McKinney, Texas: 2026 City Guide, Real Estate Market, Historic Downtown, Airport & Growth
McKinney is one of North Texas’ clearest examples of two cities existing at once: a preserved nineteenth-century county-seat downtown and a rapidly expanding modern city of 236,001 residents. The Census Bureau estimates McKinney grew 20.8% from its April 2020 estimate base and added 8,504 residents in a single year, while new master-planned communities, airport passenger service, road projects, historic-core redevelopment and thousands of existing-home resales continue reshaping the market.
Table of Contents
- McKinney at a Glance
- Why McKinney Is Still a Major Growth City
- History & Historic Downtown
- Culture, Downtown & Visitor Essentials
- 2026 McKinney Real Estate Market
- Homes Sold This Year & This Month
- Housing Submarkets & Price Tiers
- New Construction & Master-Planned Communities
- Buyer & Relocation Due Diligence
- Seller & Listing-Agent Strategy
- McKinney National Airport Passenger Service
- East McKinney Redevelopment
- Downtown City-Owned Property Redevelopment
- US 380, Spur 399 & Transportation
- Employment & Business Districts
- McKinney ISD & School Research
- Parks, Trails & Recreation
- Property Taxes & Ownership Costs
- 2027 Outlook
- Official & Approved Resources
- McKinney FAQ
McKinney at a Glance
McKinney has moved well beyond the scale of a traditional Dallas suburb. Its population now exceeds 236,000, its city limits cover a broad mix of historic neighborhoods, established master plans, new subdivisions, employment corridors and rural-edge land, and the city remains one of the country’s strongest numeric population gainers.
| Measure | Latest cited figure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Population estimate | 236,001 (July 1, 2025) | Up 20.8% from the April 2020 estimate base. |
| 2020 Census population | 195,308 | Shows the scale of post-2020 expansion. |
| One-year numeric gain | 8,504 residents | 10th-largest numeric gain among U.S. cities in Vintage 2025. |
| Persons under 18 | 26.2% | Family-age households remain an important part of housing demand. |
| City buildout | About 69.5% | McKinney still has meaningful development capacity, unlike mature inner-ring cities. |
| Location | Approx. 30 miles north of Dallas | US 75, SH 121/Sam Rayburn Tollway and US 380 shape commuting and development. |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts – McKinney; Vintage 2025 city population estimates; City business and demographic profile.
McKinney Added 8,504 Residents in One Year
Growth Is Slowing Nationally – McKinney Is Still Adding Thousands
The Census Bureau ranked McKinney 10th in the nation for numeric population increase from July 2024 to July 2025, reaching 236,001 residents. That is a different story from small percentage-growth towns: McKinney is adding thousands of people onto an already large population base.
Housing demand is broad
Demand spans entry-level new construction, move-up homes, luxury communities, historic homes, rentals and age-targeted housing.
Infrastructure pressure is real
US 380 planning, airport construction, arterial widening and utility projects reflect the cost of absorbing large numeric growth.
Growth is geographically uneven
North McKinney and US 380 corridors are adding newer housing while Historic/East McKinney focus more on reinvestment and redevelopment.
Historic McKinney: Growth Built Around a Preserved Core
McKinney’s cultural identity is unusually durable for a fast-growing North Texas city. The Cultural District describes itself as the community’s heartbeat since 1848, and Historic Downtown remains the city’s primary visitor destination.
McKinney Cultural District • Historic walking tours • Downtown development
Historic Downtown Is Still McKinney’s Signature Experience
The City describes Historic Downtown McKinney as one of the oldest thriving downtowns in Texas, with more than 120 unique shops and over two dozen restaurants. The broader Cultural District contains 120+ independently owned businesses, festivals, arts, food and preserved architecture.
McKinney Performing Arts Center
The former Collin County Courthouse is undergoing a major 2026 renovation. The venue closed Feb. 1 for nearly a year of improvements.
Collin County History Museum
The museum occupies a 1911 Texas Historic Landmark and interprets McKinney and Collin County history.
Downtown festivals
Oktoberfest, Arts in Bloom, parades and other events reinforce downtown as both a residential amenity and regional destination.
TUPPS Brewery / East McKinney
The relocated brewery campus in the historic Mill District contributes entertainment and private investment east of SH 5.
Adriatica
The Croatian-inspired mixed-use village around a lake offers condos, restaurants, offices and a distinct architectural environment in west McKinney.
121 District
The SH 121 corridor provides a newer employment, dining and mixed-use counterpoint to the historic core.
Explore Historic Downtown • Attractions and museums • 2026 MPAC renovation
McKinney Real Estate Market: September 2026
McKinney entered fall 2026 with substantial inventory and more buyer leverage than during the pandemic-era market. Redfin reports a rolling three-month median sale price of $509,757, 664 September sales, 65 median days on market and a 97.5% sale-to-list ratio.
Realtor.com reports a $525,000 median listing price, $450,800 median sold price, 2,439 active listings and 60 median days on market for September. Zillow reports a typical home value of $472,867, down 5.1% year over year, with 1,242 homes for sale at September month-end.
Buyers have negotiating room
Redfin reports 48.9% of listings with price drops and an average sale around 3% below final list price.
New construction changes resale competition
Builders can offer rate buydowns, closing incentives and inventory discounts that existing-home sellers must compete against.
Portal medians differ sharply
Realtor.com’s September sold median is materially below Redfin’s rolling three-month figure. Use one methodology consistently rather than blending them.
Rental alternatives remain meaningful
Zillow reports an average rent near $1,741 in September, creating an important rent-vs.-buy decision for relocations and first-time buyers.
Redfin McKinney housing market • Realtor.com McKinney market • Zillow McKinney home values
Homes Sold This Year & This Month
September is the latest completed month. Redfin reports 664 homes sold in September 2026, down 19.1% year over year. Public consumer portals do not expose a clean Jan. 1-through-Sept. 30 McKinney closed-sales series using identical methodology, so this guide does not manufacture a year-to-date total.
| 2026 checkpoint | Sales / inventory measure | Price measure | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | 664 homes sold | $509,757 rolling 3-month median | Redfin current city tracker. |
| September 2026 | 2,439 active listings | $450,800 median sold | Realtor.com completed-month summary. |
| September month-end | 1,242 for-sale listings | $472,867 typical home value | Zillow inventory + ZHVI; not a sold-price median. |
| Current Homes.com sold archive | 5,800+ historical sold records displayed | Property-specific | Multi-period archive, useful for examples but not a 2026 YTD count. |
McKinney Housing Submarkets & Price Tiers
Historic / 75069
Prewar homes, cottages, infill and renovated properties. Walkability, architecture, preservation rules and lot character dominate comps.
Stonebridge Ranch / 75072
Large established master-planned community with broad home sizes and ages. Village, golf, lake and renovation differences create internal micro-markets.
Craig Ranch / 75070
Master-planned housing, townhomes, multifamily, sports and SH 121 employment access. Newer and denser than many west-side subdivisions.
North McKinney / 75071
The city’s strongest new-construction geography, including Painted Tree, Trinity Falls and multiple builder communities.
Adriatica / west McKinney
Condos, townhomes, apartments and mixed-use properties in a distinctive European-inspired environment require property-type-specific comparisons.
East McKinney
Older neighborhoods, infill, public investment and airport/downtown infrastructure create a redevelopment market unlike the master-planned west and north.
Master-Planned Communities Are a Major Market Force
Unlike mature inner-ring cities, McKinney still has enough land to produce large volumes of new housing. That means resale agents must understand builder inventory, community amenities, MUD/PID obligations where applicable, lot premiums and incentive packages.
Painted Tree
The roughly 1,100-acre community includes about 200 acres of parks/open space, a 20-acre lake, roughly 25 miles of trails, multiple amenity hubs and a mix of single-family, townhome and rental product. The community reported ranking third among Texas master-planned communities in a 2026 sales ranking.
Trinity Falls
Trinity Falls remains one of north McKinney’s major long-term master-planned communities, with new detached housing, age-targeted Del Webb product and continuing builder inventory. Buyers should compare MUD taxes, HOA structure and builder incentives carefully.
Stonebridge Ranch
Stonebridge is now an established resale community rather than a pure new-build story, making renovation quality, village amenities, lot position and school assignment more important than builder incentives.
Craig Ranch
Craig Ranch combines detached homes, townhomes, apartments, employment, retail and major sports facilities, creating one of McKinney’s most urbanized suburban submarkets.
What McKinney Buyers Should Verify
- Builder incentives: compare rate buydowns and closing incentives with resale pricing.
- District taxes: MUD, PID or other special-district obligations can materially change monthly ownership costs in newer communities.
- School district: McKinney addresses can fall within McKinney ISD, Frisco ISD, Prosper ISD, Melissa ISD and other boundaries.
- US 380 / road projects: evaluate both future access and construction disruption for north-side properties.
- Airport growth: east/southeast buyers should understand McKinney National Airport expansion, flight activity and nearby road changes.
- Historic-district rules: some downtown-area properties require preservation review for exterior alterations.
- HOA / master-plan restrictions: amenity-rich communities carry architectural, rental and maintenance rules.
- Lot position: backing to future roads, commercial parcels, schools, amenity centers or undeveloped land can affect future value and noise.
How McKinney Sellers Can Compete With New Construction
Know builder inventory
A resale listing in 75071 may compete directly with quick move-ins and builder financing rather than only nearby resales.
Price renovations rationally
In older master-planned communities, updated systems and interiors can justify a premium – but only when buyers can see the value versus newer construction.
Use location context
Downtown access, parks, trails, airport, SH 121, US 75 and community amenities can be communicated more clearly with aerial photography and video.
McKinney National Airport Is Becoming a Commercial Passenger Airport
The most consequential 2026 infrastructure story in McKinney is the transition of McKinney National Airport (DTX) from a business-aviation airport into a commercial passenger airport. The new passenger terminal is scheduled to open Nov. 11, 2026.
Avelo Airlines has announced nonstop service to nine destinations. Initial November service includes Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. Beginning in December, the carrier plans additional service to Atlanta, Denver, Nashville and New Orleans. Avelo also announced a third based aircraft and more than 100 career opportunities tied to its McKinney operation.
Terminal opening
Scheduled for Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2026, with terminal, apron, parking and fire-lane construction on schedule.
Airport infrastructure
Taxiway C and FM 546 roundabout work continued in 2026, while additional Taxiway A rehabilitation is scheduled through 2027.
Real-estate effect
Commercial service can improve regional convenience and employment while increasing the importance of aircraft noise, access roads, hospitality and east-side development.
Sept. 24, 2026 airport/Avelo announcement • Airport construction updates
East McKinney: Public Infrastructure + Private Reinvestment
East McKinney is one of the city’s most important redevelopment stories. The new City Hall opened in January 2025, TUPPS Brewery relocated to the historic Mill District, and the City has been investing in streets, utilities, parks and connections between historic neighborhoods, downtown and the airport corridor.
East Virginia Street Extension
The City plans to extend and upgrade East Virginia Street from Murray Street to Airport Drive, including utilities, drainage, ADA walkways, lighting, landscaping and a roundabout. Construction was anticipated to begin in mid-2026.
SH 5 / Spur 399 work
Utility relocation and TxDOT roadway work are reshaping access south and east of downtown, with construction impacts but also long-term mobility changes.
City Hall as catalyst
The new municipal complex was intentionally positioned as a civic gathering place and redevelopment catalyst between downtown and east-side legacy neighborhoods.
Preservation challenge
Investment can raise land values and redevelopment pressure, making historic-resource surveys and neighborhood-preservation strategies increasingly important.
Former City Hall Sites Are Entering a New Chapter
After McKinney moved into its new City Hall, the former City Hall and Development Services properties created a major redevelopment opportunity on the northern edge of downtown. Demolition of the old buildings began in 2026.
The City plans public-infrastructure reconstruction beginning in late 2026 and continuing through 2028, including Hunt, Tennessee and Lamar streets, water/wastewater/storm systems, sidewalks and traffic-pattern changes. The City is also exploring office redevelopment on the old City Hall property and a future multi-level public parking facility plus new Central Park on other city-owned land.
US 380, Spur 399 & the Cost of Rapid Growth
The proposed US 380 Bypass remains one of the biggest long-range transportation issues affecting McKinney. TxDOT’s preferred concept is an eight-lane freeway with frontage roads intended to improve east-west mobility and manage congestion.
The City has publicly supported a different alignment in parts of the project and has raised concerns about neighborhood and development impacts. Near Tucker Hill and Stonebridge, TxDOT has discussed depressed main lanes and sound barriers as mitigation.
McKinney US 380 Bypass information • Spur 399 / east-side projects
Eight Business Districts + a Growing Airport Economy
The City identifies eight major business/retail districts, including multiple US 380 nodes, Historic Downtown, the US 75/SH 121 area and the 121 District. That distributes employment and retail across the city rather than concentrating it in one downtown.
121 District
One of McKinney’s strongest office, restaurant and mixed-use nodes near Craig Ranch and the Sam Rayburn Tollway.
US 75 corridor
Healthcare, retail, office and industrial uses take advantage of regional north-south highway access.
Airport / TIRZ 2
The airport area has its own tax increment reinvestment zone supporting capital projects and economic development.
McKinney ISD: B-Rated District, A-Rated High Schools
The Texas Education Agency’s updated September 2026 accountability report gives McKinney ISD an overall B / 87 rating. McKinney ISD also reported that all three comprehensive high schools remained A-rated in 2026.
McKinney High School
TEA’s 2026 accountability report gives McKinney High an A / 93 overall rating.
McKinney Boyd
TEA reports an A / 94 overall rating in 2026.
Address-level research matters
McKinney city limits extend into areas served by other districts, including Frisco, Prosper and Melissa ISDs. Verify every property by exact address.
TEA McKinney ISD 2026 report • McKinney ISD 2026 accountability release
Nearly 3,000 Acres of Parks & About 80 Miles of Trails
McKinney maintains about 80 miles of hike-and-bike trails and nearly 3,000 acres of parks and open space. The system ranges from urban Towne Lake to major sports complexes and the more natural 212-acre Erwin Park.
Towne Lake Park
Nearly 230 acres with trails, kayaking, disc golf, fishing, recreation facilities and a Wilson Creek Trail connection.
Gabe Nesbitt Community Park
160 acres containing Apex Centre, sports fields, skatepark, The Courts of McKinney, library and trail connections.
Erwin Park renovation
The 212-acre park closed in 2026 for a major renovation and is expected to reopen in fall 2027 with new trails, campsites, utilities, restrooms and an overlook tower.
The City also continues improvements at the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch and other bond-funded parks, demonstrating how population growth translates directly into recreation capital spending.
McKinney parks and trails • Park projects • Erwin Park renovation
McKinney Property Taxes: Tax Year 2026
Effective Oct. 1, 2026, the City of McKinney’s municipal property-tax rate is $0.412284 per $100 assessed value. The rate is divided into $0.276856 maintenance and operations plus $0.135428 debt service.
| Taxing entity / component | Rate per $100 assessed value |
|---|---|
| City of McKinney – M&O | $0.276856 |
| City of McKinney – Debt | $0.135428 |
| Total City rate | $0.412284 |
| Collin County | $0.151414 |
| Collin College | $0.081220 |
The City’s tax page lists McKinney ISD at 1.0664 pending the November election. Newer neighborhoods may also have MUD/PID or other assessments, so the exact parcel should be used for total-cost calculations.
City of McKinney tax information • Collin Central Appraisal District
What to Watch in McKinney Real Estate in 2027
McKinney enters 2027 with a combination few North Texas cities share: strong population growth, large new-home supply, an active historic core and a newly operating commercial airport. Those forces can push different submarkets in different directions.
Passenger air service becomes real
2027 will be the first full year of scheduled commercial service from McKinney National Airport, potentially influencing hotels, employment and east-side land values.
Builder competition remains intense
Painted Tree, Trinity Falls and other communities should continue offering meaningful new-home supply, putting pressure on resale pricing in overlapping price bands.
Historic downtown changes physically
Infrastructure reconstruction and former City Hall redevelopment will create temporary disruption but long-term reinvestment opportunities.
US 380 remains the biggest mobility question
Final alignment, environmental review and future construction timing can materially affect north-side property decisions.
East McKinney attracts more capital
Civic investment, airport access and downtown adjacency can increase redevelopment interest while raising preservation concerns.
Mortgage rates remain the near-term affordability lever
The Texas Real Estate Research Center’s statewide baseline through summer 2027 anticipates mortgage rates broadly in the 6%-7% range.
McKinney Official & Approved Resource Directory
McKinney, Texas FAQ
How many people live in McKinney, Texas?
The U.S. Census Bureau estimated McKinney at 236,001 residents on July 1, 2025.
How fast is McKinney growing?
The Census Bureau estimates McKinney grew 20.8% from the April 2020 estimate base to July 2025 and added 8,504 residents from July 2024 to July 2025.
What is the McKinney median home price in 2026?
Realtor.com reports a September 2026 median sold price of $450,800. Redfin reports a rolling three-month median sale price of $509,757 through September. The sources use different methodologies.
How many homes sold in McKinney in September 2026?
Redfin reports 664 homes sold in September 2026.
How many homes sold in McKinney this year?
Public consumer portals do not provide a clean, consistent Jan. 1-through-Sept. 30 city total under one methodology. Agents should use NTREIS for a precise YTD closed-sales count.
Is McKinney a buyer’s market?
Realtor.com characterizes McKinney as a buyer’s market in September 2026, and Redfin reports that nearly half of listings had price drops.
What is Painted Tree?
Painted Tree is an approximately 1,100-acre master-planned community in north McKinney with about 200 acres of parks/open space, a 20-acre lake, trails and multiple housing types.
What major new airport service is coming to McKinney?
McKinney National Airport’s commercial passenger terminal is scheduled to open Nov. 11, 2026. Avelo Airlines has announced service to nine destinations across November and December.
Which destinations will Avelo serve from McKinney?
Announced destinations include Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Denver, Nashville and New Orleans.
What is happening in Historic Downtown McKinney?
The former City Hall properties are being redeveloped, public infrastructure reconstruction is scheduled from late 2026 through 2028, and the McKinney Performing Arts Center is undergoing a major renovation.
What is happening in East McKinney?
The City is investing in roads, utilities, parks and public facilities, including the East Virginia Street extension and infrastructure connections toward Airport Drive, while private investment includes TUPPS Brewery and related redevelopment.
What is the US 380 Bypass?
TxDOT’s proposed project is an eight-lane freeway with frontage roads intended to address congestion and east-west mobility. The City and TxDOT have differed over portions of the preferred alignment.
What is McKinney’s city property-tax rate?
The tax-year 2026 City of McKinney rate is $0.412284 per $100 assessed value, consisting of $0.276856 for maintenance and operations and $0.135428 for debt service.
What is McKinney ISD’s 2026 accountability rating?
TEA’s September 2026 report gives McKinney ISD an overall B rating with a score of 87. All three comprehensive McKinney ISD high schools were A-rated in 2026.
How much park and trail space does McKinney have?
The City maintains about 80 miles of hike-and-bike trails and nearly 3,000 acres of parks and open space.
What is happening at Erwin Park?
Erwin Park closed in 2026 for a major renovation and is expected to reopen in fall 2027 with new trails, campsites, utilities, restrooms, playground equipment and an overlook tower.
Which school district serves McKinney?
Much of the city is served by McKinney ISD, but parts of McKinney city limits can fall within Frisco, Prosper, Melissa and other districts. Verify the exact address.
What should buyers compare when choosing new construction versus resale in McKinney?
Compare builder incentives, mortgage buydowns, special-district taxes, HOA costs, lot premiums, completion timeline, warranty coverage, commute, school assignment and resale-home renovation quality.
Guide disclaimer: This guide is for general informational and marketing purposes and is not legal, tax, lending, appraisal, inspection or investment advice. Housing portals use different methodologies and time windows. Development, airport and highway projects can change. Verify taxes, special districts, school assignments, zoning, historic requirements, airport noise, road alignments, HOA obligations and project status for the specific property and decision date. Fair-housing laws apply to real-estate marketing and client guidance.
