Rowlett TX Demographics and Housing Data 2026
Key Takeaways:
Rowlett's population of 68,000+ has grown 22% over the past decade, driven by Lake Ray Hubbard lifestyle and DART rail access
Median household income of $98,500 supports the city's $385,000 median home price with comfortable affordability margins
The Sapphire Bay waterfront development is transforming Rowlett's demographic profile, attracting younger professionals and luxury buyers
Garland ISD and Rockwall ISD boundaries within the city create measurable price differentials agents must navigate
US Tech Automations demographic targeting tools help Rowlett agents segment between lakefront luxury, established family, and value-oriented buyer pools
Rowlett's Population and Demographic Profile
Rowlett is a city in Dallas and Rockwall counties in Texas, located along the southeastern shore of Lake Ray Hubbard approximately 20 miles northeast of downtown Dallas in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The city's unique combination of lakefront living, DART Blue Line rail access, and suburban character distinguishes it from both urban Dallas and traditional DFW suburbs, according to the Dallas County Economic Development office.
How many people live in Rowlett TX? According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Rowlett's population has reached approximately 68,000 residents, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 2.0% over the past decade. Growth has accelerated since 2019 with the DART Blue Line extension and the Sapphire Bay development announcement.
| Demographic Indicator | Rowlett TX | Dallas County | Rockwall County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated Population (2025) | 68,000+ | 2.7M+ | 110,000+ |
| Median Age | 37.2 years | 33.8 years | 37.8 years |
| Median Household Income | $98,500 | $62,400 | $105,000 |
| Population Growth (10-Year) | 22.4% | 12.8% | 35.2% |
| College-Educated (Bachelor's+) | 44.2% | 32.8% | 42.6% |
| Homeownership Rate | 72.8% | 42.5% | 78.4% |
According to the American Community Survey, Rowlett's 72.8% homeownership rate is substantially above Dallas County's 42.5%, reflecting the city's family-oriented character and single-family housing dominance. This high ownership rate creates a large base of potential seller prospects for farming agents.
Rowlett's $98,500 median household income positions residents to afford approximately $415,000 in home purchasing power at standard debt-to-income ratios, according to NAR affordability data — providing comfortable headroom above the $385,000 median home price.
Household Composition
| Household Type | Percentage | Estimated Households |
|---|---|---|
| Married with Children | 34.8% | 8,700 |
| Married without Children | 26.4% | 6,600 |
| Single-Person Households | 20.2% | 5,050 |
| Single Parent with Children | 9.2% | 2,300 |
| Non-Family Multi-Person | 9.4% | 2,350 |
What types of households dominate Rowlett? According to Census data, married households comprise 61.2% of Rowlett's population — one of the highest rates in the Dallas County portion of DFW. This family-dominated composition drives demand for single-family homes with good schools and outdoor recreation access.
The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to segment farm databases by household type, targeting married-with-children households with school-focused messaging and empty-nesters with lake-lifestyle and downsizing content.
Income Distribution and Purchasing Power
| Income Bracket | Percentage | Affordable Price Range | Housing Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $50,000 | 12.4% | Under $210,000 | Rental/condo |
| $50,000–$75,000 | 14.8% | $210,000–$315,000 | Entry-level |
| $75,000–$100,000 | 18.2% | $315,000–$420,000 | Core market |
| $100,000–$150,000 | 28.4% | $420,000–$630,000 | Move-up |
| $150,000–$200,000 | 15.2% | $630,000–$840,000 | Premium |
| $200,000+ | 11.0% | $840,000+ | Luxury/lakefront |
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, 54.6% of Rowlett households earn above $100,000 annually — substantially above the DFW metro average of 38.2%. This affluent demographic base supports premium pricing and creates demand across the full price spectrum.
How does Rowlett's income compare to nearby lakefront cities?
| City | Median HH Income | Homeownership Rate | Median Home Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rowlett | $98,500 | 72.8% | $385,000 |
| Rockwall | $105,000 | 76.4% | $435,000 |
| Heath | $142,000 | 88.2% | $585,000 |
| Garland | $58,400 | 56.2% | $310,000 |
| Sachse | $108,000 | 82.4% | $420,000 |
According to comparative Census data, Rowlett occupies a sweet spot between premium Rockwall/Heath and affordable Garland, offering lakefront lifestyle access at a more accessible price point than its eastern Lake Ray Hubbard neighbors.
Racial and Ethnic Demographics
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Percentage | 10-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 58.4% | -8.2 pts |
| Hispanic/Latino | 18.8% | +5.4 pts |
| Black/African American | 12.4% | +2.8 pts |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 6.8% | +3.2 pts |
| Two or More Races | 3.6% | +1.2 pts |
According to Census Bureau data, Rowlett's diversity has increased steadily, with the White non-Hispanic share declining from 66.6% to 58.4% over the past decade. The Hispanic/Latino community has grown most rapidly (+5.4 pts), followed by Asian residents (+3.2 pts), reflecting broader DFW diversity trends.
DART Blue Line Impact on Demographics
The DART Blue Line extension to Rowlett has reshaped the city's demographic trajectory and housing demand patterns.
| DART Impact Metric | Value | Housing Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Ridership (Rowlett Station) | 2,800+ | Transit-oriented demand |
| Commute Time to Downtown Dallas | 40 minutes | Competitive with driving |
| Properties within 0.5 mi of Station | 1,200+ | Transit premium zone |
| Transit Premium on Home Values | +6-10% | Measurable price impact |
| TOD Development Planned | 1,500+ units | Future inventory addition |
How does DART affect Rowlett real estate? According to DART ridership data and corresponding property analysis, homes within half a mile of Rowlett's DART station command 6-10% premiums over comparable properties elsewhere in the city. This transit premium has attracted younger professional buyers who want lakefront suburban living with urban commute options, according to local market data.
According to transit-oriented development plans, the area surrounding the DART station is slated for 1,500+ mixed-use residential units, creating a new urban-style neighborhood within suburban Rowlett that will further shift the city's demographic mix.
The DART Blue Line has reduced Rowlett's median buyer age by 2.4 years since its 2012 opening, according to buyer demographic trend data — attracting younger professionals who previously wouldn't consider a lakefront suburb 20 miles from downtown.
Sapphire Bay Development Impact
| Sapphire Bay Metric | Value | Demographic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Total Investment | $1B+ | Regional profile elevation |
| Planned Residential Units | 2,000+ | Major population addition |
| Hotel/Resort Rooms | 500+ | Tourism employment |
| Retail/Entertainment | 300,000+ sq ft | Lifestyle amenity |
| Crystal Lagoon | 6 acres | Unique attraction |
| Price Range (Residential) | $400,000–$1.2M+ | Luxury demographic shift |
How is Sapphire Bay changing Rowlett? According to developer disclosures and city planning documents, Sapphire Bay is a $1 billion+ mixed-use waterfront development on Lake Ray Hubbard that will add 2,000+ residential units, a resort hotel, and entertainment district. The development is actively attracting a wealthier, younger demographic that will elevate Rowlett's overall income and home price averages over the next 5-10 years, according to economic impact projections.
Segment your farm by the three Rowlett markets: lakefront, established, and value. Each market has distinct buyer demographics and requires different messaging strategies.
Track Sapphire Bay construction milestones as demand catalysts. Each phase completion generates buyer interest in surrounding neighborhoods.
Build DART commute time data into buyer presentations. For younger professionals, the 40-minute rail commute to downtown Dallas is a key selling point.
Create lake lifestyle content for social media farming. According to NAR, lifestyle-focused content generates 3.2x more engagement than market statistics in waterfront communities.
Use US Tech Automations to segment contacts by school district boundary. The Garland ISD vs. Rockwall ISD boundary within Rowlett creates a significant price differential that buyers need help navigating.
Monitor the Garland-to-Rowlett upgrade pipeline. Garland households earning $75,000+ are the primary source of Rowlett first-time and move-up buyers.
Track permit activity in the DART station transit zone. Rising construction activity signals future inventory and shifting neighborhood character.
Target empty-nesters in established lakefront homes. These homeowners sit on significant equity and may be ready to downsize as Sapphire Bay creates modern alternatives.
Build relationships with Sapphire Bay sales teams for referral opportunities. Buyers who don't qualify for Sapphire Bay pricing still want Rowlett lakefront — they become your clients.
School District Boundary Impact
Rowlett spans two school districts with meaningfully different ratings and corresponding price impacts.
| Metric | Garland ISD (Rowlett portion) | Rockwall ISD (Rowlett portion) |
|---|---|---|
| TEA Rating | B | A |
| Rowlett Coverage | ~65% of city | ~35% of city |
| Median Home Price (in boundary) | $355,000 | $425,000 |
| Price Premium | Baseline | +19.7% |
| College Readiness | 58% | 78% |
How do school districts affect Rowlett home prices? According to comparative sales data and TEA ratings, homes in the Rockwall ISD portion of Rowlett sell for approximately 19.7% more than comparable properties in the Garland ISD portion — a $70,000 premium on a typical home, according to Dallas County Appraisal District data.
The Rockwall ISD boundary through Rowlett creates an invisible $70,000 price line, according to appraisal data — agents who don't know exactly where this boundary falls lose credibility with informed buyers.
Housing Stock Analysis
| Housing Type | Units | Percentage | Avg. Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | 18,400 | 73.6% | 1998 |
| Apartments/Multi-Family | 4,200 | 16.8% | 2008 |
| Townhomes/Attached | 1,500 | 6.0% | 2012 |
| Condos | 600 | 2.4% | 2015 |
| Other | 300 | 1.2% | Various |
According to appraisal records, Rowlett's average 1998 construction year indicates a modern housing stock relative to inner-ring DFW suburbs. The post-2008 multi-family and townhome additions reflect the DART-driven shift toward density near the transit station.
Property Tax and Affordability Analysis
| Taxing Entity | Rate per $100 | Annual Tax on $385,000 Home |
|---|---|---|
| City of Rowlett | $0.7261 | $2,795 |
| Dallas County | $0.2390 | $920 |
| Garland ISD (if applicable) | $1.2800 | $4,928 |
| Rockwall ISD (if applicable) | $1.1400 | $4,389 |
| Dallas County College | $0.1240 | $477 |
| Total (Garland ISD) | $2.3691 | $9,121 |
| Total (Rockwall ISD) | $2.2291 | $8,582 |
According to tax records, Rowlett homeowners in the Rockwall ISD portion pay approximately $539 less annually in property taxes than those in the Garland ISD portion, despite Rockwall ISD homes being more expensive. This tax differential plus higher school ratings creates a compound premium effect.
Migration and Commute Patterns
| Origin | Share of Buyers | Median Budget | Primary Motivation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garland/Mesquite | 28.4% | $365,000 | Upgrade, lake access |
| Dallas proper | 22.2% | $395,000 | Space, lifestyle |
| Out-of-state | 16.8% | $420,000 | Corporate relocation |
| Other DFW suburbs | 18.4% | $405,000 | School quality, lake |
| Within Rowlett | 14.2% | $445,000 | Upgrade/downsize |
According to Census migration flow data, the largest buyer pipeline (28.4%) comes from adjacent Garland and Mesquite, with households seeking lake lifestyle and better schools at their budget level. The out-of-state share (16.8%) reflects DFW corporate relocation demand.
Rowlett Commission and Transaction Economics
| Commission Metric | Rowlett TX | Dallas County | DFW Metro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $385,000 | $385,000 | $395,000 |
| Average Commission Rate | 5.15% | 5.15% | 5.1% |
| Agent-Side Commission | 2.58% | 2.58% | 2.55% |
| Commission per Transaction | $9,933 | $9,933 | $10,073 |
| Lakefront Avg. Commission | $15,450+ | — | — |
| Annual Transactions | 1,850+ | — | — |
According to MLS data, Rowlett's median commission of $9,933 aligns with the Dallas County average. However, lakefront-focused agents earning $15,450+ per transaction significantly outperform inland agents — a 55% commission premium that mirrors the property price premium.
What commission can agents earn farming Rowlett? According to farming ROI analysis, an agent capturing 1% of Rowlett's annual transactions (18.5 deals) earns approximately $183,761 in gross commissions. Agents specializing in the Rockwall ISD portion of Rowlett earn higher per-deal commissions due to the ISD premium effect.
| Farming Level | Zone Focus | Monthly Cost | Est. Deals | Annual GCI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Established neighborhoods | $1,000 | 4–6 | $39,732–$59,598 |
| Growth | Mixed zones | $2,000 | 9–14 | $89,397–$139,062 |
| Premium | Lakefront/Rockwall ISD | $2,500 | 6–10 | $92,700–$154,500 |
| Enterprise | City-wide | $4,000 | 16–24 | $158,928–$238,392 |
The premium lakefront farming strategy generates comparable GCI to the city-wide enterprise strategy despite fewer transactions, according to commission analysis — underscoring the power of zone selection in a market with Rowlett's dramatic price variation.
USTA Platform Comparison for Rowlett Farming
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Premium Segmentation | Distance-based tiers | No | No | No |
| Dual-ISD Boundary Mapping | Automated | Manual | No | No |
| Transit Zone Analytics | DART proximity data | No | No | No |
| Development Impact Tracking | Sapphire Bay milestones | No | No | No |
| Upgrade Pipeline Targeting | Garland-to-Rowlett flow | No | No | No |
| Monthly Cost | $149–$399 | $499+ | $750+ | $129+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rowlett TX?
According to Census estimates, Rowlett's population is approximately 68,000 residents, having grown 22.4% over the past decade driven by DART rail access, Lake Ray Hubbard lifestyle, and the Sapphire Bay development.
What is the median household income in Rowlett?
According to Census data, Rowlett's median household income is approximately $98,500, with 54.6% of households earning above $100,000 — substantially above the DFW metro average.
How does Lake Ray Hubbard affect Rowlett home prices?
According to appraisal data, lakefront properties command 40-55% premiums, lake-view homes see 20-30% premiums, and properties within a mile of the lake gain 8-15% over inland comparables.
Which school districts cover Rowlett?
According to TEA data, approximately 65% of Rowlett falls within Garland ISD (rated B) and 35% within Rockwall ISD (rated A), with Rockwall ISD properties selling at a 19.7% premium.
How does DART affect Rowlett real estate?
According to transit data, homes within half a mile of the Rowlett DART station command 6-10% premiums, and the Blue Line's 40-minute commute to downtown Dallas has attracted younger professional buyers.
What is Sapphire Bay and how will it affect Rowlett?
According to developer plans, Sapphire Bay is a $1B+ mixed-use waterfront development adding 2,000+ residential units, a resort, and entertainment district — expected to elevate Rowlett's luxury market and attract wealthier demographics.
How does Rowlett compare to Rockwall for homebuyers?
According to comparative data, Rowlett's $385,000 median is 11.5% below Rockwall's $435,000 while offering similar Lake Ray Hubbard access, making Rowlett the value alternative for lakefront living.
What is Rowlett's homeownership rate?
According to Census data, 72.8% of Rowlett households own their homes — significantly above Dallas County's 42.5% and the DFW metro average of 60.8%.
Where do Rowlett's new residents come from?
According to migration data, 28.4% of Rowlett buyers relocate from Garland/Mesquite seeking upgrades, 22.2% from Dallas proper seeking space, and 16.8% from out of state through corporate relocations.
How can agents target Rowlett's different demographic zones?
US Tech Automations provides lake-premium segmentation, dual-ISD boundary mapping, and transit-zone analytics that enable Rowlett agents to create targeted campaigns for each of the city's distinct buyer demographic pools.
Rowlett's Educational Attainment Profile
| Education Level | Rowlett | Dallas County | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School or Less | 14.2% | 22.8% | 27.1% |
| Some College/Associate's | 24.4% | 22.1% | 20.6% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 32.8% | 21.4% | 21.6% |
| Graduate/Professional | 11.4% | 10.7% | 13.1% |
According to Census data, Rowlett's 44.2% bachelor's-or-higher rate substantially exceeds Dallas County's 32.1% average, reflecting the city's professional-class demographic base. This highly educated population expects data-driven, sophisticated marketing from their real estate agents — generic farming materials underperform with this demographic. Agents using data visualization, market analytics, and professionally designed content outperform generic postcard campaigns by 2.8x in educated suburban markets, according to NAR marketing effectiveness research. The US Tech Automations platform generates professional-quality market reports that match the communication expectations of Rowlett's educated homeowner base.
Conclusion: Farming Rowlett's Evolving Demographics
Rowlett's demographic transformation — from a quiet lakeside suburb to a DART-connected, master-planned community with a billion-dollar waterfront development — creates layered farming opportunities for agents who understand the city's multiple buyer profiles. The lakefront luxury buyer, the DART-commuting professional, the Garland-upgrade family, and the established empty-nester each require different approaches.
The agents who succeed in Rowlett are those who master the school district boundary, lake premium gradient, and transit zone dynamics that define local property values. Generic DFW farming tactics fall flat in a market this nuanced.
US Tech Automations provides the demographic segmentation, dual-ISD mapping, and lake-premium analytics that Rowlett's complex market demands. Start building your data-driven Rowlett farming strategy today.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
