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No Surprise Here: Dallas-Fort Worth Emerges As Nation’s No. 2 Apartment Market

Nearly 29,000 new units are coming in 2025
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Lots of people are moving to Dallas–Fort Worth. And you know what that means? DFW is once again a national leader in housing growth, ranking second in the country for new apartment construction in 2025. Developers are expected to deliver 28,958 new units across the region by year’s end, reinforcing the region’s status as one of the fastest-growing rental markets in the U.S.

According to data from Rent Cafe, this surge is part of a broader Southern trend. Renters across the South will benefit from more than 265,000 new apartments this year, accounting for 52.5% of all new units nationwide. The wave of development reflects the Sunbelt’s magnetic pull, driven by job opportunities, affordability and steady population growth.

Dallas Stays Near The Top

For the fourth year in a row, the New York metro area leads the nation in new apartment construction, with 30,023 units set to open in 2025. Dallas follows closely behind, only 1,065 units shy of the top spot.

Although DFW’s completions are down 22.4% from 2024, the dip is viewed as a pause after several years of record-setting growth. Demand remains strong, fueled by steady in-migration and a diverse, expanding job market.

McKinney Pushes North Texas Growth

Within North Texas, Dallas is expected to see the most new apartments this year, with 5,778 units, followed by Fort Worth with 3,793. McKinney is making headlines of its own, with 2,006 new apartments on the way in 2025.

McKinney’s appeal goes beyond housing. Recently ranked the best city for renters in the U.S., it’s attracting families with top-rated schools and safe neighborhoods, while professionals are drawn to its location within the larger DFW job market. Its 75071 ZIP code ranked 8th in the nation for inbound moves this year, with nearly 2,900 new residents relocating there.

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Photo: Chad Hatcher | City of McKinney

Adding to its appeal, McKinney ranks 11th nationally for job growth with annual employment expansion near 21%, further cementing its reputation as one of the fastest-growing cities in America.

Outlook For Renters And Developers

With nearly 29,000 new units coming online in 2025, DFW continues to anchor the nation’s apartment construction boom. And while overall building may be slowing from record highs, North Texas remains a magnet for renters and developers alike — proving that housing demand in the region is far from leveling off.

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