What to know when moving to Little Elm, TX
TL;DR: Little Elm at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A growing community with a median household income of $126,341 and 19.5% of residents renting.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to nearby parks like Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, rated 4.8 with over 7,900 reviews.
- The Reality Check:
- Low public transit use at just 0.1%, so a car is necessary for most residents.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $2,161, which is on the higher side.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Little Elm has a population of 70,562, with 43.5% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The area features a low poverty rate of 6.9%, indicating a relatively stable community. However, with only 0.1% of the population commuting via public transit, you'll need a car to get around. The climate sees about 68 rainy days a year, so be prepared for occasional wet weather.
Probably not your spot if: you rely on public transportation, as the transit share is extremely low.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $2,161, which can strain your budget.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $386,300, offering a strong investment opportunity.
- Education levels are high, with 43.5% of residents having a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The poverty rate is low at 6.9%, contributing to a more stable economic environment.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Texas, the crime rates show a significant decline in recent years. The state annual rate for violent crime is 345.5 per 100,000, which is higher than the national rate of 325.3. Property crime stands at 1,797.7 per 100,000, also above the national average of 1,546.9, but has decreased by 23.1% since 2022. Homicides have dropped by 35.1% in the same period.
- Violent crime: 345.5 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,797.7 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 35.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Little Elm has access to several educational institutions in the surrounding area. There are a total of 6 postsecondary institutions nearby, including:
- Texas Woman's University
- University of North Texas
- Ogle School Hair Skin Nails-Denton
- Allgood Beauty Institute in Frisco
- The Chicago School at Dallas in Plano
- Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy in Plano
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES.
Weather & Getting Outside
Denton County experiences about 42.9 inches of precipitation annually, with 68 rainy days. Spring and fall see the most rain, making for a lush environment. For outdoor activities, check out:
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve - 4.8 stars (7,937 reviews)
- Little Elm Park - 4.6 stars (5,566 reviews)
- Frisco Commons Park - 4.8 stars (2,681 reviews)
- National Videogame Museum - 4.7 stars (4,029 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.