Ellis County vs. Dallas County home prices: which costs less?

By Steven J. Thomas, Broker, Refind Realty DFW · Loan Officer, Envision Home Lending LLC, NMLS #689220. Baylor-trained in financial planning, with 20+ years in financial services and 14+ in real estate. Last updated October 15, 2026.

Dallas County costs less at the median. In July 2026, the median single-family home sold for $370,000 in Dallas County and $425,000 in Ellis County (NTREIS, Texas A&M Real Estate Research Center). Dallas County prices fell 5% from a year earlier while Ellis County rose 4%. Both figures cover resale homes, not builder pricing.

Many buyers heading south of Dallas assume Ellis County is the cheaper side of the line. The July numbers say otherwise.

Is Ellis County cheaper than Dallas County?

Not at the median. Ellis County's $425,000 sits $55,000 above Dallas County's $370,000 (NTREIS, July 2026). Dallas County's average price is higher, $611,974 against $441,268, and its average runs $241,974 above its median, which means high-end sales pull that average up.

July 2026, single-family	Dallas County	Ellis County
Median sale price	$370,000 (-5% YoY)	$425,000 (+4% YoY)
Average sale price	$611,974 (-3% YoY)	$441,268 (-3% YoY)
Closed sales	1,580 (-2% YoY)	306 (-4% YoY)
Days on market	45	76
Sold-to-list ratio	95.5%	95.4%
Months of inventory	4.1	4.7

Source: NTREIS Monthly MLS Summary Report, July 2026, produced by the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M, dated Aug. 6, 2026. Current-month sales are projected counts.

What do those prices do to a monthly payment?

At Freddie Mac's 7.40% average (Oct. 8, 2026), a 30-year loan with 20% down on the Dallas County median runs $2,049.44 a month in principal and interest, 7.483% APR. The Ellis County median runs $2,354.09, 7.476% APR. The difference is $304.65 a month, before taxes, insurance, and HOA.

County median	20% down	Loan	Monthly P&I at 7.40%	APR
Dallas County, $370,000	$74,000	$296,000	$2,049.44	7.483%
Ellis County, $425,000	$85,000	$340,000	$2,354.09	7.476%

The rate is the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey weekly average for Oct. 8, 2026, up from 6.30% a year earlier. It is not a quoted rate. APR assumes $1,495 in lender fees, 0 points, and 15 days of prepaid interest on a conventional 30-year fixed loan. Illustrative example, not a loan offer, rate lock, or commitment to lend. Loan Officer Steven J. Thomas, NMLS #689220, Envision Home Lending LLC, Company NMLS #2619789.

Which county gives buyers more room to negotiate?

Ellis County homes sat 76 days at the median in July, while Dallas County homes sat 45 (NTREIS, July 2026). Both closed near 95.5% of list price: 95.4% in Ellis, 95.5% in Dallas. Inventory ran 4.7 months in Ellis County and 4.1 in Dallas County. Ellis County buyers had more time to shop.

Do these county numbers apply to a new build?

No. They cover resale sales. Builder pricing is set community by community, and incentives change by builder and by month. Use the county medians as a benchmark, not a quote. The builder's sales rep works for the builder, so register your own agent at your first visit.

Builders typically pay a buyer's agent fee when your agent is registered before you walk the model, so confirm that in the contract.

For a closer look at what builders trade on price, read how to negotiate a Midlothian new build, and read about working with a Midlothian agent if you want to see Ellis County inventory today.

What should I check before buying in Ellis County?

Check two things the county median hides. First, whether the lot needs an aerobic septic system, which changes your upkeep and your inspection plan. Second, whether the address qualifies for a USDA zero-down loan. Tax rates also vary by city and district, so get the full payment from a lender before you compare homes.

The details sit in buying a home with an aerobic septic in Ellis County and how USDA zero-down loans work in Ellis County.

Get the free New Construction Buyer Guide before you step into a model home. It shows what to ask the builder's rep, and why a $55,000 county price gap matters less than the contract you sign.

FAQ

Do Ellis County homes take longer to sell than Dallas County homes?

Yes. The July 2026 median was 76 days in Ellis County and 45 days in Dallas County (NTREIS). Your home's price and condition move that number.

Is Ellis County getting more expensive?

The July 2026 median sale price rose 4% year over year in Ellis County while Dallas County fell 5% (NTREIS). One month is a snapshot, so watch the next report before you call it a trend.

Can I buy with zero down in Ellis County?

Some addresses qualify for USDA financing, which allows 100% financing for eligible buyers. Eligibility depends on the property location and your income.

What rate did you use for the payments?

The Freddie Mac weekly average of 7.40% for Oct. 8, 2026. Your quoted rate depends on your credit, down payment, and the day you lock.

Where do the county numbers come from?

From the NTREIS July 2026 summary report produced by the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M.

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Steven J. Thomas · Broker, Refind Realty DFW · TREC Broker License #0657467 · Loan Officer, Envision Home Lending LLC · NMLS #689220 · Company NMLS #2619789. Equal Housing Opportunity. TREC Information About Brokerage Services. Market figures are based on current conditions, change monthly, and are not a guarantee of price, timeline, or outcome. Call or text 972-846-9170.