Carrollton

by The Linguist

With a population of over 139,000 as of the 2020 census, Carrollton is one of the largest suburbs of Dallas, Texas. Located just north of Dallas, Carrollton has grown rapidly in recent decades as families and businesses are attracted to its central location, strong economy and high quality of life.

Population and Demographics

Carrollton saw its population boom beginning in the 1970s, growing from a small farming community of 2,700 in 1970 to over 46,000 by 1990. Much of this growth came as Dallas expanded northward and Carrollton became a prime location for affordable suburban housing. Today, Carrollton is home to over 139,000 residents according to 2020 census data, making it the 16th largest city in the Dallas metro area.

The population of Carrollton is highly diverse, with non-Hispanic whites making up about 41% of the population as of 2020. Hispanics are the largest minority group at over 35% of the population, while Asians make up another 10%. The city also has sizable African American (10%) and other minority populations.

Carrollton attracts families with its safe neighborhoods, quality schools and abundance of parks and recreational facilities. The median age is 33.5 years old and over 30% of households have children under 18. At the same time, seniors make up only 8% of the population, giving Carrollton a vibrant, youthful vibe.

Economy and Major Employers

Carrollton has a strong, diverse economy anchored by several major companies in sectors like technology, financial services, manufacturing and consumer goods. Some of the top employers in Carrollton include:

In addition to the major corporate employers, Carrollton has a vibrant small business community across sectors like healthcare, professional services, construction and retail. Carrollton’s location along Interstate 35E and proximity to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport also makes it attractive to logistics and distribution companies.

The city has a median household income of $74,800, above the national median. The unemployment rate as of June 2022 was just 3.6%, lower than county, state and national unemployment levels. The local economy benefits from Carrollton’s skilled workforce and highly educated population, with 48% of adults holding an Associate’s degree or higher.

Attractions and Things to Do

While Carrollton has grown significantly, it still retains the small-town feel and community spirit that led Money Magazine to name it one of the “Best Places to Live in America.” The city celebrates its heritage through annual festivals like Carrollton Festival at the Switchyard and Oktoberfest.

Popular attractions include:

The city also has a well-regarded public library system with a main branch located in historic Old Downtown Carrollton. For shopping, dining and nightlife, the city has a vibrant downtown square as well as modern additions like the Carrollton Town Center complex.

Sports and Recreation

Residents of Carrollton have their pick of parks, trails, recreational facilities and sports leagues to stay active all year round. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department operates over 1,000 acres of park land, including the large Josey Ranch Lake Park. There are over 30 miles of hike and bike trails in Carrollton winding along creeks and greenbelts.

Popular sports leagues include:

For pro sports, many Carrollton residents root for the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers. The city is less than 20 miles from both downtown Dallas and Arlington, home of the Cowboys and Rangers stadiums.

Moving to Carrollton

With its ideal location, booming economy and high quality of life, it’s no surprise that Carrollton is a popular destination for families and businesses relocating to the Dallas metro area. The average home price is affordable for the region at around $340,000, though prices have risen sharply in the hot real estate market of recent years.

Newcomers will find a warm, welcoming community in Carrollton. Nearly 40% of residents were born outside of Texas, so transplants are common and quickly become a part of community groups, faith congregations and neighborhood events.