Denton
cityDenton, 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
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 48-19972
- Country
- United States
- County
- Denton County
- 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
- 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%)
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Transportation
- Interstate 35E · Interstate 35W · Public transit
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Medical City Denton · Denton Enterprise Airport
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Lewisville · Clear Creek Greenbelt · South Lakes Park
- Parks & Trails
- City of Denton Parks · Denton County Trail System
- 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
