Plano, Texas, has become one of the best places in America for families. It’s a safe, suburban area near Dallas with great schools, good jobs, and plenty of things for kids to do. In 2025, WalletHub named Plano the 3rd best city in the country for raising a family, and that’s a big reason parents keep moving here.
National Rankings That Matter
Plano doesn’t just look good on paper; it ranks high on lists that families actually use when deciding where to move. WalletHub looked at 180 cities across the U.S. and found that Plano ranked:
- 3rd overall for raising a family
- 5th in health and safety
- 6th in affordability
- 2nd in socio-economics
What this means for families:
- You’ll find good schools and doctors
- The city is safe and stable
- It’s more affordable than many big cities on the coasts
Very Safe Streets
Safety is a huge reason families choose Plano. Crime dropped more than 11% in 2024, hitting the lowest level since the early 1990s, about 16 crimes per 1,000 people.
Here’s what the numbers show:
- Your odds of being a victim of violent crime are about 1 in 617 in Plano, compared to 1 in 246 across Texas
- The violent crime rate is just 1.62 per 1,000 people, much lower than state and national averages
- Plano has one of the lowest murder rates in the entire country at 0.01 per 1,000 people
Parents can feel good knowing their kids are growing up in one of the safest cities around.
Great Schools
Most families care about schools first, and Plano delivers. More than half of the schools score 7 out of 10 or higher on rating sites, and the high school graduation rate is among the highest in the nation.
What this means day-to-day:
- Lots of highly rated elementary, middle, and high schools to choose from
- A community that cares about education and getting kids ready for college
- Homes near top schools tend to hold their value well
Good Jobs and Affordable Living
Plano offers high salaries without the sky-high prices you’d find in downtown Dallas. The median household income is around $113,000, well above the national average.
This creates real benefits:
- Strong job market in tech, finance, and corporate offices
- Families can afford activities, vacations, and savings while managing housing costs
- Only 5.3% of families live below the poverty line, which keeps neighborhoods stable
Tons of Things to Do With Kids
Plano’s parks and recreation programs are outstanding. The city has been called “one giant playground” because of all the options for families.
You’ll find:
- Dozens of parks and playgrounds are close to most neighborhoods
- Recreation centers with pools, gyms, and programs for all ages
- Sports leagues, summer camps, and community events year-round
A Stable Community
Plano has the 4th-highest percentage of two-parent families in the country and very low divorce rates. This creates:
- Strong support systems for kids
- Active involvement in schools and sports
- Neighborhoods where families stay and put down roots
The Bottom Line
Plano keeps attracting families because it delivers on what matters most:
- Ranked the 3rd best city in America for families
- Low crime rates that beat Texas and U.S. averages
- High incomes with reasonable living costs
- Excellent schools with high graduation rates
- Great parks and activities for kids
- A stable, family-focused community
If you’re looking for the best suburbs near Dallas or the safest cities in Texas to raise kids, Plano consistently tops the list.
