What to know when moving to Richardson, TX
TL;DR: Richardson at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated ZIP where 57.4% hold a bachelor's degree and nearly half the residents rent.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $89,773.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 13.2%, some residents may face financial challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 2.5% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,817/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Richardson has a population of 52,746, with a median household income of $89,773 reflecting a relatively affluent community. The education level is high, with 57.4% of residents holding a bachelor's degree. The renter population stands at 46.5%, indicating a mixed housing landscape. However, with only 2.5% of residents using public transit, car ownership will be essential for getting around. Expect around 128 rainy days annually, so it might be wise to invest in good rain gear.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a place with strong public transit options or if high housing costs are a concern.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,817, which can be a significant budget consideration for newcomers.
- The median home value is $420,000, reflecting a competitive housing market.
- The community has a 13.2% poverty rate, indicating some economic challenges for a portion of the population.
- With 46.5% of residents renting, the area has a mixed housing profile that may appeal to both renters and owners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Texas has a property crime rate of 1,797.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 16.2% higher than the national average of 1,546.9. The violent crime rate is 345.5 per 100,000, slightly higher than the national average of 325.3, but has seen a 21.8% decrease since 2022.
- Violent crime: 345.5 per 100k vs. national 325.3, with a decreasing trend.
- Property crime: 1,797.7 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, also decreasing.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate is down 35.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Richardson has access to a total of 35 postsecondary institutions in the surrounding areas, including notable schools such as The University of Texas at Dallas and Galen Health Institutes-Dallas. This provides residents with numerous educational opportunities within a short distance.
- Postsecondary institutions: 35
- With College Scorecard data: 34
- Nearby options include The University of Texas at Dallas and The Chicago School-College of Nursing.
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Richardson is surrounded by several parks and outdoor spaces perfect for nearby outings.
- White Rock Lake Park - 4.7 stars (5,058 reviews)
- Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve - 4.8 stars (3,590 reviews)
- Bachman Lake Park - 4.5 stars (4,478 reviews)
- Frontiers of Flight Museum - 4.7 stars (3,553 reviews)
Source: Google Places API (New).