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Denton

city

Denton, Texas, is located on the northern edge of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, within the area known as the "Golden Triangle of North Texas". As of 2020, the city had a population of 139,869, making it the 20th-most populous city in Texas. Denton is characterized as a college town, hosting over 45,000 students at its two universities and is known for its active music scene and cultural events. Denton's economy is diverse, with key industries including education, retail, and healthcare. Major employers include the University of North Texas, Texas Woman's University, and Medical City Denton. The city benefits from its location along Interstate 35, providing access to the broader Dallas-Fort Worth region. Denton is distinctive for its blend of a vibrant arts and music scene with a growing economy and educational institutions. The city's history is tied to the establishment of Denton County and its role as a regional center for commerce and education. Denton also offers a range of recreational opportunities and a high quality of life, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Denton, Texas

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
48-19972
Country
United States
County
Denton County
Geography
Region
North Texas
Elevation
659 ft
Total Area
97.95 sq mi
Land Area
96.35 sq mi
Water Area
1.6 sq mi
Latitude
33.21639
Longitude
-97.12917
Climate
Hot, humid summers and few extreme weather events
Notable Features
Lewisville Lake · Elm Fork of the Trinity River
Neighboring Areas
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Demographics
Population (2020)
139,869
Est. Population (2026)
178,433
Median Age
31.4
Median Income
$76,019
Poverty Rate
15.84%
Owner-Occupied
50%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
White (53.8%), Hispanic (25.9%), and Black (10.9%)
Governance
Government Type
Council-Manager
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
7 members
School District
Denton Independent School District
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
Economy
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
Economic Profile
Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
Employment Sectors
Educational Services · Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance
Major Employers
University of North Texas · Texas Woman's University · Medical City Denton · Peterbilt Motors · Sally Beauty Supply
Education
Schools
45
Students
32,779
Graduation Rate
97.6%
School Districts
Denton Independent School District
Colleges & Universities
University of North Texas · Texas Woman's University
Infrastructure
Transportation
Interstate 35E · Interstate 35W · Public transit
Utilities
Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
Major Facilities
Medical City Denton · Denton Enterprise Airport
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Lake Lewisville · Clear Creek Greenbelt · South Lakes Park
Parks & Trails
City of Denton Parks · Denton County Trail System
History
Founded
1857
Incorporated
1866
Named After
John B. Denton
Historical Significance
Denton has evolved from an agricultural center to a diverse city known for its education, arts, and growing economy.
Key Events
Established as county seat in 1857 · Railroad access in 1881 spurred growth · University of North Texas founded in 1890 · Texas Woman's University established in 1901