πŸ“ Kaufman County, Texas

The Ultimate Guide to
Kaufman County Living

Everything you need to know about moving to one of America's fastest-growing counties β€” just 25 miles east of Dallas.

185,000+ County Population
#1 Fastest Growing in TX
$345K Median Home Price
25 mi to Downtown Dallas
0% State Income Tax
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Latest Kaufman County News

Auto-updated every 2 days from local and regional news sources

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Why People Are Moving to Kaufman County

Discover what makes this one of the most sought-after destinations in North Texas

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Affordable Homes

Median home prices 20-30% below Dallas proper, with brand-new master-planned communities offering modern amenities and top-tier finishes.

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Easy Dallas Access

Forney sits just 25 miles east of downtown Dallas on I-20. Most residents can reach major employment centers in 35–55 minutes.

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Growing Schools

Multiple school districts serve the county, from rapidly expanding Forney ISD to top-rated Sunnyvale ISD and sought-after Rockwall ISD in Heath.

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No State Income Tax

Texas has no state income tax, keeping more money in your pocket. Combined with lower home prices, the value proposition is hard to beat.

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Room to Grow

Spacious lots, master-planned communities with pools and trails, and wide-open spaces give families the room they need without sacrificing convenience.

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Strong Community

Small-town friendliness with big-city amenities. Active HOA communities, youth sports, local events, and a genuine sense of neighborhood belonging.

Explore the Neighborhoods

From lakefront luxury to new-build affordability β€” find your perfect community

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Fast-growing suburban

Forney

From $280K – $550K
πŸ“ 25 miles to Dallas πŸŽ“ Forney ISD
  • 25 miles east of downtown Dallas on I-20
  • Largest new construction market in Kaufman County
  • 10+ master-planned communities with resort amenities
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Upscale lakefront

Heath

From $450K – $1.2M+
πŸ“ 27 miles to Dallas πŸŽ“ Rockwall ISD
  • Lake Ray Hubbard waterfront properties
  • Top-rated Rockwall ISD (9/10)
  • Lowest crime rates in the county
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Historic small town

Terrell

From $190K – $420K
πŸ“ 35 miles to Dallas πŸŽ“ Terrell ISD
  • Most affordable homes of any major Kaufman County city
  • Historic downtown with local shops and restaurants
  • Tanger Outlets on I-20 β€” major regional shopping
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Classic small-town Texas

Kaufman

From $160K – $350K
πŸ“ 40 miles to Dallas πŸŽ“ Kaufman ISD
  • Most affordable home prices in the county
  • Beautiful historic courthouse square
  • Authentic small-town Texas character
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Affluent small-town enclave

Sunnyvale

From $380K – $800K+
πŸ“ 20 miles to Dallas πŸŽ“ Sunnyvale ISD
  • Sunnyvale ISD β€” 9-10/10 rated, top DFW district
  • Larger lots, more spacious than typical suburbs
  • Controlled growth preserves community quality
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Affordable growth corridor

Crandall

From $240K – $450K
πŸ“ 30 miles to Dallas πŸŽ“ Crandall ISD
  • Heartland β€” one of North Texas's largest master-planned communities
  • Some of the most affordable new construction in the county
  • More rural/spacious character than Forney
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Kaufman County Real Estate

A market shaped by explosive growth, new construction, and Dallas overflow demand

$345K
Median Sale Price
38
Avg Days on Market
10+
Master-Planned Communities
8+
Major Home Builders
New Construction Capital: Kaufman County is dominated by new construction. Major builders like D.R. Horton, Lennar, Highland Homes, and Pulte are actively building here, meaning you can often get a brand-new home for less than a used home in Dallas or the suburbs.
Full Real Estate Guide

How Does the Cost of Living Stack Up?

Kaufman County offers a compelling value vs. Dallas β€” lower home prices, comparable taxes, and no state income tax. Here's the quick comparison:

Full Cost of Living Analysis
Category Kaufman Co. Dallas City
Median Home $345K $425K+
Property Tax Rate ~2.2% ~2.4%
State Income Tax None None
Cost of Living Index 88–92 100–105
Commute to Dallas 35–60 min Within city

Things To Do in Kaufman County

More than just a bedroom community β€” there's plenty to see and do locally

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Lake Ray Hubbard

Boating, fishing, kayaking and stunning sunsets on one of DFW's largest lakes, right on the county's northwest border.

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Tanger Outlets β€” Terrell

Major outlet mall on I-20 in Terrell with 60+ name-brand stores. One of the region's top shopping destinations.

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Antique Capital of Texas

Forney's historic designation brings dozens of antique dealers and boutique shops to the charming downtown area.

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Canton First Monday

Just 45 minutes east: the world's largest flea market draws hundreds of thousands of visitors every month.

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Kaufman County Fair

The annual county fair brings rides, livestock shows, live music, and community spirit to the county seat each year.

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Cedar Creek Reservoir

One of Texas's premier bass fishing lakes, located in southern Kaufman County with boat ramps and lakeside recreation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions from people considering a move to Kaufman County

Is Kaufman County a good place to live?

Yes β€” Kaufman County consistently ranks among the fastest-growing counties in both Texas and the nation, driven by families seeking more affordable housing with good schools and easy access to the Dallas job market. The trade-off is longer commutes compared to living in Dallas itself, and Texas property taxes are higher than the national average.

How far is Forney from Dallas?

Forney is approximately 25 miles east of downtown Dallas via I-20. Off-peak, the drive takes 30–40 minutes. During rush hour, expect 45–75 minutes or more, particularly near the I-20/I-635 interchange. Many residents work in Mesquite, Garland, or the east Dallas corridor, which shortens the commute significantly.

What are the best neighborhoods in Kaufman County?

It depends on your priorities. For new-build affordability with great amenities, look at Devonshire, Travis Ranch, or Clements Ranch in Forney. For top-rated schools and upscale living, Heath (Rockwall ISD) and Sunnyvale are excellent. For the most affordable entry points, Kaufman city and Crandall offer good value.

Are property taxes high in Kaufman County?

Texas property taxes are among the highest in the nation β€” expect an effective rate of 2.1–2.5% of your home's assessed value annually. On a $345,000 home, that's roughly $7,200–$8,600/year. However, Texas has no state income tax, which offsets this for many households, especially higher earners.

Stay Updated on Kaufman County

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