RANK #942 / 996 · POP 149,773 · TX
PROJECTED GROWTH: -2.5%
Kaufman County, Texas, east of Dallas, is known for its blend of small-town atmosphere and rapid growth. Forney, the largest city, and Kaufman, the county seat, are key communities. The county is often described as where "East Texas begins," offering a quieter lifestyle while remaining accessible to Dallas, roughly 30 minutes away. Commuting to Dallas primarily uses US-175. Outdoor recreation is available at places like the John Bunker Sands Wetlands, a nature preserve with over 270 bird species, and Kaufman City Lakes Park, which offers fishing and hiking.
Life in Kaufman County appeals to families seeking a balance between rural charm and suburban conveniences. The area has seen significant population growth, ranking as one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. Education is supported by six school districts and two community colleges, including Kaufman ISD and Forney ISD. The economy is experiencing broad investment, with new residential developments and commercial services emerging. This growth is attracting new residents, including those who may commute to Dallas for work or who have transitioned to remote work.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks overvalued at 7.3x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Mystic Springs Renewable Energy (Solar + BESS)
Mystic Springs Renewable Energy
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Kaufman Economic Development Corp. Industrial Park
Kaufman Economic Development Corporation
|
$340M | Planned |
|
Ables Springs Solar + Storage Project
Enel North America
|
$301M | Under Construction |
|
Sowers Storage Battery Project
Sowers Energy Storage LLC
|
$204M | Planned |
|
Lily Solar + Storage Plant
Enel Green Power / Lily Solar, LLC
|
$181M | Operating |
|
Amazon Distribution Center (Project Spitfire)
Amazon
|
$120M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Kaufman County has a Boom Town Index score of 5/100, ranking #942 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +6.2% and a median household income of $84,075, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Kaufman County is $256,900 with median rent at $1,286/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3273, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +6.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +6.2%. Home values changed -4.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 9.27% of Kaufman County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.