A Railroad Town That Became a Working-Class Anchor in Ellis County

Ferris is a town of approximately 7,900 residents in southern Ellis County, with a median home value of $231,800 and median household income of $79,545 according to Census Bureau data. The community is served by Ferris ISD, which holds a B rating and operates schools for the town's 1,275 students. Ellis County's economy is anchored by manufacturing, which employs over 10,000 workers at an average annual pay exceeding $80,000, alongside significant retail, construction, and healthcare sectors. The town maintains an 83 percent homeownership rate and offers a working-class lifestyle within commuting distance of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.

History

Ferris was founded in 1874 when the Houston & Texas Central Railway platted the town, drawing pioneer families who had been settling the area since 1851. Churches established in the 1850s relocated to the new railroad town in the 1870s and 1890s, creating the community institutions that anchor Ferris today.

ZIP Codes Compared

Ferris operates primarily within a single ZIP code area, with housing stock ranging from older homes near the historic town center to newer construction on the outskirts. The lack of distinct neighborhood subdivisions means housing variation is more gradual across the small town footprint.

Demographics

Ferris is a predominantly Hispanic community at nearly 59 percent of the population, with significant white and Black populations creating a diverse small town. The median age of 39.6 years reflects a mix of established families and working-age residents, while the relatively low rate of bachelor's degree holders points to a blue-collar employment base.

Economy

Ellis County's economy is driven by manufacturing, which employs more than 10,000 workers at average annual wages around $80,000, followed by construction, retail trade, and transportation sectors. The employment landscape supports the working families who make up Ferris, with accessible jobs in skilled trades and production work throughout the county.

Schools

Ferris ISD serves the community with a B rating from the Texas Education Agency, operating two schools that educate approximately 1,275 students from elementary through high school. Ferris Christian Academy provides a private alternative for families seeking faith-based education.

Cost of Living

With a median home value of $231,800 and median rent of $1,157 per month, Ferris offers below-average housing costs compared to the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. The combination of affordable property prices and a median household income near $80,000 makes homeownership accessible for working families.

Homeowners Associations

Ferris has five registered homeowners associations, reflecting limited subdivision development in a town where much of the housing stock consists of standalone properties on larger lots. The HOA presence is minimal compared to newer suburban communities, appealing to buyers who prefer fewer restrictions.

About Ferris

Ferris traces its roots to 1874, when the Houston & Texas Central Railway laid out the town that would become a lasting community in southern Ellis County. The town attracted pioneer families like the Andrews, McKnights, Duffs, and Greens, who had been settling the area since the early 1850s. When the railroad arrived, it drew existing congregations into town, including the First Presbyterian Church, which moved from its original site near Bluff Springs in 1875, and the Methodist congregation that followed circuit-riding preachers into the new settlement. These churches remain active today, joined by Corpus Christi Catholic Parish, Covenant Church, and Ferris Baptist Fellowship, reflecting the town's continued role as a community anchor.

Today Ferris is home to roughly 7,900 residents who value affordability and proximity to both Dallas and Waxahachie. The town maintains a small-town rhythm with essentials like Brookshire Brothers for groceries, Commercial State Bank for local banking, and Family Dollar for everyday shopping. El Taco and DQ Grill & Chill serve as gathering spots, while Ferris Memorial Park provides outdoor space for families. The Ferris Public Library and a full complement of schools through Ferris ISD keep the town self-contained for daily needs. With a median household income around $79,545 and a homeownership rate above eighty percent, Ferris attracts working families who want land, space, and a quieter pace without leaving the Dallas-Fort Worth economic orbit. The town's majority Hispanic population alongside significant Black and white communities creates a diverse small-town environment where manufacturing and construction jobs in the broader Ellis County economy provide stable employment.

Classification

Type

Incorporated Place

Class Code

C1

Identifiers

GEOID

4825752

State FIPS

48

Place FIPS

25752

Statistics

Neighborhoods

0

Population

2,785

Geography

Geometry

polygon

Area

12 km²

County

Ellis

Data Source

Primary Source

tiger

Census Reference

QuickFacts

Frequently Asked Questions About Ferris

Is Ferris a good place to live?

Ferris works well for buyers seeking affordable homeownership in a small-town setting within reach of Dallas-area jobs. The median home value of $231,800 according to Census Bureau estimates is significantly lower than metro Dallas averages, while the homeownership rate above 83 percent reflects a community of established residents. Daily life centers on local institutions like Brookshire Brothers, Ferris Memorial Park, and the schools operated by Ferris ISD, which holds a B rating from the state. The town lacks the dining and entertainment options of larger suburbs, but its location in southern Ellis County puts Waxahachie and Midlothian within easy reach. For families prioritizing land, space, and lower housing costs over walkability and amenities, Ferris delivers small-town living with reasonable access to urban employment centers.

What is the cost of living in Ferris?

Housing costs in Ferris remain well below Dallas-Fort Worth metro averages, with a median home value of $231,800 and median monthly rent of $1,157 according to Census data. The median household income of $79,545 means that typical families can afford homeownership more easily than in rapidly growing suburbs closer to Dallas. Ellis County's manufacturing sector, which pays average annual wages exceeding $80,000, provides accessible middle-income employment for residents. Everyday expenses align with small-town Texas norms, with grocery shopping at Brookshire Brothers and limited dining options keeping restaurant spending modest. Property taxes vary by location within Ferris ISD boundaries, but the overall tax burden remains lower than in more urbanized parts of the metro area. The trade-off is fewer services and amenities, requiring trips to larger towns for shopping, healthcare, and entertainment beyond basics.

How are the schools in Ferris?

Ferris ISD serves the community with a B rating from the Texas Education Agency, operating two campuses that educate approximately 1,275 students from elementary through high school. The district provides a complete K-12 education within the town boundaries, with Ferris Intermediate School, Ferris Junior High School, and Ferris High School all located in the community. Class sizes tend to be smaller than in large suburban districts, and the relatively compact enrollment means families often know teachers and administrators personally. Ferris Christian Academy offers a private faith-based alternative for families seeking religious education. The district's B rating places it in the solid middle tier of Texas school systems, suitable for families who prioritize affordability and community connection over access to specialized programs or advanced coursework. Students seeking broader academic or extracurricular options may need to look beyond the district's offerings.

Is Ferris good for families?

Ferris appeals to families seeking affordable homeownership, land, and a slower pace than suburban Dallas offers. The homeownership rate exceeding 83 percent according to Census data reflects a stable residential base, and the presence of Ferris ISD schools through high school means children can complete their education locally. Ferris Memorial Park provides outdoor recreation space, while churches like Corpus Christi Catholic Parish, Covenant Church, and Ferris Baptist Fellowship anchor community life. The town's small scale means children can walk or bike to school and parents often know their neighbors, creating a tight-knit environment. However, families should consider the limited extracurricular options, modest dining and shopping choices, and need to travel to larger towns for youth sports leagues, specialty healthcare, and entertainment. For families comfortable with small-town trade-offs and prioritizing affordability over amenities, Ferris offers a grounded community with access to Ellis County's manufacturing and construction job base.

Find Your Home in Ferris

Whether you're looking for affordable acreage or a home within walking distance of Ferris schools, a Texas Ally advisor can guide you through the Ellis County market. We know the neighborhoods, the schools, and what it takes to find the right property in communities like Ferris.