Big-time bucks

5 affluent Dallas-Fort Worth cities cash in among the richest in Texas

Celina catapulted from No. 14 on last year's list to No. 3 this year.

Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker

Highland Park and Celina are movin’ on up among the ranks of the wealthiest cities in Texas.

A new ranking from data provider HomeSnacks shows Highland Park climbed from No. 3 on the 2020 list of Texas’ wealthiest cities to No. 2 on this year’s list. Meanwhile, Celina catapulted 11 spots — from No. 14 to No. 3.

To come up with the ranking, HomeSnacks looked at median household income, poverty rates, and unemployment rates for Texas cities with at least 5,000 residents. Therefore, the ranking isn’t based solely on how rich a city’s residents are. Still, you’re curious about the cash, right?

In terms of household income, Highland Park boasts a median total of $211,136. Its unemployment rate is 1.4 percent and its poverty rate is 2.3 percent.

In Celina — about 40 miles north of Dallas — median household income sits at $124,375. There, the unemployment rate is 1 percent and the poverty rate is 0.7 percent.

In all, Dallas-Fort Worth claims five places among the state’s 10 wealthiest cities. Aside from Highland Park and Celina, DFW representatives on the list are Southlake (median household income of $240,248), Prosper, ($146,733), and Melissa ($118,348).

DFW’s Trophy Club (now at No. 36), Willow Park (now at No. 21), and Coppell (now at No. 11) lost their top-10 standings from last year.

Topping HomeSnacks’ statewide list — again — is the San Antonio suburb of Terrell Hills, which rings up a median household income $181,979. The unemployment rate is 1.2 percent and the poverty rate is 0.7 percent.

One of Terrell Hills’ neighbors, Alamo Heights, broke into the top 10 this year. It soared from No. 32 last year to No. 10 this year. Alamo Heights registers median household income of $141,048, a 1 percent unemployment rate, and a 4.4 percent poverty rate.

Here are the 10 wealthiest cities in Texas for 2021, as determined by HomeSnacks.

1. Terrell Hills (San Antonio)

Population: 5,371
Rank last year: 1
Median household income: $181,979
Unemployment rate: 1.2 percent
Poverty rate: 0.7 percent

2. Highland Park (Dallas-Fort Worth)

Population: 9,168
Rank last year: 3
Median household income: $211,136
Unemployment rate: 1.4 percent
Poverty rate: 2.3 percent

3. Celina (Dallas-Fort Worth)

Population: 11,116
Rank last year: 14
Median household income: $124,375
Unemployment rate: 1 percent
Poverty rate: 0.7 percent

4. Bellaire (Houston)

Population: 18,815
Rank last year: 2
Median household income: $206,734
Unemployment rate: 2 percent
Poverty rate: 2.3 percent

5. Southlake (Dallas-Fort Worth)

Population: 31,292
Rank last year: 8
Median household income: $240,248
Unemployment rate: 2.2 percent
Poverty rate: 2.5 percent

6. West University Place (Houston)

Population: 15,603
Rank last year: 5
Median household income: $250,001
Unemployment rate: 2.6 percent
Poverty rate: 1.7 percent

7. Prosper (Dallas-Fort Worth)

Population: 22,517
Rank last year: 12
Median household income: $146,733
Unemployment rate: 2.1 percent
Poverty rate: 2.4 percent

8. Fair Oaks Ranch (San Antonio)

Population: 9,944
Rank last year: 9
Median household income: $128,398
Unemployment rate: 1.8 percent
Poverty rate: 3 percent

9. Melissa (Dallas-Fort Worth)

Population: 9,487
Rank last year: 4
Median household income: $118,348
Unemployment rate: 2.2 percent
Poverty rate: 1.1 percent

10. Alamo Heights (San Antonio)

Population: 8,374
Rank last year: 32
Median household income: $141,048
Unemployment rate: 1 percent
Poverty rate: 4.4 percent

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RIP Kelly

Beloved Dallas public relations maven Kelly Hunter dies at 58

Photo courtesy of Sunwest PR.

Kelly Hunter passed away on June 12.

A beloved Dallas media figure has died: Kelly Hunter, a public relations maven who helped restaurants and other small businesses thrive, passed away on June 12, following a brief illness; she was 58.

Hunter spent 35 years in the field of public relations, first at Shiroma Southwest, then at Sunwest Communications, where she served as Vice President, Lifestyle, Hospitality & Tech.

She played a key role in a creative alliance with the City of Addison, particularly its annual Kaboom Town 4th of July event. Other notable clients she promoted over the years include the Statler Dallas hotel in downtown Dallas; Hotel Dax, the Statler sibling that recently opened in Addison; and the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Dallas Love Field.

A statement from Sunwest said that "Kelly’s unparalleled work ethic and encyclopedic knowledge of countless subjects were exceeded only by the passion she had for her job. She made an incredible impact on all she met. Kelly was a good friend, a great mom, and an even better wife to her husband, John."

Hunter was the consummate PR pro, embodying both the detail-oriented precision and the 24/7 responsiveness that the job calls for, along with a doting personal touch that was felt by her coworkers, clients, and members of the media. Hunter was beloved by her peers, as well — no small feat in the cut-throat world of Dallas media.

Chuck Steelman called her "amazing — one of the best public relations professionals I’ve ever worked with." Patricia Valderrama described her as "the warmest and kindest soul. Never saw her angry or upset ever." Allison Golden Tucker posted, "It always seemed like Kelly had more hours in the day than most. Her storytelling ability was second to none and she always had time for a quick word of advice."

Barbara Kovacevich highlighted Kelly's effectiveness, noting that "she elevated Addison events to national recognition. It’s hard to not link Kelly with Addison Kaboom Town. Kelly was driven to success and had a great heart for others."

Kelly was born in Dallas on June 28, 1967. Her parents were Joanne Washburn and John Alexander Jr., and she had a younger sister, Amy. She graduated from Plano Senior High School, going on to earn degrees in marketing and finance from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA in marketing from the University of North Texas.

She and her husband, John, had two children, Chandler and Reagan, and the four were frequent travelers.

She was also a lifelong volunteer, from the PTA at her children’s elementary school, to Junior League of Collin County, Women’s Auxiliary for Children’s Health, Chamberlain Ballet, and the National Charity League. A culinary enthusiast in work and life, she was recently inducted into Les Dames d’Escoffier.

"Kelly did everything in life with a cheerful attitude and a warmth that made everyone feel special," the statement from Sunwest said. "Her network reaches every corner of the DFW metroplex and beyond as a talented storyteller, fabulous home chef, and a dedicated friend. She was loved and admired by all who knew her."

Services will be held on Saturday, June 27 at 11 am at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano. The service will be live-streamed at cumc.com/memorial.

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RIP Kelly

Beloved Dallas public relations maven Kelly Hunter dies at 58