Looking for the best place to call home in the Lone Star State? You might be surprised to learn that the #1 county to live in Texas for 2025 isn’t Austin’s Travis County, nor is it home to Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio. Instead, this year’s top honor goes to Collin County — a rising star in North Texas known for its strong schools, job growth, and exceptional quality of life.
According to a new Niche report, which evaluates counties based on nearly a dozen key metrics — including public education, affordability, job opportunities, diversity, and overall livability — Collin County earned an impressive A+ overall rating, placing it firmly at the top of the list.
Why Collin County Leads the Pack
Home to booming cities like Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and the fast-growing Princeton, Collin County has quickly become one of the most desirable places to live in the entire country. It’s not just growing — it’s thriving.
Major employers, entertainment giants, and families alike are flocking to this North Texas gem. The Dallas Cowboys have made Frisco their headquarters, and Universal Studios is currently developing a brand-new, family-friendly theme park in the area — the first of its kind in the nation.
But it’s not just about business and development. Collin County also ranks as the healthiest county in Texas, offers some of the state’s top-rated public schools, and consistently earns top marks in family-friendliness and job availability.
Here's how Collin County scored:
- Public Schools: A+
- Good for Families: A+
- Jobs: A+
- Health & Fitness: A+
- Diversity: A
- Nightlife: A−
- Housing: B+
- Outdoor Activities: B+
- Commute: B
- Weather: B
- Cost of Living: C+
Despite a slightly lower score in cost of living — likely due to increasing demand — the overall lifestyle and opportunity in Collin County make it well worth the investment.
One resident of four years summed it up best:
“My experience has been very satisfying and gratifying compared to living near downtown Dallas... It’s more spacious, beautifully manicured, and filled with great public and private schools. It’s the dream suburbia lifestyle — perfect for families or entrepreneurs looking to grow.”
How the Rankings Were Calculated
Niche’s methodology uses data from trusted sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alongside real resident feedback. Key ranking factors include:
- Education and higher learning rates
- Housing affordability and property values
- Job market strength and income stability
- Health and wellness access
- Commute and transportation
- Diversity (ethnic, age, and income)
- Outdoor recreation and local weather
- Entertainment and nightlife offerings
Letter grades were assigned in each category, and counties were scored based on the overall average.
If you're thinking about making a move, starting a business, or investing in real estate, Collin County is a name you’ll want to keep on your radar. And if you need help making your move to North Texas, The REAL McCoys® are here to help you find your dream home in the best county Texas has to offer.
