Plano and Garland are both vibrant cities in the state of Texas, each with their unique charm and advantages. Known for its safe neighborhoods, Plano is preferred by families, while Garland, with its affordability, appeals to young professionals and those seeking cost-effective living. However, each city's distinct attributes can cater to different lifestyles and preferences - a comparing look into these cities' crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and various other factors could provide a pivotal perspective for those considering relocating or merely visiting.
Distance between
Plano, TX and
Garland, TX : 11.8 miles
Plano's population is larger by 19%. Its population has grown by 66,223 people (29.8%) since 2000. The population of Garland has grown by 26,267 people (12.2%) during that time.
Plano is renowned as one of the safest cities in America, boasting one of the lowest crime rates in Texas which makes it especially attractive to families looking to relocate. Garland, on the other hand, has higher crime rates in comparison, but still under the national average. Local law enforcement agencies in both cities collaboratively work to keep neighborhoods safe for both locals and tourists alike.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 134 registered sex offenders living in Plano and 392 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Plano is 2,135 to 1; the ratio in Garland is 598 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Plano than in Garland.
Cost of Living
Garland presents a more affordable cost of living compared to Plano. Everything from housing costs, groceries, and utility bills are typically lower in Garland. This could be attributed to the economic demographics as Plano is known for its affluent residents and high income per capita.
Income Tax
Texas is one of the few states that do not charge income tax. Residents of both Plano and Garland enjoy this advantage.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both cities are relatively high with Plano slightly higher than Garland. This could be attributed to their respective city expenditures and differences in property values.
Sales Tax
Both cities share the same sales tax rate of 8.25%, which is split between the Texas state rate and the city rate.
Income
Type
Plano
Garland
Estimated median household income
$95,002
$61,607
Estimated per capita income
$49,792
$24,936
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.2
95.5
If you make $50,000 in Garland, you will have to make $50,366 in Plano to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both Plano and Garland are part of Texas's larger prairie region. They both have flat landscapes, which results in very few variations in altitude. They are inland cities and do not have any waterfronts.
The Plano Independent School District is one of the top-rated school districts in Texas, making Plano desirable for families with children. Garland's schools, under the Garland Independent School District, are of good quality too but they do not match up to the excellence of Plano’s school district.
Economic opportunities abound in both cities. Plano houses several corporate headquarters, providing ample job opportunities in various sectors. Garland's economy is diverse with manufacturing industries being a significant contributor to its economy, along with a steady retail sector.
Biggest Employers
In Plano, some of the biggest employers include Capital One Finance, DXC Technology and JCPenney. Garland is home to massive industry players like Kraft Foods, US Food Service and Raytheon Corporation.
There were 321 building permits issued in Plano in 2012 (28 less than in 2011) compared to 427 building permits issued in Garland in 2012 (279 more than in 2011).
In Plano (Collin County), 33.6% voted for Democrats and 65.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Garland (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Plano
Garland
Plano
Garland
Plano
Garland
2020
47.1%
65.1%
51.4%
33.4%
1.5%
1.4%
2016
39.0%
60.8%
55.7%
34.7%
5.4%
4.5%
2012
33.6%
57.3%
65.2%
41.8%
1.2%
1.0%
2008
36.7%
57.4%
62.3%
42.0%
1.0%
0.6%
2004
28.2%
49.0%
71.3%
50.4%
0.6%
0.5%
2000
24.5%
45.0%
73.2%
52.7%
2.3%
2.4%
1996
28.5%
46.0%
63.0%
46.8%
8.5%
7.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Plano
Garland
Plano
Garland
CATHOLIC CHURCH
14.2%
18.9%
1.6%
2.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
10.1%
11.0%
29.1%
31.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
3.6%
1.9%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.3%
1.4%
0.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.3%
1.0%
0.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.2%
1.0%
1.0%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.1%
0.5%
0.8%
1.7%
Weather
Neither Plano nor Garland escapes the classic Texan heat, with both cities experiencing hot summers and mild winters. Garland, being slightly northeast of Plano, may experience slightly cooler winter temperatures. Both cities also experience minor variations in rainfall, with Garland receiving slightly more rain due to its geographical positioning.
Weather and climate
Type
Plano
Garland
Temperature - Average
64.2°F
64.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
71.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
82%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.2 in
40 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
22.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
54%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Plano, Texas
Average climate in Garland, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Plano
Garland
Plano
Garland
Plano
Garland
Plano
Garland
Plano
Garland
Plano
Garland
2018
85
86
5.8
5.8
30.1
28.4
N/A
N/A
9.7
9.7
0.4
0.4
2017
84
84
5.8
5.7
31.4
29.7
N/A
N/A
9.1
9.1
0.3
0.3
2016
77
78
6.4
6.3
29.9
28.7
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.4
0.2
0.2
2015
84
84
7.2
6.9
30.0
29.1
N/A
N/A
8.9
8.9
0.3
0.3
2014
83
83
6.1
6.3
30.9
30.1
N/A
N/A
9.9
9.9
0.3
0.3
2013
95
95
7.0
7.1
32.2
31.2
N/A
N/A
13.0
13.0
0.2
0.2
2012
112
113
8.5
8.6
34.3
32.8
N/A
N/A
12.0
12.0
0.3
0.3
2011
98
98
9.1
9.2
33.9
32.8
N/A
N/A
11.9
11.9
0.6
0.6
2010
78
79
9.7
9.6
30.8
30.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
0.7
2009
86
87
9.6
9.4
31.5
30.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.5
0.5
2008
82
86
9.9
9.9
32.3
30.9
0.121
0.121
N/A
N/A
0.5
0.5
2007
89
94
10.3
10.6
29.7
27.6
0.070
0.070
N/A
N/A
0.3
0.3
2006
103
107
10.5
10.6
33.7
32.3
0.106
0.106
N/A
N/A
0.7
0.7
2005
105
105
13.2
13.1
32.6
31.4
0.142
0.142
11.0
11.0
0.9
0.9
2004
92
96
11.8
12.0
29.2
28.5
0.099
0.099
N/A
N/A
0.8
0.8
2003
100
102
13.9
13.8
30.3
29.8
0.121
0.121
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.0
2002
96
97
14.3
14.2
29.1
27.7
0.080
0.080
N/A
N/A
0.4
0.4
2001
99
100
12.8
13.8
30.6
29.0
0.069
0.069
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.0
2000
107
109
14.5
14.5
31.7
29.6
0.092
0.092
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.1
Natural disasters
Type
Plano
Garland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
252.9%
252%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
596.9%
577.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
14%
21%
Transportation
Both cities have good transportation systems, but Plano, with its access to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, offers better connectivity to Dallas and other neighboring cities. Garland, however, also benefits from the DART system, but with fewer stations.
Transport
Type
Plano
Garland
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
266
75
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
11
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Plano
Garland
Bicycle
0.1%
0.1%
Bus
0.4%
1%
Carpooled
7.8%
11.2%
Car alone
89.2%
85.3%
Walked
1.2%
1.4%
Average travel time to work
Type
Plano
Garland
Average
28.8 min
30.2 min
Other means
28.4 min
28.8 min
Public transportation
59 min
48.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Plano
Garland
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.9%
87%
In 2 person carpool
8.8%
9.3%
In 3 person carpool
0.8%
2.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.2%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.2%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Housing in Plano is generally more expensive than in Garland, reflecting its higher living cost. The real estate market in both cities is dynamic, with a mix of different types of properties, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments.
Neighborhoods
Plano's neighborhoods are known to be safe, quiet, and family-friendly. Garland comprises diverse neighborhoods, including some historic areas, and is suitable for individuals looking for affordability and a sense of community.
Houses and residents
Type
Plano
Garland
Houses
114,797
80,577
Average household size (people)
2.6
3
Median year apartment built
1996
1978
Median year house/condo built
1990
1977
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
13.7 years
Houses occupied
108,472 (94.5%)
77,777 (96.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
60,883 (56.1%)
46,943 (60.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
47,589 (43.9%)
30,834 (39.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,491
$605.67
Median monthly housing costs
$1,599
$1,285
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,044,402
$176,480
Estimated median house or condo value
$387,200
$232,300
Median numbers of rooms
6.1
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
7.6
6
Median house price - detached houses
$447,315
$246,291
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$154,744
$91,558
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$260,615
$95,529
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$210,357
$181,835
Median house price - mobile homes
$112,806
$186,884
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$325,999
$151,380
Median house price - All housing units
$437,302
$241,433
Median house age
28
44
Renting percentage
37%
34.8%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,604.1
1,410.9
House value disparities
23.4%
22.4%
Household income disparities
41.5%
41%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$134,911
$83,676
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$110,429
$65,175
Housing units without a mortgage
744 (2%)
537 (1.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
1,681 (4.4%)
674 (2.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
37,102 (98%)
28,234 (98.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
86 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
2,508 (6.6%)
794 (2.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.9%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0%
1.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Plano
Garland
One, detached
60.2%
68.7%
One, attached
3.5%
2.6%
Two
0.8%
0.2%
3 or 4
3.0%
5.1%
5 to 9
7.3%
3.2%
10 to 19
9.1%
12.0%
20 to 49
3.2%
2.7%
50 or more
12.1%
4.4%
Mobile homes
0.8%
1.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
7,541
8,212
State government workers
4,098
2,298
Unpaid family workers
57
81
Industries and Occupations
The job market in Plano is bolstered by telecommunications, technology, retail and healthcare sectors, whereas in Garland, manufacturing, retail and education are the significant sectors. Both cities offer opportunities for professionals across different industries.
Healthcare facilities in Plano are exceptional, with several top-rated hospitals located in the city. Garland, too, offers good healthcare but with a smaller number of hospitals compared to Plano.
Both cities boast good infrastructure, with Plano showing a higher level of urban development. Roadways, public spaces, and civic buildings in Plano are well-maintained and visually appealing. Garland displays a more modest infrastructure but is sufficient and functional for its residents.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Plano
Garland
1999
825
916
2000
258
398
2001
199
296
2002
204
297
2003
655
750
2004
921
921
2005
1,145
1,370
2006
1,104
1,398
2007
750
794
2008
384
334
2009
213
159
Culture and Food
Both cities offer vibrant culture and diverse culinary scenes. Plano may offer more upscale dining options, mirroring its higher living cost, while Garland features abundant affordable local food options, including Texas BBQ and Mexican cuisine.
Sports Teams
Given both Plano and Garland's proximity to Dallas, residents enjoy a multitude of sports affiliations, particularly the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Texas Rangers (MLB), the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and Dallas Stars (NHL).
Plano, TX
Garland, TX
Plano, TX and 
Garland, TX : 11.8 miles
