Grand Prairie is a city located in Dallas County, Texas, just southwest of Dallas. With a population of over 175,000 as of the 2010 census, Grand Prairie is the fifteenth most populous city in Texas.
History of Grand Prairie
The area that is now Grand Prairie was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Wichita, and Waco tribes. In the 1840s, European settlers arrived in the area and established farms and ranches. One of the first settlements was called “Duck Creek”, named after the local creek.
In 1863, Duck Creek was renamed Grand Prairie since the flat prairie land was ideal for farming. The first railroad line arrived in Grand Prairie in 1872, helping the town grow by connecting it to major markets. Grand Prairie was incorporated as a city in 1909.
Grand Prairie Population
According to the latest census data, Grand Prairie has a population of 175,396 residents, making it the 15th largest city in Texas and one of the major suburbs in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
The population of Grand Prairie has grown rapidly in recent decades. Since the 1990 census, the population has more than doubled as the Dallas suburbs continue expanding. The racial makeup of Grand Prairie is diverse, with 41.7% White, 19.6% Black, 35.5% Hispanic/Latino, 3.2% Asian, and 3.1% other races.
Grand Prairie Economy and Major Employers
Grand Prairie has a strong and diverse economy. According to the city’s website, major employers in Grand Prairie include:
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics – defense industry, approximately 14,000 employees
- Grand Prairie Independent School District – public schools, approximately 4,000 employees
- Poly America LP – plastic products manufacturing, approximately 1,100 employees
- Bell Helicopter – aerospace manufacturing, approximately 1,000 employees
- Vistra Energy – electric utility, approximately 800 employees
Other key industries in Grand Prairie include retail, healthcare, construction, and warehousing. Grand Prairie benefits from its prime location in the robust Dallas region and proximity to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Attractions and Things to Do in Grand Prairie
Grand Prairie offers many attractions and things to do for both locals and visitors:
- Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark – Massive indoor water park with rides, slides, pools, and more.
- The Fieldhouse – Huge family entertainment center with arcade games, ropes course, zipline and more.
- Grand Prairie Museum – Local history museum with exhibits on pioneer life, aviation, and culture.
- The Theatre at Grand Prairie – This theater hosts concerts and live entertainment.
- Texas AirHogs Baseball – Minor league baseball team playing at the Epicenter stadium.
Outdoor activities can be enjoyed at parks like Mike Lewis Park, Lynn Creek Park, and Turner Park. Grand Prairie also has an abundance of shopping centers and malls such as The Parks Mall at Arlington.
Government
Grand Prairie has a council-manager form of government. The city council consists of the mayor and eight council members representing districts who are elected to two-year terms. The current mayor of Grand Prairie is Ron Jensen.
City services are directed by the city manager, Tom Hart. Major city departments and services include police, fire, water services, streets, public library, parks and recreation, and more. Grand Prairie holds elections for local offices every two years.
Education
Public education in Grand Prairie is provided by the Grand Prairie Independent School District. GPISD operates 36 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, 9 high schools, and specialized academies. There are approximately 26,000 students enrolled in the district.
Some of the largest high schools in GPISD include South Grand Prairie High School, Grand Prairie High School, and Crosswinds High School. Private school options in Grand Prairie include Christian and Catholic schools.
Higher education opportunities are available locally at branches of Dallas College and University of North Texas. Nearby university options include University of Texas at Arlington, University of Dallas, and Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth.
Transportation
The major highways serving Grand Prairie are I-20, I-30, SH-161, and SH-360 for north-south routes, and I-30, SH-303, SH-180, and Loop 12 for east-west routes. This network of freeways and tollways provides connectivity throughout Dallas-Fort Worth.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is located just south of Grand Prairie and provides extensive domestic and international air service. The Trinity Railway Express commuter rail line also connects Grand Prairie to downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth.
Living in Grand Prairie
With its small town roots and booming growth in the Metroplex, Grand Prairie offers a bit of both worlds. Residents can enjoy suburban amenities alongside community events and local pride. The city has invested in quality parks, recreation centers, event facilities, and more to serve its growing population.
Housing options range from new homes in master-planned communities to historic neighborhoods with vintage architecture. Grand Prairie provides an affordable cost of living compared to other Metroplex cities while still boasting a robust economy and job market.
Overall, Grand Prairie is an excellent choice to live, work, and play while being conveniently located in the diverse and thriving Dallas/Fort Worth region.