2027 MNM LIVABILITY INDEX

Plano

Texas (TX)
Best for: High-income families and corporate professionals who prioritize safety, schools and DFW job access.
Plano TX 2027 livability
Medium City
2027 CITY CLASSMedium City100,000–299,999 residents
Modern Livability80.5/ 100
AT A GLANCE

Everyday numbers

Population293,028
Median Home$430,000
Median Rent$1,700
Median Household Income$110,000
Cost of Living~103.0 (US=100; 2024 metro/region)
Average Commute26.4 min
Unemployment~4.2% metro (2026)
Metro AreaDallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
2027 MODERN LIVABILITY SCORECARD

How this city actually lives

Twelve dimensions capture both hard data and the everyday experience traditional lists tend to miss.

80.5overall
Housing & Financial Reality62.0

Housing burden, taxes, insurance, utilities and what local incomes actually buy.

Ease of Living80.0

Errands, commute friction, parking, services and the effort required for daily life.

Safety & Stability94.0

Personal, neighborhood, road and environmental stability.

Economic Opportunity96.0

Jobs, wages, career mobility, employer diversity and economic resilience.

Health & Wellness92.0

Healthcare access, activity, mental wellness, healthy food and environmental health.

Beauty & Sense of Place82.0

Scenery, architecture, trees, cleanliness, public realm and distinct sense of place.

Mobility & Congestion58.0

Traffic delay, commute reliability, walking, cycling and transit usefulness.

Nature & Escape72.0

Trails, water, mountains, parks, public lands and how easily residents can escape.

Diversity & Belonging92.0

Diversity, integration, accessibility, newcomer friendliness and community connection.

Climate & Environment62.0

Comfortable weather, air quality, severe weather and environmental exposure.

Community & Culture82.0

Restaurants, arts, events, third places, recreation and social life.

Infrastructure & Connectivity95.0

Broadband, utilities, airport, highways, transit and essential connectivity.

THE THINGS OLD-SCHOOL LISTS MISS

What daily life feels like

Traffic / CongestionModerate. Peak-hour congestion exists, but everyday travel remains manageable by large-city standards.
Weekend EscapeGood to very good. Local parks and regional destinations provide useful escape options, though the strongest natural assets may require more driving.
WalkabilityAbout 41/100 citywide Walk Score. The city is car-dependent overall, so neighborhood choice strongly affects everyday convenience.
Airport AccessExcellent regional airport access, with one or more major hubs close enough to support broad domestic and international travel.
Outdoor AccessGood to very good. Local parks and regional recreation provide regular outdoor options.
Healthcare AccessStrong. Major hospital systems provide practical emergency, primary and specialty care.
Air QualityMixed to generally good. Heat, traffic emissions, smoke, dust or regional weather patterns can periodically worsen conditions.
Third Places / Social LifeGood. Everyday social options are available, though the network of third places is less dense than in stronger cultural cities.
EDITORIAL VIEW

More than a number

Trajectory: Stable
WHY IT STANDS OUT

Why we chose it

Plano is the #73 most populous U.S. city in the Census Bureau's 2025 estimates and stands out in the 2027 MNM Livability Index for safety; income; jobs; schools; healthcare; infrastructure. The score balances housing, ease of living, safety, opportunity, wellness, beauty, mobility, nature, belonging, climate, culture and infrastructure. Its clearest tradeoffs are car dependence; heat; housing costs; limited nature; traffic.

REAL LIFE

What living here actually feels like

Plano feels polished, affluent and corporate, with strong services and family amenities but limited urban spontaneity.

STRENGTHS

Where it shines

Safety; income; jobs; schools; healthcare; infrastructure.

TRADEOFFS

Where it falls short

Car dependence; heat; housing costs; limited nature; traffic.

ALL 2027 RANKINGS

Where Plano ranks