The story of this market
The typical home in Denton, Texas sells for about $380,995, or $191 per square foot.
Prices are down 3.5% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 63 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,390 a month.
Monthly price momentum
Home values since 2015
+1.1%
TX · past 12 months
Freddie Mac House Price Index, single-family homes, monthly through 2026-08. Each line starts at 100 in January 2015, so a reading of 180 means prices are up 80% since then.
Denton, Texas
The Denton housing market is currently experiencing a period of adjustment, characterized by a slight year-over-year decline in median prices and a moderate increase in days on market. Despite these shifts, the city remains a seller's market due to sustained demand and limited inventory. The local economy, bolstered by major educational institutions, continues to provide a stable foundation for long-term growth.
1 verified foreclosure posting(s) on the ARED county ledger attributed to Denton across its county. Key-figure check: median price corroborated by the prior refresh cycle (within 12.5%).
Deterministic aggregate of 5 researched ZIP reports — sales_count-weighted (population fallback); per point, children lacking the value or its weight are excluded. Tax rates, sentiment and context notes are tier-native and never roll.
Median prices moved down 2.7% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 66 days on market with 0.5 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
3% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 11.16% of asking — demand is holding steady.
1 foreclosure-ledger notice — 0.1 per 10,000 residents · unemployment 4.1% · poverty 15.8% — a stable, low-distress profile.
- Texas Motor Speedway4.715.2 mi
- Meow Wolf Grapevine's The Real Unreal4.418 mi
- Grandscape4.718.5 mi
- Legacy Hall4.620 mi
- Cosm Dallas418.6 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park4.713.3 mi
- Cinemark Denton 144.53.4 mi
- Cinemark Roanoke and XD4.615.8 mi
- Old Alton Bridge4.46.2 mi
- Slick City Action Park4.82.7 mi
- Meow Wolf Grapevine's The Real Unreal4.418 mi
- National Videogame Museum4.817.9 mi
- Historic Downtown Grapevine4.819.7 mi
- Denton Square4.80.1 mi
- Grapevine Vintage Railroad4.219.8 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park4.713.3 mi
- Little Elm Park4.611.5 mi
- Old Alton Bridge4.46.2 mi
- Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Johnson Branch Unit4.615.4 mi
- Sharkarosa Zoo4.514.5 mi
- Lake Park Golf Course412.6 mi
- Golf Clubs at The Tribute4.514 mi
- Frisco Lakes Golf Club414 mi
- Oakmont Country Club4.35.2 mi
- Bridlewood Golf Club4.211.8 mi
- Tanger Outlets Fort Worth4.515.9 mi
- H-E-B4.714.4 mi
- Texas-Tulips, LLC3.814.5 mi
- Golden Triangle Mall3.92.3 mi
- WinCo Foods4.62.1 mi
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport4.123.1 mi
- Dallas Love Field4.430.6 mi
- Capital One Lounge at DFW422.6 mi
- The Club DFW3.922.5 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
The amenity base that shapes daily life and property demand in this city — what residents actually live with, and what the pipeline is adding.
The heart of the city featuring historic architecture, local boutiques, and a variety of dining options. It serves as the primary social and cultural anchor for the community.
A major public research university that drives the local economy and provides extensive cultural and athletic amenities to the city.
A large municipal park offering sports fields, fishing ponds, and extensive walking trails for residents.
A significant educational institution that contributes to the city's intellectual and cultural landscape.
Denton is an ideal fit for families seeking a balance of suburban living and academic culture, as well as commuters who benefit from its position in the North Texas corridor. The city also attracts investors looking for stable rental demand driven by the university presence and downsizers drawn to the historic downtown area. Its diverse housing stock accommodates a wide range of budgets and lifestyle preferences.
The city is primarily served by the Denton Independent School District, which is recognized for its comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs. The district maintains a mix of highly-rated campuses and continues to expand facilities to accommodate rapid enrollment growth. School quality is a primary driver for family-oriented housing demand in the area.
The city is served by major highway corridors including I-35E and I-35W, facilitating regional connectivity. Public transit options include local bus services and the A-train commuter rail, which connects Denton to the broader DFW transit network.
Denton offers a robust amenity base centered around the historic Denton Square, which serves as a hub for local dining, shopping, and entertainment. The city features extensive park systems like North Lakes Park and numerous trails that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Proximity to major universities provides residents with access to collegiate sports, cultural events, and museum facilities.
The rental market in Denton is heavily influenced by the large student population from UNT and TWU, creating consistent demand for multi-family and single-family rentals. While vacancy pressure remains moderate, the influx of new apartment construction has stabilized rent growth. Investors remain active in the market, particularly in areas adjacent to the university campuses.
Denton's economy is anchored by the education sector, with UNT and TWU serving as primary employers. The city also maintains a strong presence in healthcare and manufacturing, benefiting from its strategic location in the DFW metroplex.
Denton serves as a major economic hub in North Texas, anchored by the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University. The city benefits from a diverse industry mix including education, healthcare, and manufacturing, with ongoing infrastructure investments supporting residential and commercial expansion. Development momentum remains strong as the city balances its historic character with modern growth needs.
The city continues to approve and oversee various mixed-use and residential developments, particularly in the northern and western sectors. Planning efforts focus on sustainable growth and maintaining the city's unique character while expanding infrastructure capacity.
Parcels in Denton may be subject to various special districts, including MUDs and PIDs in newer developments, as well as specific utility and flood control districts managed at the county or municipal level.
Denton experiences crime rates that are generally consistent with other mid-sized cities in the North Texas region. Local law enforcement focuses on community-oriented policing to address property and violent crime trends. Residents are encouraged to utilize city-provided crime mapping tools to stay informed on neighborhood-specific activity.
Denton faces standard North Texas climate risks, including severe thunderstorms, occasional hail, and high summer temperatures. Flood risk is localized to specific drainage basins and floodplains, which are managed through city infrastructure projects. Property insurance premiums are influenced by regional exposure to wind and hail events.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Texas) — Senior (65+) and Disabled Homestead Exemption and School Tax Ceiling: Grants an additional mandatory $10,000 exemption from ISD appraised value (Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100,000 - $10,000) and establishes an absolute statutory tax freeze (school tax ceiling): total ISD property taxes cannot exceed the dollar ceiling established in the… State (Texas) — General Residence Homestead Exemption and 10% Valuation Growth Cap: Imposes mandatory state-level valuation deductions and growth limitations on the qualifying homestead: (1) Mandates a $100,000 deduction from appraised value for independent school district (ISD) maintenance and operations/debt taxation: Taxable Value_ISD = Appraised Value - $100… State (Texas) — Ad Valorem Real Property Taxation and Assessment Ratio: Mandates ad valorem appraisal of all real property at 100% of fair market value as of January 1 each tax year (Assessment Ratio = 1.00).
Researched annual trajectory for this city, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 12.0%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov for Denton city, Texas.
The federal school roster could not be retrieved on the last refresh — no list is shown rather than an unverified one. Source: NCES EDGE public school locations 2023-24.
applies when — Applies to residential parcels situated within Freshwater Supply Districts (FWSDs) or Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs), common in developments near Aubrey, Little Elm, Frisco, and Celina.
Subjects parcels to an additional separate ad valorem property tax levy—typically ranging between $0.19 and $0.65 per $100 for FWSDs, and up to $1.00+ per $100 for MUDs—to amortize water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure debt. Sellers are statutorily required under Texas Water Code Section 49.452 to deliver a mandatory district disclosure notice to purchasers prior to contract execution detailing outstanding bonded indebtedness and tax rates.
Authorized and organized under Texas Water Code Chapters 49, 51, and 54.
applies when — Applies to all parcels in the unincorporated territory of Denton County during declared drought, elevated wildfire risk, or burn-ban orders.
Prohibits all outdoor burning of brush, yard waste, and open-pit refuse when burn bans are enacted by the Denton County Commissioners Court or County Judge. Enforces Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) outdoor burning limits year-round; strictly forbids burning household trash, treated wood, tires, or construction debris. Violations constitute a Class C misdemeanor punishable by criminal fines up to $500 per day.
Enacted under Texas Local Government Code Section 352.081 and 30 TAC Sections 111.201-111.221.
applies when — Applies to residential parcels situated within the designated Lake Ray Roberts Planning and Zoning perimeter jurisdiction in northern Denton County.
Imposes county-administered zoning and land use restrictions rare for Texas counties. Restricts parcel development to designated zoning classifications, enforces mandatory structural setbacks, establishes minimum lot dimensions, requires mandatory zoning notations on recorded subdivision plats, and subjects building designs to special commission review to protect the Lake Ray Roberts reservoir watershed.
Established under Texas Local Government Code Section 231.131 et seq. and administered by the Lake Ray Roberts Planning & Zoning Commission.
applies when — Applies to parcels in unincorporated Denton County abutting county-maintained rights-of-way that construct or alter private vehicular access points.
Requires landowners to obtain a driveway culvert permit and right-of-way permit from Denton County Development Services before constructing, altering, or installing any driveway or access connection within dedicated county rights-of-way. Mandates county sizing and engineering standards for culverts to maintain roadside drainage and clear sight distances.
Authorized under Texas Transportation Code Chapters 251 and 255 and county development regulations.
applies when — Applies to residential parcels in unincorporated Denton County utilizing decentralized wastewater or septic systems rather than centralized municipal or utility district sewer.
Requires parcel owners to obtain an OSSF Permit to Construct and pass specialized final inspections through the Environmental Health Division of Denton County Public Health before operating a private septic system. Imposes minimum lot size limits, mandatory soil and site evaluations, setback constraints from property lines and water wells, and ongoing maintenance contract obligations for aerobic treatment units.
Governed by Denton County OSSF Order under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 366 and 30 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 285.
applies when — Applies to parcels containing or intersecting a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (100-year floodplain / Base Flood Elevation) in unincorporated Denton County.
Prohibits any residential construction, fill, or alteration without a Denton County Floodplain Development Permit backed by certified engineering studies demonstrating no rise in the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and no obstruction to floodway flow. Mandates that all finished lowest floor elevations of habitable residential structures be constructed at least two feet above the 100-year Base Flood Elevation (2-foot freeboard).
Enforced by Denton County Development Services under Texas Water Code Chapter 16 and FEMA NFIP standards.
Requires non-judicial mortgage foreclosure sales and delinquent ad valorem tax sales to be posted at least 21 days in advance with the Denton County Clerk and conducted on the first Tuesday of each month between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the designated area of the Denton County Courts Building/Courthouse. Foreclosed parcels sold for delinquent taxes remain encumbered by statutory redemption periods (up to two years for residence homesteads under Texas Tax Code Section 34.21).
Codified under Texas Property Code Section 51.002 and Texas Tax Code Chapter 34.
Total property tax liability is composed additively across all overlapping jurisdictions: Total Tax = [County Tax Rate x (Value - County Exemptions)] + [School District Rate x (Value - School Exemptions)] + [City Rate x (Value - City Exemptions)] + [Special District Rate x (Value - District Exemptions)]. School rates constitute the largest component (~$1.2069 per $100 in Denton ISD), followed by municipal rates (e.g., ~$0.5954 per $100 in City of Denton), producing an aggregate composite rate typically between $1.66 and $1.99 per $100 before special district additions.
Texas Tax Code Chapter 26 governs truth-in-taxation and composite tax assessment procedures.
≈ $4,598/yr on a $380,995 median
Imposes the county ad valorem tax rate of $0.185938 per $100 of taxable assessed valuation (FY 2025/2026). Tax liability formula: Tax = (Appraised Value - Applicable County Exemptions) x ($0.185938 / 100). The county offers optional local homestead exemptions as adopted by the Commissioners Court, distinct from state-mandated school homestead exemptions ($100,000 for tax year 2025, expanding under Prop 13).
Adopted annually by the Denton County Commissioners Court pursuant to Texas Tax Code Chapter 26.
≈ $708/yr on a $380,995 median
applies when — Applies to residential parcels being divided, replatted, or developed outside municipal corporate limits (unincorporated Denton County) or within extraterritorial jurisdictions governed by county interlocal agreements.
Mandates formal plat approval by the Denton County Commissioners Court prior to recording or selling subdivided lots. Requires minimum 60-foot lot frontage, 30-foot building setback lines, a dedicated 16-foot utility easement along road rights-of-way, approved drainage infrastructure plans, and will-serve letters for utilities (or approved groundwater availability certification). Construction must be completed within two years of approval or face plat review expiration.
Adopted by the Denton County Commissioners Court pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Chapter 232.
Mandates annual valuation of real property as of January 1 under mass appraisal standards. Establishes the taxable base for all overlapping taxing jurisdictions. Imposes a 10% statutory cap on annual homestead assessed value increases under Texas Tax Code Section 23.23. Owners are bound by statutory protest filing deadlines (typically May 15 or 30 days after the Notice of Appraised Value is delivered) before the Appraisal Review Board (ARB).
Governed by Texas Tax Code Chapters 6, 23, 25, and 41; administered by Denton Central Appraisal District.
Governance registry — every jurisdiction re-researches on a rolling 90-day cycle. Property reports compose these inherited burdens into a per-parcel ledger with conditional determinations. Informational only — not legal advice.