View the map of North Texas shown below, North Texas is a rapidly growing region, encompassing cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton, with a population of over 8 million as of 2020. Spanning approximately 40,000 square miles, the region is an economic powerhouse, known for its diverse industries including technology, healthcare, finance, and energy. The area benefits from a central transportation hub with Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, one of the busiest in the world. North Texas is also a center for higher education, with institutions like the University of North Texas and Southern Methodist University contributing to its skilled workforce.
Explore the map of North Texas showing counties, county boundaries, state boundary, international bounndary, interstate highways, US highways, railroads, major cities, major towns, and airports.
North Texas
North Texas, a dynamic and rapidly expanding region, is home to a diverse population of over 8 million people as of the 2020 Census. Stretching across approximately 40,000 square miles, North Texas includes major cities such as Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, and Denton. Known for its economic strength, cultural diversity, and thriving educational institutions, the region is one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States. Below is a detailed look at North Texas, covering its geography, economy, population, education, and more.
Geography and Climate
North Texas is situated in the central-northern part of the state, encompassing parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area, also known as the DFW Metroplex. This region is characterized by a mix of urban, suburban, and rural environments. While the eastern part of North Texas is relatively flat with fertile plains, the western portion transitions into more rugged terrain and rolling hills.
The region experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 90°F to 100°F (32°C to 38°C), while winter temperatures generally hover between 30°F and 50°F (-1°C to 10°C). North Texas is also part of "Tornado Alley," experiencing severe storms, particularly in the spring and early summer.
Economy
North Texas is one of the largest economic engines in the country, with a gross domestic product (GDP) of more than $600 billion as of 2022. The region's economy is diverse, driven by several key industries, including technology, finance, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, and energy. The Dallas-Fort Worth area, in particular, has become a hub for corporate headquarters, with over 20 Fortune 500 companies based in the region, including ExxonMobil, AT&T, and American Airlines.
Technology
North Texas, particularly cities like Plano and Richardson, is home to a growing technology sector. Known as the "Telecom Corridor," this area houses major technology companies such as Texas Instruments, AT&T, and Ericsson. The region is also becoming a hub for startups and innovation, with companies focusing on areas like software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Finance
Dallas is a significant financial center, home to major banking and financial services companies such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America. The financial services sector contributes significantly to the regional economy, offering employment opportunities and driving investments across various industries.
Healthcare
North Texas is a leading healthcare destination, with world-class medical institutions such as the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White Health, and Texas Health Resources. The healthcare sector employs thousands of professionals and serves as a magnet for medical research and education.
Transportation and Logistics: The region is a key logistics and transportation hub due to its central location in the U.S. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving more than 75 million passengers annually and acting as a major cargo hub. In addition to air transport, North Texas boasts a robust rail and highway network that supports trade and distribution across North America.
Population and Demographics
North Texas is one of the most populous regions in the United States, with over 8 million residents living in the DFW Metroplex alone. The population is highly diverse, reflecting the area's rapid growth and cultural vibrancy. The racial and ethnic composition includes a large Hispanic population (42%), a significant African American community (15%), and a growing Asian population (6%). The region is also home to a substantial number of foreign-born residents, contributing to its rich cultural diversity.
This population growth has led to increased demand for housing, infrastructure, and public services. Suburban cities such as Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper have seen some of the fastest population increases in the country, driven by affordable housing, good schools, and proximity to urban job centers.
Education
North Texas is home to numerous prestigious educational institutions that contribute to the area's skilled workforce. The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Christian University (TCU), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton are among the top universities in the region, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
In addition to higher education, the region boasts strong public school districts, such as Plano Independent School District, Frisco Independent School District, and Highland Park Independent School District, known for high academic performance and extracurricular opportunities. These schools attract families to the region, further fueling population growth.
Transportation and Infrastructure
North Texas has a highly developed transportation infrastructure that includes an extensive highway network, airports, and public transit systems. Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field Airport serve as major domestic and international travel hubs. DFW alone handles more than 75 million passengers annually and contributes billions to the local economy through trade, tourism, and business travel.
The region's road network includes major highways such as Interstate 35, Interstate 30, and Interstate 20, connecting North Texas to other parts of the state and the country. Public transportation is provided by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), which operates buses, light rail, and commuter trains throughout the region, serving residents and commuters in Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding areas.
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities
North Texas is rich in cultural attractions, offering residents and visitors a diverse array of recreational and entertainment opportunities. Dallas is known for its thriving arts district, which includes the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Fort Worth, often referred to as "Cowtown," embraces its Western heritage with attractions such as the Fort Worth Stockyards and the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.
The region also boasts several major sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Texas Rangers (MLB), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and Dallas Stars (NHL). In addition to professional sports, North Texas hosts numerous collegiate sporting events and golf tournaments, attracting fans from across the country.
Outdoor recreation is another key feature of North Texas. The region's numerous parks, lakes, and hiking trails provide opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. Popular outdoor destinations include White Rock Lake in Dallas, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, and Ray Roberts Lake State Park near Denton.
Real Estate and Housing
The real estate market in North Texas has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by population increases and demand for housing. The DFW Metroplex is one of the most active real estate markets in the country, offering a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial developments. Home prices vary widely across the region, with more affordable options in suburban areas and higher-priced homes in affluent neighborhoods like Highland Park, University Park, and parts of Plano.
Suburban growth in cities like Frisco, McKinney, and Allen has been particularly strong, with new housing developments catering to families and professionals seeking larger homes and good schools. The North Texas real estate market remains competitive, with rising home values and demand continuing to outpace supply in many areas.
Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives
As North Texas continues to grow, there is increasing awareness of the need for sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Cities like Dallas and Fort Worth have launched green initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and improve water conservation. Public transit expansions, green building standards, and urban planning efforts are part of the broader strategy to create a more sustainable future for the region.
The Trinity River Corridor Project in Dallas is a major environmental restoration initiative aimed at revitalizing the Trinity River, creating parkland, and improving flood control. This project represents one of the largest urban park developments in the U.S., providing residents with additional green space and recreational opportunities.
List of Counties in North Texas
County
County Seat
Population (2020 Census)
Area (Square Miles)
Major Cities
Founded
Archer County
Archer City
8,560
925
None
1858
Clay County
Henrietta
10,218
1,111
None
1857
Collin County
McKinney
1,064,465
886
Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Allen
1846
Cooke County
Gainesville
41,669
898
Gainesville
1848
Dallas County
Dallas
2,613,539
909
Dallas, Garland, Irving, Mesquite
1846
Denton County
Denton
906,422
953
Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, Carrollton
1846
Ellis County
Waxahachie
192,455
952
Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis
1849
Erath County
Stephenville
42,545
1,090
Stephenville
1856
Fannin County
Bonham
35,662
892
Bonham
1837
Grayson County
Sherman
135,543
934
Sherman, Denison
1846
Hood County
Granbury
61,598
437
Granbury
1866
Hunt County
Greenville
99,956
882
Greenville, Commerce
1846
Jack County
Jacksboro
8,472
917
None
1856
Johnson County
Cleburne
179,866
729
Burleson, Cleburne, Joshua
1854
Kaufman County
Kaufman
145,310
808
Forney, Terrell
1848
Lamar County
Paris
49,859
933
Paris
1841
Montague County
Montague
19,965
938
None
1858
Palo Pinto County
Palo Pinto
28,409
986
Mineral Wells
1856
Parker County
Weatherford
148,222
910
Weatherford, Aledo
1855
Rockwall County
Rockwall
107,819
149
Rockwall
1873
Somervell County
Glen Rose
9,205
192
Glen Rose
1875
Tarrant County
Fort Worth
2,110,640
902
Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield
1850
Wise County
Decatur
73,043
922
Decatur, Bridgeport
1856
List of Cities of North Texas
City
Population (2020 Census)
Area (Square Miles)
County
Major Industries
Dallas
1,304,379
385.8
Dallas County
Finance, Technology, Healthcare
Fort Worth
918,915
349.2
Tarrant County
Aerospace, Manufacturing, Energy
Plano
285,494
71.6
Collin County
Technology, Financial Services
Arlington
394,266
99.7
Tarrant County
Entertainment, Manufacturing, Tourism
Denton
139,869
97.9
Denton County
Education, Healthcare
McKinney
195,308
62.9
Collin County
Technology, Retail, Manufacturing
Frisco
200,509
62.4
Collin County, Denton County
Technology, Education, Retail
Irving
239,798
67.9
Dallas County
Corporate Headquarters, Technology
Garland
246,018
57.1
Dallas County
Manufacturing, Retail
Mesquite
150,108
46.2
Dallas County
Retail, Logistics, Manufacturing
Grand Prairie
196,100
81.1
Dallas County, Tarrant County, Ellis County
Manufacturing, Aerospace, Retail
Richardson
119,469
28.6
Dallas County, Collin County
Telecommunications, Technology
Lewisville
111,822
42.5
Denton County
Retail, Logistics
Allen
104,627
27.1
Collin County
Technology, Retail
Flower Mound
79,135
43.4
Denton County, Tarrant County
Healthcare, Retail
Carrollton
133,434
37.4
Dallas County, Denton County, Collin County
Manufacturing, Retail
Euless
61,032
16.2
Tarrant County
Logistics, Retail
Grapevine
50,631
35.9
Tarrant County
Tourism, Retail, Manufacturing
Keller
45,397
18.5
Tarrant County
Retail, Healthcare
The Colony
44,534
16.1
Denton County
Retail, Technology
Southlake
31,102
22.5
Tarrant County, Denton County
Retail, Corporate Headquarters
Rockwall
47,251
31.2
Rockwall County
Retail, Manufacturing
Weatherford
30,854
28.9
Parker County
Retail, Agriculture
Burleson
48,225
27.9
Johnson County, Tarrant County
Retail, Manufacturing
Waxahachie
41,140
47.9
Ellis County
Manufacturing, Agriculture
Midlothian
35,125
64.2
Ellis County
Manufacturing, Retail
Commerce
9,090
8.5
Hunt County
Education, Agriculture
Paris
24,476
44.4
Lamar County
Manufacturing, Retail
Sherman
44,002
41.5
Grayson County
Manufacturing, Retail
Denison
25,138
23.4
Grayson County
Manufacturing, Healthcare
List of Statistical areas of North Texas
Statistical Area
Population (2020 Census)
Area (Square Miles)
Counties Included
Major Cities
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (DFW Metroplex)
