Is Duncanville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Duncanville

Duncanville, Texas, offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and city proximity, nestled within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This city provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents, balancing community charm with access to urban amenities. As potential residents consider making Duncanville their home, understanding the local landscape, from safety and cost of living to employment and education, becomes paramount.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Duncanville, Texas, drawing on the latest available data. We will delve into the critical aspects of life in Duncanville, offering insights to help individuals and families make informed decisions about relocating to this North Texas community.

Is it Safe to Live in Duncanville?

Duncanville’s overall crime rate is reported to be 22% higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This figure encompasses both violent and property crimes, with specific concerns noted regarding vehicle theft. For instance, Duncanville has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft nationally, as analyzed from FBI crime data (according to NeighborhoodScout).

While the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Duncanville is 1 in 321, the property crime rate stands at 1 in 44 (according to NeighborhoodScout). The city’s crime rate is higher than 90% of Texas cities, and when compared to similarly sized communities, Duncanville’s crime rate is notably above average (according to NeighborhoodScout). Residents often perceive the northwest part of the city as the safest, with crime rates varying by neighborhood (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Housing and Cost of Living

Housing Costs

The housing market in Duncanville presents a range of options, with the average home value around $277,367 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow). This represents a slight decrease of 2.6% over the past year. The median sale price of a home in Duncanville was approximately $263,000 in March 2026, a decrease of 15.7% year-over-year (according to Redfin).

For those considering renting, the average rent in Duncanville hovers around $1,900 for all property types and bedroom counts (according to Zillow). Rent trends show a month-over-month decrease of $50 and a year-over-year decrease of $105 (as reported by Zillow). Specifically, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,108 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,450 per month (according to Zillow).

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Duncanville is considered to be 7% higher than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). This is attributed to rising housing costs, transportation expenses, and food prices. However, it is noted that living costs in Duncanville are significantly lower than the Texas state average (as reported by Salary.com).

For a single person, estimated monthly living expenses, including rent, are around $2,198, while for a family of four, these costs rise to approximately $5,203 (as reported by Livingcost). The median after-tax salary in Duncanville is $4,419, which is sufficient to cover living expenses for about two months (as reported by Livingcost).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Duncanville’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers. Key sectors include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food services. Major employers in the area include Walmart, Costco Wholesale, McDonald’s, and Kroger (according to Indeed.com). Texas Health Resources is also a significant presence in the region (according to Zippia).

Other notable companies providing employment opportunities include Village Tech Schools, the City of Duncanville itself, and Freeway Insurance (according to Zippia). The city actively focuses on economic development, aiming to attract new businesses and support local entrepreneurs (according to the City of Duncanville’s community profile).

Employment and Salaries

The employment rate in Duncanville, TX, is approximately 92.76% (according to BestNeighborhood.org). The average annual salary in Duncanville is around $45,421, which translates to about $21.84 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Duncanville was reported as $76,457 in 2024 (according to Data USA).

Salaries in Duncanville typically range between $32,605 and $55,837 annually, with the median wage at $40,800 per year (according to ZipRecruiter). The highest paying industries in Duncanville include public administration, information, and utilities (according to Data USA). For example, the average salary for a teacher in Duncanville is $29.64 per hour (according to Indeed.com).

Unemployment

The unemployment rate in Duncanville, TX, is currently around 7.24% (according to BestNeighborhood.org). This rate is based on working-age individuals actively seeking non-military employment. While specific monthly unemployment rates for Duncanville are tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, broader state data indicates a generally positive trend in employment across Texas.

Texas as a whole has seen a consistent unemployment rate at or below 4.2 percent for an extended period (according to the Texas Workforce Commission). The state’s total non-farm employment has also shown year-over-year growth (according to the Texas Workforce Commission).

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Rainfall

Duncanville experiences a humid subtropical climate, typical of North Texas. Average high temperatures in the summer months, like July, can reach around 95°F, with average lows around 71°F (according to Country Studies). Winter temperatures are milder, with average highs in January around 54°F and lows near 34°F.

The city receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 41 inches (according to Livability.com). Precipitation is generally distributed throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts typically occurring in the spring and fall months. Snowfall is minimal, averaging around 2 inches annually (according to Livability.com).

Education and Schools

School Ratings

Duncanville Independent School District serves the city, with an overall Niche grade of B- (according to Niche). The district has approximately 11,761 students in grades PK-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 25% of students are proficient in math and 36% are proficient in reading (according to Niche).

Duncanville High School is part of this district and has received a B- overall Niche grade. It is recognized among the best high schools for athletes in Texas, ranking #22 out of 1,682 (according to Niche). The school also ranks #586 out of 1,439 for best college prep public high schools in Texas (according to Niche).

Demographics

Duncanville has an estimated population of 39,683 as of the most recent data (according to Census Bureau). The city’s demographic makeup is diverse, with Hispanic residents forming the largest group at 44.3%, followed by Black residents at 29.3%, and White residents at 22.1% (according to Census Bureau). This diversity is comparable to that of Texas overall.

The median age in Duncanville is 36.2 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (according to World Population Review). Approximately 90% of Duncanville residents are U.S. citizens (according to Data USA). A notable portion of the population, around 16.3%, was born outside the United States (according to Data USA).