Living in Ferris, Texas
Ferris
Brick-making history on I-45, with new lots coming in fast.
What it's like
The short version
Ferris sits on Interstate 45 about 20 miles south of downtown Dallas, almost entirely in Ellis County. Land for the town was deeded in 1874, six brick plants were running by 1914, and the city took the nickname Brick Capital of the Nation.
What's for sale
Homes sold at a median near $306,000 in the three months ending August 2026. The city counted 306 residential building permits in 2024 and 218 in 2025, with 1,063 lots in its development pipeline.
What it does well
Strong here
- Quiet, small-town pace●●○
About 4,400 people. - Golf●●○
Old Brickyard Golf Course on North I-45 is taking tee times. - New construction●●○
218 residential building permits in 2025, with 1,063 lots in the development pipeline. - Established neighborhoods●●○
Land for the town was deeded in 1874, and residents voted to incorporate in 1882.
The honest part
What to know first
- Walk Score puts an average of 0.3 restaurants, bars or coffee shops within a 5-minute walk.
Not its strength: vibrant, big-city energy, a real downtown, restaurants, parks and trails, lake days, luxury homes.
Not rated yet: walkable, transit options, nightlife, shopping, land and acreage, horses welcome. That means I haven't confirmed it either way, not that it isn't here.
Get outside
- Mutz Park
A city park with baseball and softball fields. - Jerry Watson Memorial Park
A city park with free public WiFi. - Earline Jackson Park
A city park with artificial turf. - Old Brickyard Golf Course
A golf course at 605 North I-45.
Taxes
2025 combined rate per $100 with Ferris ISD: city 0.564777, Ferris ISD 1.230800, Ellis County 0.273992. Homestead not applied.
The small Dallas County part has its own units, so check the unit list on the address.
School facts
- Ferris ISD: TEA rating B, 2026
Take it with you
Want this on paper?
Get the printable Ferris report sent to your email.
Sources
- 2026 NCTCOG Population Estimates
- Redfin: Ferris Housing Market
- Dallas County Tax Office: 2025 Tax Rates
- Texas Tribune Schools Explorer: Ferris ISD
- Wikipedia: Ferris, Texas
- City of Ferris
- City of Ferris: FAQ, Information Technology
- City of Ferris: March 2024 Newsletter
- Walk Score: Ferris
- Independence Title: Ellis County Tax Rates 2025
- GolfNow: Old Brickyard Golf Course