Demographics of Carrollton, TX

Overview

Carrollton is a city located in Denton, Dallas, and Collin counties in the U.S. state of Texas. With a population of 139,939 as of 2020, Carrollton is one of the fastest growing and most diverse cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Some key facts about the demographics of Carrollton:

• Population in 2020: 139,939 (31% growth since 2000)
• Median Age: 33.7 years old
• Median Household Income: $80,871 (as of 2019)
• Race/Ethnicity: 45% White, 18% Hispanic/Latino, 18% Asian, 11% Black

Carrollton has seen immense growth in diversity and foreign-born populations over the last two decades. Today it stands out as one of the most racially diverse suburbs in North Texas.

Below we dive deeper into the specific changes and trends across Carrollton’s population by age, household income, race/ethnicity, foreign-born residents and more.

Population Growth

Booming Suburb

Over the last two decades, Carrollton has seen rapid expansion:

• 2000 Population: 106,576
• 2010 Population: 119,097 (+12% from 2000)
• 2020 Population: 139,939 (+17% from 2010)

With nearly 140,000 residents today, Carrollton ranks as the 23rd most populous city in Texas. It remains one of the fastest growing areas in the Dallas metro.

Several factors have fueled Carrollton’s population boom:

• Availability of affordable housing
• Excellent access to highways, DART light rail and public transit
• Proximity to major job centers in Dallas and Plano
• Highly rated schools, libraries and city services
• Abundant parks, trails, recreation centers and events

The city has welcomed over 30,000 new residents since 2010 through a mix of new housing construction, inbound migration and natural population growth.

City planners expect Carrollton’s population to continue expanding over the next decade, potentially exceeding 155,000 by 2030. Ongoing mixed-use developments like Carrollton City Center will accommodate future growth.

Age Distribution

Carrollton has a slightly younger population compared to Texas overall:

• Median Age: 33.7 years old
• Under 18 years: 26%
• 18 to 34 years: 27%
• 35 to 59 years: 32%
• 60+ years: 15%

The largest segment of residents are in their prime working years of 35 to 59. But Carrollton has appeal for young adults, families and retirees alike in all life stages.

Over one-fourth of the population is under age 18 – a major driver of K-12 education needs and family amenities.

Meanwhile more baby boomers are choosing to “age in place” by remaining Carrollton residents during their 60s, 70s and beyond.

Household Income

Carrollton households enjoy strong economic prosperity:

• Median Household Income: $80,871
• Average Household Size: 3.09 people
• Per Capita Income: $33,584

Income levels in Carrollton significantly exceed national averages. Over 30% of households earn over $100k per year. Just 5.4% live below the federal poverty guidelines.

High wages and low unemployment contribute to Carrollton’s economic success:

• Median home value is $252,300 – up 7.8% over the last year
• Unemployment rate: 3.5% (compared to 3.7% nationally as of end of 2021)
• Largest industries: health care, retail trade, professional services

Abundant job opportunities both within Carrollton and around North Texas attract talent and enable households to thrive.

The city continues major corporate expansions, commercial growth and transportation improvements – all supporting future wage and household income growth.

Race and Ethnicity

Increased Diversity

Over the past 20 years, Carrollton has rapidly diversified from a predominantly white suburb to a highly multicultural community.

Key facts on the racial breakdown today:

• White Alone: 45%
• Asian Alone: 18%
• Hispanic or Latino: 18%
• Black or African American Alone: 11%
• Two or More Races: 5%
• Other Race: 3%

Hispanic residents have doubled as a share of Carrollton’s population, while the Asian community has grown five-fold since 2000.

Meanwhile, the white alone population has declined from 70% to 45% between 2000 and 2020. Whites no longer hold majority status as diversity flourishes.

Today over 42 languages are spoken across Carrollton school campuses. This multilingual environment enriches the community and local economy.

Racial Integration

Unlike some North Texas suburbs still plagued by de facto segregation, Carrollton offers genuine racial integration and inclusion:

• All major racial groups live interspersed across neighborhoods
• Minority groups increasingly represented in political leadership and local boards
• Cultural awareness and heritage celebrations incorporated citywide
• Anti-hate initiatives confront persisting discrimination

Ongoing efforts are still needed to reduce lingering disparities faced by disadvantaged groups. But open-mindedness and unity continue rising as each generation embraces Carrollton’s diversity.

Foreign-Born Population

Over 27% of Carrollton’s residents today are foreign-born – up from just 16% in 2000. These international migrants come from a breadth of origin countries around the world.

Top Origin Countries

The top birth countries for Carrollton’s foreign-born population are:

1. Mexico – 25% of foreign-born residents
2. Vietnam – 12%
3. India – 11%
4. El Salvador – 6%
5. China/Hong Kong – 6%

Carrollton has especially large Vietnamese and Indian migrant communities who run small businesses and participate actively in cultural events.

Hispanics hailing from Mexico account for one-fourth of total immigrants, many arriving for manufacturing, construction and services jobs.

Generational Mix

Carrollton’s foreign-born population includes a mix of recent arrivals and long-established immigrants:

• 35% entered the U.S. before 2000
• 17% entered between 2000 and 2009
• 48% entered since 2010

Put simply – over half have lived in America for 10 years or less.

Both newer immigrant families and those with deeper roots contribute vitally to schools, neighborhoods, churches and workforce needs citywide. Their ongoing integration will determine Carrollton’s future.

Educational Attainment

Carrollton stands above most Texas metro areas in college completion rates:

• 35% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
• 90% completed high school or additional education
• Just 10% lack a high school level education

These strong educational outcomes result from a commitment to academics across both K-12 schools and higher education institutions.

Top-performing districts like Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD and Lewisville ISD nurture college-readiness from an early age. They maintain rigorous curriculums aligned to state and national standards.

Meanwhile, rich partnerships with higher education sites across DFW – like University of North Texas and Brookhaven College satellites within city limits – facilitate workforce development and skills training.

As Carrollton focuses on recruiting major employers in need of college-educated workforces, educational excellence will grow ever more essential to sustainable prosperity.

Housing and Living Standards

Most Carrollton households enjoy high living standards thanks to ample housing availability paired with income growth:

Housing Supply Trends

• Median home value: $252,300
• Homeownership rate: 59% owner-occupied
• Large majority (75%) of homes are single family units
• Average household size of rentals higher at 3.4 people

Housing developments continue expanding Carrollton’s stock of middle-class family homes while adding more higher-end apartments. Home values are rising fast with high demand.

Various public housing assistance and affordable housing programs serve vulnerable residents struggling with housing insecurity. But supply shortages lead to long waitlists.

Overall most indicators – like low crowding rates and 95% of homes with complete plumbing facilities – point to modern households meeting basic quality living needs.

Future Housing Targets

As ongoing population growth creates needs for new housing, Carrollton officials adopt targets through planning initiatives like:

Carrollton 2040 Comprehensive Plan

• Adds over 15,000 housing units total
• Focuses density/condos in transit corridors
• Preserves & improves 10,000 existing aging homes
• Promotes more inclusive, resilient designs

Housing sustainability will require holistically addressing availability, affordability and livability through such comprehensive strategies to match demand.

Implications of Key Demographic Trends

Several defining trends shine through analysis of Carrollton’s development over the past 20 years. The implications likely to shape upcoming decades include:

Sustaining Growth Through Development

• Ongoing population expansion requires balanced regional planning between residential and commercial construction to avoid overcrowding.

Adapting to Shifting Racial Makeup

• As minorities become the overall majority, ensuring cultural representation and confronting lingering inequality persists as a priority.

Integrating & Empowering Immigrant Communities

• Nearly 50,000 foreign-born residents make vital economic and social contributions. But language and cultural barriers for both newcomers and more established migrants occasionally spur divisions. Proactive inclusion and support programs can empower immigrant families and enable all to thrive.

Prioritizing Education to Develop Local Workforce

• Carrollton’s vision for a “contemporary suburban community” depends on continued educational gains – from early childhood interventions up through adult technical training aligned with target industries. This strengthens the talent pipeline that draws employers.

Balancing Housing Supply With Affordability Concerns

• While home values rises benefit many, housing cost spikes also gradually exclude lower-middle income families from Carrollton. Ensuring enough affordable and workforce housing stock amid other upscale development is crucial.

Adapting Infrastructure for Resilience

• Like all North Texas cities, Carrollton must increase resilience of aging infrastructure against extreme weather, flooding and drought risks exacerbated by climate change in ahead.

By proactively addressing all these areas through the comprehensive planning process, Carrollton can manage the complex demographic changes underway and prepare for an equitable, prosperous future.

Community leaders welcome input from all residents on how to best confront key priorities in the years ahead. Carrollton’s greatest asset is its inclusive community spirit.