources indicate different average rental prices. One report shows the average rent in Garland, TX, as $964 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by RentCafe). Another source states the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Garland, TX, is $1,761 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Garland’s economy is supported by a diverse range of major employers. Key industries in the city include manufacturing and distribution, with emerging sectors such as advanced manufacturing, destination retail, and entertainment (as reported by the City of Garland). The top employers in Garland include Garland ISD, the City of Garland, Kraft Heinz, Sherwin-Williams Company, and Epiroc (as reported by the City of Garland).
Other significant employers contributing to the local job market are Kraft Foods, which employs 796 individuals, followed by US Food Service with 520 employees, and Atlas Copco with 460 employees (as reported by The Dallas Morning News). The City of Garland itself is a substantial employer, with over 2,000 full-time employees serving more than 230,000 residents and 9,000 businesses (as reported by the Texas Municipal League).
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Garland, TX, currently stands at 4.20%, which is slightly higher than the previous month’s rate of 3.60% and the rate from last year at 3.90% (as reported by YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average of 4.88%.
Salaries in Garland vary by occupation and experience. The average annual salary in Garland, TX, is reported to be around $40,000 (as reported by Zippia), with an hourly rate of approximately $19.23. Other sources indicate a higher average annual salary of $65,150 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), with a typical range between $47,719 and $82,000 annually. Payscale reports the average salary in Garland, TX, as $74,000 (as reported by Payscale), with a 0.8% increase in wages in the last quarter of 2024.
Climate in Garland
Temperatures and Rainfall
Garland experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in the summer months typically reaches the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are generally mild, with average low temperatures in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit.
The city receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year. While specific monthly rainfall data is not readily available from the provided search results, the climate generally supports green landscapes. Recent weather reports indicate a chance of showers and mostly cloudy conditions, with temperatures around 58°F for highs and 50°F for lows (as reported by the National Weather Service).
Education in Garland
School Ratings
Garland is served by the Garland Independent School District (GISD), which has an overall Niche grade of A- (as reported by Niche). The district serves approximately 51,659 students in grades PK-12 and has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 42% of students are proficient in math and 50% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).
Individual schools within the district also receive varying ratings. For example, Garland High School has an overall Niche grade of B+ and is ranked among the top high schools in Texas for college preparation (as reported by Niche). Other elementary schools within the district, such as Kimberlin Academy for Excellence and Walnut Glen Academy for Excellence, have received high ratings (as reported by Niche).
Demographics of Garland
Population and Diversity
Garland’s population is estimated to be around 252,450 in 2026, with a current growth rate of 0.4% annually (as reported by World Population Review). The city is home to a diverse population, with the largest racial/ethnic groups being Hispanic (45.7%), White (24.2%), Black or African American (15.1%), and Asian (11.3%) (as reported by US Census Bureau). The median age in Garland is 35 years (as reported by World Population Review).
The city’s population makeup includes approximately 30.71% White, 15.14% Black or African American, and 11.39% Asian residents (as reported by World Population Review). A significant portion of the population, 33.4%, identifies with two or more races. The median household income in Garland is $76,320, with a poverty rate of 13.03% (as reported by World Population Review).