A Mid-Cities Anchor Built Around Convenience and Affordability
Tarrant County, Texas
Hurst is a Mid-Cities suburb of approximately 32,323 residents in Tarrant County, positioned between Bedford and North Richland Hills along Highway 183. The median home value stands at $270,900 according to Census Bureau estimates, with a median household income of $64,141 and a 50% homeownership rate. Most students attend Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, which holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency, while smaller portions of the city fall within A-rated Birdville and Grapevine-Colleyville districts. Tarrant County's economy is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation sectors employing tens of thousands at median wages exceeding $70,000 annually.
History
Hurst's historical markers trace pioneer settlement back to the 1850s, including Isaac Duke Parker's 1901 donation of cemetery land and Daniel Arwine's 1879 establishment of a school, church, and cemetery. The city was named for William Letchworth Hurst, a Tennessee native and Civil War veteran who settled in the area during Reconstruction.
ZIP Codes Compared
Hurst's compact geography means housing costs remain relatively consistent across the city, with slight premiums in southern subdivisions near Bedford and lower prices in older northern neighborhoods. The range is narrow compared to larger cities, reflecting the city's middle-income residential character.
Demographics
The city's population is racially diverse, with 48.4% White, 28.5% Hispanic, 12.3% Black, and 5.5% Asian residents according to Census Bureau data. The median age of 36 and 31% bachelor's degree attainment rate reflect a working-class suburban base of young families and middle-aged homeowners.
Economy
Tarrant County's employment base spans healthcare with over 120,000 jobs, retail trade employing 108,000, and manufacturing and transportation sectors offering median wages between $87,000 and $97,000 annually. Hurst residents benefit from proximity to these regional job centers without the higher housing costs of adjacent cities.
Schools
Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD serves most of the city with four schools enrolling 2,606 students and a B rating from the Texas Education Agency. Smaller sections fall within A-rated Birdville ISD and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, both offering highly regarded programs.
Cost of Living
Housing costs in Hurst run significantly below the Dallas-Fort Worth regional average, with median home values at $270,900 and median rents at $1,371 per month according to Census Bureau estimates. Combined with a median household income of $64,141, the city offers accessible entry points for first-time buyers and renters.
Homeowners Associations
Nine registered homeowner associations operate in Hurst, primarily in newer subdivisions built since the 1990s. Older sections of the city have little to no HOA presence, giving homeowners more flexibility with property modifications.
About Hurst
Hurst sits at the geographic heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Mid-Cities corridor, wedged between Bedford to the south and North Richland Hills to the north. This positioning has shaped the city into a residential hub where people live not for dramatic scenery or big-city amenities, but for straightforward access to everything the Metroplex offers. The city developed during the postwar suburban expansion of the 1950s and 60s, growing around Highway 183 and the rail lines that connected Fort Worth to Dallas. Today it remains a city of middle-income households, modest single-family homes, and apartment complexes that draw young professionals and families priced out of adjacent Colleyville or Southlake.
The housing market here reflects practical priorities. The median home value sits at $270,900 according to Census Bureau estimates, well below the regional average and significantly more accessible than neighboring communities where prices routinely exceed $400,000. Half of Hurst residents own their homes, while the other half rent at a median cost of $1,371 per month. The split ownership rate speaks to the city's dual identity: established neighborhoods with longtime homeowners alongside newer apartment developments catering to renters who work in the surrounding employment centers. Tarrant County's diversified economy supports this residential base, with major employment sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation and warehousing jobs that pay median wages ranging from $72,000 to $97,000 annually.
Hurst lacks a traditional downtown or central gathering place, which some residents view as a limitation and others see as irrelevant given the proximity to Fort Worth's cultural district and Dallas's urban core. What the city does offer is an abundance of everyday retail and services clustered along major corridors. Northeast Mall sits just across the border in North Richland Hills, and the commercial strips along Pipeline Road and Bedford-Euless Road provide grocery stores, chain restaurants, and service businesses within a few minutes of most neighborhoods. This is a city designed around car travel, where errands are quick and parking is abundant.
The demographic makeup tilts toward working families and middle-aged homeowners. The median age is 36, and about 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The population of roughly 32,323 is racially diverse, with significant Hispanic and Black communities alongside a White plurality. Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD serves most of the city with a B rating from the Texas Education Agency, while smaller portions fall within higher-rated Birdville and Grapevine-Colleyville districts. The city appeals to buyers who prioritize school access, commute times under 30 minutes to major job centers, and home affordability over walkability or nightlife. It's a place where you know your neighbors, where kids ride bikes in cul-de-sacs, and where the biggest weekend decision is whether to drive to Fort Worth or Dallas for entertainment.
Navigating Hurst's Residential Corridors
Hurst doesn't divide neatly into named neighborhoods the way older cities do, but the housing stock and character shift noticeably as you move across the city's roughly six square miles. The northern sections near Mid-Cities Boulevard and around Bellaire Park contain some of the most established single-family neighborhoods, with ranch-style homes from the 1960s and 70s on larger lots. These areas attract buyers looking for mature trees, quieter streets, and proximity to Birdville ISD schools. Bellaire Elementary anchors this part of town, and the surrounding blocks see less turnover than other parts of the city.
The central corridor along Pipeline Road and near the Highway 183 interchange is more commercial and transitional, with a mix of older apartments, townhomes, and small single-family lots. This area has higher rental density and appeals to younger residents and those prioritizing convenience over space. You'll find most of the city's retail here, including grocery stores, auto parts shops, and chain restaurants. It's less cohesive as a residential area but offers the shortest commutes to employment centers in Irving, DFW Airport, and Fort Worth.
South Hurst, closer to the Bedford border, includes newer subdivisions and apartment complexes built in the 1990s and 2000s. These neighborhoods have smaller lots and more contemporary floor plans, and they draw families with school-aged children attending Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD schools. The housing here is slightly more expensive than the northern sections but still well below regional averages. This part of the city feels more suburban and planned, with HOA-managed streets and landscaped entrances, though it lacks the mature character of older Hurst neighborhoods.
Classification
- Type
- Incorporated Place
- Class Code
- C1
Identifiers
- GEOID
- 4835576
- State FIPS
- 48
- Place FIPS
- 35576
Statistics
- Neighborhoods
- 0
- Population
- 40,053
Geography
- Geometry
- polygon
- Area
- 26 km²
- County
- Tarrant
Data Source
- Primary Source
- tiger
- Census Reference
- QuickFacts
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurst
Is Hurst a good place to live?
Hurst works well for buyers and renters prioritizing affordability, central location, and access to regional employment without the higher costs of neighboring cities. The median home value of $270,900 according to Census Bureau estimates sits well below the Dallas-Fort Worth average, and the median household income of $64,141 supports a stable middle-income base. The city's position along Highway 183 puts residents within 20 to 30 minutes of Fort Worth, DFW Airport, and major job centers in Irving and Arlington. Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD serves most of the city with a B rating from the Texas Education Agency, while portions fall within higher-rated Birdville and Grapevine-Colleyville districts. The city lacks a walkable downtown or significant cultural amenities, so residents typically drive to Fort Worth or Dallas for entertainment and dining. It's a practical choice for working families, first-time buyers, and anyone who values convenience and cost over urban character.
What is the cost of living in Hurst?
Housing costs in Hurst are notably lower than the regional average, making it one of the more affordable Mid-Cities options. The median home value stands at $270,900 according to Census Bureau estimates, compared to values exceeding $400,000 in nearby Colleyville and Southlake. Renters pay a median of $1,371 per month, which is competitive for Tarrant County and provides access to decent apartment stock near major commercial corridors. The median household income of $64,141 suggests that housing costs consume a manageable share of income for most residents. Everyday expenses like groceries and gas align with regional norms, and the abundance of retail along Pipeline Road and Bedford-Euless Road keeps competition strong. Property taxes follow Tarrant County rates, which are typical for the Metroplex. Overall, Hurst offers a cost structure that allows families and individuals to live comfortably without stretching budgets, especially compared to pricier suburbs to the west and south.
How are the schools in Hurst?
Most of Hurst falls within Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, which serves 2,606 students across four schools in the city and holds a B rating from the Texas Education Agency. Bellaire Elementary is one of the district's schools located within Hurst, serving northern neighborhoods. Smaller sections of the city are zoned to Birdville ISD and Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, both of which carry A ratings from the state and are considered among the stronger districts in Tarrant County. Families prioritizing top-rated schools often focus their home search on areas zoned to Birdville or Grapevine-Colleyville, though Hurst-Euless-Bedford offers solid programs and more affordable housing options. The district mix gives buyers some flexibility depending on school priorities and budget.
Is Hurst good for families?
Hurst appeals to families looking for affordable single-family homes, short commutes, and access to decent schools without the premium costs of adjacent suburbs. The city has parks like Bellaire Park and quiet residential streets where kids can play, though it lacks the extensive trail systems and recreation facilities found in larger or wealthier communities. Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD serves most families with a B rating, and portions of the city fall within higher-rated Birdville and Grapevine-Colleyville districts. The median age of 36 and the prevalence of single-family neighborhoods indicate a family-oriented population. Daycare options, pediatric services, and family-friendly retail are readily available along major corridors. The city's central location means families can easily access museums, entertainment, and activities in Fort Worth and Dallas. It's a practical choice for families prioritizing budget and convenience over amenities and prestige.
How does Hurst compare to nearby cities?
Hurst offers lower housing costs and a more working-class character compared to wealthier neighbors like Colleyville and Southlake, where median home values often exceed $500,000. Bedford to the south is similar in affordability and demographic makeup, while North Richland Hills to the north is slightly larger with more retail and dining options. Euless to the east shares Hurst's mid-range affordability and proximity to DFW Airport. Compared to these cities, Hurst has less commercial development and fewer parks, but it compensates with slightly lower home prices and quick access to Highway 183. Families focused on top-rated schools may prefer Grapevine-Colleyville or Birdville ISD areas, but Hurst provides a more affordable entry point with access to those districts in select neighborhoods. It's a middle-ground option for buyers who want Mid-Cities convenience without premium pricing.
Find Your Place in Hurst
Whether you're comparing school districts, weighing commute times, or sorting through housing options in the Mid-Cities, a Texas Ally advisor can connect you with the neighborhoods and properties that match your priorities. We know Hurst and the surrounding Tarrant County communities, and we're here to make your search straightforward.
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