A new study ranked Plano the 4th best city to raise a family, citing strong incomes, low crime and long-term stability<\/p>\n
Plano continues to hold its ground as one of the country\u2019s top places for families, landing at No. 4 in WalletHub\u2019s 2026 ranking of the Best Cities to Raise a Family.<\/p>\n
The annual study<\/a> compared more than 180 U.S. cities using 45 metrics tied to everyday family life, from school quality and housing costs to crime rates and economic stability. While Plano slipped one spot from its No. 3 ranking<\/a> in 2025, the city has now spent four straight years<\/a> inside the top four nationally.<\/p>\n For many North Texans, the ranking confirms what they already see happening around them. Families continue pouring into Collin County at a historic pace, drawn by strong schools, relative safety and access to high-paying jobs.<\/p>\n Why Plano Continues To Stand Out<\/p>\n Plano performed especially well in categories tied to long-term family stability.<\/p>\n The city ranked:<\/p>\n
Plano\u2019s reputation for strong public schools continues to play a major role in its appeal, though WalletHub\u2019s data suggests the city\u2019s broader quality-of-life factors may be just as important. Low crime, stable neighborhoods and proximity to major employers across North Texas have helped make Plano a landing spot for both relocating families and longtime Texans looking for more space and opportunity.<\/p>\n The city\u2019s housing affordability ranking came in at No. 54 \u2014 not elite, but still competitive compared to many major suburban markets nationwide that have seen prices skyrocket in recent years.<\/p>\n The Bigger Picture In Collin County<\/p>\n Plano\u2019s ranking arrives as North Texas continues to dominate national population growth.<\/p>\n New U.S. Census estimates<\/a> tracking changes between July 2024 and July 2025 showed that four of the five fastest-growing cities in America are located in North Texas. Much of that growth has centered around Collin County communities, where development continues stretching northward at a rapid pace.<\/p>\n Long-term projections suggest the county\u2019s growth is far from slowing down. Current estimates indicate Collin County could more than double its 2020 population<\/a> and surpass 2.2 million residents by 2060 if current trends continue.<\/p>\n That growth has transformed the region into one of the country\u2019s most influential suburban corridors, with Plano often serving as the blueprint. Long before neighboring cities exploded in size, Plano established itself as a corporate hub with nationally recognized schools, extensive park systems<\/a> and family-oriented neighborhoods.<\/p>\n Newer boomtowns may be grabbing headlines, but Plano\u2019s staying power is what keeps it near the top of rankings like WalletHub\u2019s year after year.<\/p>\n
\n\t3rd nationally for the percentage of two-parent families
\n\t8th for separation and divorce rate
\n\t9th for violent crime rate per capita
\n\t11th for median family salary adjusted for cost of living
\n\t11th for percentage of families living in poverty
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