Terrell TX Real Estate Market Data 2026
Key Takeaways:
Terrell's median home price of $265,000 positions it as the Kaufman County seat and the I-20 corridor's most affordable growth market east of Dallas
Annual transactions of 680 are accelerating at 8% year-over-year, driven by DFW commuters and logistics sector workers seeking affordable homeownership
The $200,000–$320,000 segment drives 65% of all closings, with FHA and VA financing representing 38% of transactions
Terrell's Heritage Trails development and downtown revitalization create dual market narratives: modern suburban living and historic small-town character
US Tech Automations helps agents capture Terrell's emerging growth market with affordability positioning tools, commuter targeting, and first-time buyer education workflows
Terrell Market Fundamentals
Terrell is the county seat of Kaufman County, Texas, located approximately 32 miles east of downtown Dallas along the I-20 corridor in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The city's position as the institutional and commercial center of Kaufman County — east of Forney and Mesquite — places it at the eastern edge of the DFW growth frontier where suburban expansion meets rural east Texas, according to Kaufman County geographic records.
What is the current state of the Terrell TX real estate market? According to North Texas Real Estate Information Systems (NTREIS) data, Terrell's 2026 market reflects accelerating growth driven by DFW affordability migration. The $265,000 median home price — 33% below the DFW metro average — attracts buyers priced out of inner-ring suburbs, while the county seat designation provides institutional employment stability. The 3.8% year-over-year appreciation rate is accelerating from 2.5% two years ago, signaling growing market momentum, according to trend analysis.
| Market Indicator | Terrell TX | Forney TX | Kaufman TX | DFW Metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $265,000 | $335,000 | $245,000 | $395,000 |
| Average Sale Price | $282,000 | $355,000 | $258,000 | $425,000 |
| Price per Square Foot | $132 | $148 | $125 | $198 |
| Months of Supply | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 2.6 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 34 | 28 | 38 | 32 |
| Annual Transactions | 680 | 1,850 | 350 | — |
| YoY Appreciation | +3.8% | +4.2% | +3.2% | +3.8% |
According to NTREIS data, Terrell's 4.0-month supply indicates a balanced market with slight buyer advantage — unlike the seller-dominated conditions in Forney (3.8 months) and the broader DFW metro (2.6 months). The 34-day average DOM provides reasonable marketing exposure without excessive listing time, according to market balance analysis.
Terrell's $132 price per square foot is 33% below the DFW metro average of $198, according to NTREIS data — meaning a family that can afford 1,800 square feet in Mesquite can afford 2,700 square feet in Terrell, a space advantage that resonates with growing families.
Transaction Volume and Velocity
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Change (2yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Closed Sales | 580 | 630 | 680 | +17.2% |
| Median Sale Price | $248,000 | $255,000 | $265,000 | +6.9% |
| Total Sales Volume | $144M | $161M | $192M | +33.3% |
| New Listings (Annual) | 650 | 680 | 700 | +7.7% |
| List-to-Close Ratio | 89% | 93% | 97% | Improving |
According to NTREIS trend data, Terrell's 17.2% two-year transaction growth significantly outpaces the DFW metro average, indicating the city is transitioning from a quiet county seat to an active growth market. The improving list-to-close ratio (89% to 97%) confirms tightening market conditions as demand catches up to supply, according to absorption trend analysis.
Is Terrell TX an emerging market? According to market trajectory analysis, Terrell's acceleration pattern — rising transactions, rising prices, tightening supply — mirrors the early growth phase that Forney experienced five years ago. The I-20 corridor infrastructure, county seat employment, and DFW affordability migration all suggest Terrell is in the early stages of a sustained growth cycle, according to comparative growth modeling.
According to NTREIS volume data, Terrell's total sales volume grew 33.3% in two years to $192 million — the fastest volume growth rate in Kaufman County, driven by both transaction growth and price appreciation.
Price Analysis by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Price/Sq Ft | Year Built | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage Trails | $310,000 | $148 | 2018 | Master-planned |
| Ben Gill area | $285,000 | $142 | 2008 | Suburban family |
| Brin area | $265,000 | $135 | 2002 | Established |
| Central Terrell | $225,000 | $122 | 1990 | Value/renovation |
| Historic Downtown | $195,000 | $112 | Pre-1950 | Historic character |
| South Terrell | $240,000 | $128 | 1998 | Affordable family |
According to NTREIS neighborhood-level data, Heritage Trails' $310,000 median leads Terrell's market as the city's premier master-planned community. The $115,000 spread from Historic Downtown ($195,000) to Heritage Trails ($310,000) creates multiple entry points for different buyer segments — from investors renovating downtown properties to families purchasing new construction in master-planned settings, according to community comparison analysis.
Employment and I-20 Corridor Impact
| Employment Center | Workers | Distance | Housing Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaufman County Government | 500+ | In-city | Institutional stability |
| Terrell State Hospital | 1,200+ | In-city | Healthcare employment |
| I-20 Logistics/Distribution | 5,000+ | 5-15 miles | Blue-collar demand |
| Tanger Outlets Terrell | 400+ | Adjacent | Retail employment |
| Dallas Employment (commute) | — | 32 miles | Commuter buyers |
How does employment affect Terrell's housing market? According to the Texas Workforce Commission, Terrell's diverse employment base — anchored by the county government, Terrell State Hospital (1,200+ employees), and the growing I-20 logistics corridor — provides multiple demand drivers. The Terrell State Hospital alone generates consistent housing demand from healthcare workers seeking affordable proximity to their workplace, according to employer-based housing analysis.
According to the Terrell Economic Development Corporation, the I-20 corridor between Forney and Terrell is attracting distribution and logistics facilities that bring employment growth without the residential development pressure of suburban sprawl. This employment-without-housing dynamic creates demand that benefits existing Terrell homeowners and supports appreciation, according to economic development impact analysis.
Buyer Migration and Demographics
| Origin Market | Share of Buyers | Primary Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| Mesquite TX | 22% | Affordability + space |
| Garland TX | 15% | Value migration |
| Dallas (East) | 18% | Suburban migration |
| Forney TX | 8% | Price alternative |
| Kaufman County (other) | 10% | County seat services |
| Other DFW/Out-of-State | 27% | Various |
According to NTREIS buyer origin data, 55% of Terrell buyers migrate from Mesquite (22%), Garland (15%), and eastern Dallas (18%) — communities where rising prices push families toward Terrell's affordability. Agents should target these feeder markets with value-comparison content that quantifies Terrell's space and cost advantages.
| Demographic Indicator | Terrell TX | Kaufman County | DFW Metro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025 est.) | 21,000 | 155,000 | 8,100,000 |
| Median Household Income | $52,000 | $68,000 | $75,000 |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 36.2 | 35.1 |
| Hispanic Population | 32.5% | 22.8% | 22.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58% | 72% | 58% |
According to Census Bureau ACS data, Terrell's $52,000 median household income and 32.5% Hispanic population create a market where bilingual outreach and affordability-focused messaging are essential farming strategies. The 58% owner-occupancy rate — matching the DFW average — indicates balanced housing tenure with both homeowner and renter farming opportunities.
Housing Stock and Construction Profile
| Housing Characteristic | Terrell TX | Kaufman County | DFW Metro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Year Built | 1992 | 2005 | 2002 |
| Homes Built Pre-1970 | 25% | 12% | 12% |
| Homes Built 1970-2000 | 35% | 25% | 22% |
| Homes Built 2000-2015 | 25% | 38% | 38% |
| Homes Built 2015+ | 15% | 25% | 28% |
| Single-Family Share | 82% | 80% | 72% |
According to Kaufman County Appraisal District records, Terrell's 1992 median construction year is older than the Kaufman County average (2005), reflecting the city's established history as a county seat predating the DFW suburban expansion wave. The 25% of homes built before 1970 — concentrated in Historic Downtown and Central Terrell — represent the strongest renovation opportunity in Kaufman County, with acquisition prices of $150,000-$195,000 and after-renovation values of $240,000-$280,000, according to comparable sales analysis.
According to building permit data, Terrell's Heritage Trails development and new subdivision activity along SH-34 have increased new construction's share to 15% of transactions — a growing segment that signals builder confidence in Terrell's growth trajectory. Agents should track these developments as both competitive intelligence and buyer referral opportunities, according to construction trend analysis.
Commission and Agent Economics
| Commission Metric | Terrell TX | Kaufman County | DFW Metro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Commission Rate | 5.2% | 5.15% | 5.1% |
| Agent-Side Commission | 2.6% | 2.58% | 2.55% |
| Commission per Transaction | $6,890 | $8,400 | $10,073 |
| Licensed Agents (Area) | 120 | 420 | — |
| Agents Closing 6+/Year | 22 (18%) | — | 25% |
According to MLS commission data, Terrell's $6,890 median commission reflects the lower price point, but the thin agent competition (120 licensed, only 18% closing 6+) creates strong market share opportunity. The 680 annual transactions divided among 120 agents yields 5.7 transactions-per-agent — above the DFW average of 4.2, according to agent density analysis. US Tech Automations' automated farming workflows help agents capture this above-average opportunity with systematic outreach.
| Farming Level | Monthly Cost | Est. Deals | Annual GCI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (400 homes) | $500 | 3–5 | $20,670–$34,450 |
| Growth (800 homes) | $1,000 | 6–10 | $41,340–$68,900 |
| Dominant (1,500 homes) | $1,600 | 12–18 | $82,680–$124,020 |
Downtown Revitalization and Heritage Market
| Downtown Metric | Value | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Buildings | 40+ | Character-driven sales |
| Downtown Retail Occupancy | 78% | Growing amenity base |
| Planned Investment | $25M+ | Revitalization momentum |
| Historic Home Inventory | 80+ properties | Niche farming opportunity |
| Median Historic Home Price | $195,000 | Deep value entry point |
According to the Terrell Main Street program and the Kaufman County Historical Commission, Terrell's downtown revitalization has attracted $25 million in planned public and private investment over the past three years. The 40+ historic commercial buildings and 80+ historic residential properties create a niche market for agents who develop heritage property expertise — a specialization that differentiates from the subdivision-focused competition, according to historic property market analysis.
According to the Texas Historical Commission, Terrell's historic properties command modest premiums (5-10%) over comparable-age non-historic homes, but they attract a distinct buyer demographic — heritage-conscious professionals and retirees seeking character properties unavailable in master-planned communities. This buyer segment often has higher budgets and lower price sensitivity, improving per-transaction commission potential.
According to Main Street program economic data, downtown Terrell's retail occupancy has increased from 62% to 78% over three years — a revitalization trajectory that directly supports adjacent residential property values and signals growing community investment. The combination of rising retail occupancy, historic preservation activity, and residential renovation is creating a revitalization cycle that compounds property value gains across Terrell's core neighborhoods, rewarding agents who position themselves as downtown area specialists with deep local knowledge.
Property Tax Analysis
| Taxing Entity | Rate per $100 | Annual Tax on $265,000 Home |
|---|---|---|
| City of Terrell | $0.6200 | $1,643 |
| Kaufman County | $0.3500 | $928 |
| Terrell ISD | $1.3400 | $3,551 |
| Kaufman County College | $0.1340 | $355 |
| Kaufman Hospital | $0.1800 | $477 |
| Total Effective Rate | $2.6240 | $6,954 |
According to Kaufman County Tax Assessor records, Terrell's effective tax rate of $2.62 is moderate for the eastern DFW corridor. The $6,954 annual tax bill on a $265,000 home remains accessible for families earning Terrell's $52,000 median income, with the effective monthly tax burden of $580 fitting within standard qualification ratios, according to affordability analysis.
USTA Platform Comparison for Terrell
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affordability Positioning | Auto-generated comparisons | No | No | No |
| Bilingual Workflows | Spanish/English automation | Limited | No | No |
| Commuter Targeting | Distance-based buyer matching | No | No | No |
| Emerging Market Analytics | Growth trajectory tracking | No | No | No |
| FHA/VA Education Sequences | First-time buyer content | No | No | Limited |
| Monthly Cost | $149–$399 | $499+ | $750+ | $395+ |
How to Farm Terrell TX Effectively
Position Terrell as the emerging growth market in the I-20 corridor. According to market data, Terrell's growth trajectory mirrors Forney's early expansion phase — agents who establish now capture early-mover advantage.
Target Mesquite and Garland families with value migration messaging. These two markets supply 37% of Terrell's buyers — quantify the 20-30% price savings and space advantage.
Use US Tech Automations to automate bilingual outreach for the 32.5% Hispanic population. Spanish-language marketing capability is essential in central and south Terrell neighborhoods.
Develop Heritage Trails expertise as your premium listing niche. The master-planned community's $310,000 median attracts the highest-commission transactions in Terrell.
Build relationships with Terrell State Hospital HR for employee referrals. The 1,200+ workers represent a concentrated, stable employment base with consistent housing turnover.
Create commute analysis content for Dallas-employed buyers. The 32-mile I-20 commute to Dallas is Terrell's primary objection — counter with cost-of-living comparisons showing monthly savings that exceed commute costs.
Monitor I-20 logistics corridor development for employment growth signals. New distribution facilities bring jobs that drive housing demand without builders entering the market simultaneously.
Target downtown renovation investors with cash-flow analysis. Historic Downtown properties at $195,000 offer the strongest renovation margins in Kaufman County.
Track Terrell ISD performance improvements as market sentiment indicators. School quality improvements would accelerate appreciation by broadening the city's buyer appeal beyond price-driven purchasers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Terrell TX?
According to NTREIS data, Terrell's median home price is approximately $265,000 — 33% below the DFW metro average and the most affordable growth market in the I-20 corridor.
How fast is Terrell growing?
According to NTREIS data, Terrell's transaction volume has grown 17.2% over two years with 8% annual acceleration, while total sales volume increased 33.3% — indicating the city is transitioning from a quiet county seat to an active growth market.
How does Terrell compare to Forney?
According to comparative data, Terrell's $265,000 median is 21% below Forney ($335,000), offering similar I-20 corridor access at a significantly lower price point with more room for appreciation.
What school district serves Terrell TX?
According to TEA data, Terrell ISD serves the city. School quality is a factor that agents should address proactively with families, emphasizing specific campus improvements and extracurricular opportunities.
How many homes sell in Terrell annually?
According to NTREIS data, Terrell averages approximately 680 residential transactions per year, growing at 8% annually with the $200,000-$320,000 range driving 65% of volume.
Is Terrell TX a good investment?
According to market analysis, Terrell's accelerating growth trajectory, affordability advantage, and I-20 corridor employment expansion make it one of the strongest emerging investment markets in eastern DFW.
What employment centers serve Terrell?
According to economic data, Kaufman County government (500+), Terrell State Hospital (1,200+), I-20 logistics corridor (5,000+), and Tanger Outlets (400+) provide diverse employment support.
What are property taxes in Terrell TX?
According to Kaufman County Tax Assessor records, Terrell's effective rate is $2.62 per $100, resulting in $6,954 annually on a median-priced $265,000 home.
Where do Terrell buyers come from?
According to buyer origin data, 55% of Terrell buyers migrate from Mesquite (22%), eastern Dallas (18%), and Garland (15%) — driven by affordability and space advantages.
What is the best farming strategy for Terrell?
According to market analysis, the most effective approach positions Terrell as an emerging growth market with affordability-first messaging and bilingual outreach — automated through US Tech Automations comparison tools and first-time buyer workflows.
Conclusion: Terrell's Emerging Growth Trajectory
Terrell stands at the inflection point between quiet county seat and active DFW growth market — a transition that rewards early movers. The 17.2% transaction growth, tightening supply, and accelerating appreciation all signal a market entering its growth phase — creating the kind of early-mover opportunity that produced outsized returns for agents who established in Forney five years ago.
The combination of county seat stability, I-20 corridor employment, and deep affordability ($265,000 median) creates a fundamentally sound market with structural demand drivers. Agents who build farming presence now — before Terrell fully transitions from buyer's market to balanced market — position themselves to capture the compounding benefits of rising prices, growing transaction volume, expanding referral networks, and increasing brand recognition across Kaufman County.
US Tech Automations provides the affordability positioning, bilingual automation, and emerging market analytics that Terrell's transitioning market demands. Start farming Terrell's rapidly expanding eastern I-20 growth corridor today.
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