Housing Report

Here's how COVID-19 has impacted the Dallas housing market

Dallas rents actually increased a bit in June.

Photo courtesy of Abodo

Dallas apartment rent prices seem mostly unaffected by COVID-19 — at least thus far, according to apartment marketplace Abodo.

The site reports that in June, Dallas one-bedroom rent prices actually increased 1.28 percent month-over-month, to a median $1,184. At the same time, two-bedroom rates rose 0.83 percent, to $1,466.

These figures are in contrast to what the Austin rental market has experienced. There, the price of a one-bedroom unit dropped 0.31 percent in June, while two-bedrooms fell 0.7 percent.

In the current COVID-19 landscape, the Dallas market more closely resembles Houston, where median rents also rose. Houston one-bedroom units gained 0.51 percent to $1,179 in June, and two-bedroom rents surged 1.24 percent to a median $1,466.

While one month’s numbers don’t necessarily mean a rental price spike, instead of a COVID-19 rental price recession, we are currently seeing the opposite in both Dallas and Houston.

The trend is different for the local housing market. The MetroTex Association of Realtors reported that in May, Dallas County home sales dropped almost 35 percent year-over-year, while home prices dipped 4 percent. These are big figures, and there are reasons that the housing market is not mirroring the rental market.

Virtual limitations
During the pandemic, virtual shopping has proven successful for landlords and renters alike. Top apartment rental sites quickly moved to offer significantly developed virtual apartment tour capabilities. Property managers are seeing the benefits of scheduling showings digitally, and many have not missed a beat as they continue to rent units.

But when a buyer is considering a major purchase like a home, a short video peek at the space is, in many cases, not sufficient.

Wary buyers and sellers
With COVID-19 cases rising in Texas, many potential buyers are staying put instead of venturing out to look at properties, which could put them at risk of infection. Conversely, many sellers simply do not want large groups of people in their homes. For some, it's easier to take their property off the market, or even rent out the home, and wait for better times.

Looking ahead
One bright spot for the housing market is that mortgage are at historic lows, which could reduce some of COVID-19’s negative housing market effect. If mortgage rates were anywhere near normal levels, we might see an even greater dip in housing prices. However, as the uncertainty of the pandemic continues, Abodo expects the Dallas market — for both rentals and sales — to face continued challenges.

rent trends

hottest zips

Surprising Dallas neighbor ranks among hottest ZIP codes in U.S.

City of Lavon/Facebook

Movers are loving Lavon for its small-town feel and proximity to the big city.

A recent analysis of American relocation trends has revealed the small city of Lavon outside Dallas was one of the top five hottest ZIP code for movers nationwide in October 2025.

Lavon's 75166 ZIP code ranked No. 5 on MovingPlace's new list ranking the U.S. cities with the highest number of new movers per 1,000 current residents during the month of October.

According to the study's data, 961,650 moves took place across the nation last month. Lavon (population: 13,800) saw 10.8 moves per 1,000 residents in October, the fifth highest moving rate out of all U.S. cities.

Lavon is located 32 miles northeast of Dallas in Collin County. It was praised as a highly sought-after locale for movers who want to live somewhere affordable outside Dallas while still reaping the benefits from a community with a small-town feel.

The report also added that Lavon's 75166 ZIP was the No. 1 hottest ZIP code in September, but relocations dipped 7.7 percent from September to October.

"When looking at the top ZIP codes in each state, it’s clear that less populated ZIP codes often show dramatic month-over-month increases, sometimes exceeding 100 percent," the report said. "Larger cities, by contrast, maintain consistently high move volumes without extreme spikes, because their larger populations dampen the impact of individual moves."

These are the top 10 hottest U.S. ZIP codes based on moves per capita in October:

No. 1 – 78616 in Dale, Texas
No. 2 – 34987 in Port Saint Lucie, Florida
No. 3 – 37228 in Nashville, Tennessee
No. 4 – 80019 in Aurora, Colorado
No. 5 – 75166 in Lavon, Texas
No. 6 – 32461 in Inlet Beach, Florida
No. 7 – 10004 in New York, New York
No. 8 – 43137 in Lockbourne, Ohio
No. 9 – 30346 in Atlanta, Georgia
No. 10 – 78656 in Maxwell, Texas

The hottest U.S. ZIP codes by total move volume
Five Texas ZIPs ranked among MovingPlace's separate analysis of the top 10 hottest U.S. ZIP codes based on total move volume.

McKinney's ever-popular 75071 ZIP code ranked No. 5 on the list after gaining 298 new residents last month, only 72 residents shy from No. 1-ranking Washington, D.C.'s new resident count.

This North Dallas suburb also previously ranked as the No. 8 most popular ZIP for movers during the first five months of 2025.

The report said McKinney's most attractive qualities are its safety, its high-performing schools, and its proximity to outdoor recreational activities. it also helps that the suburb consistently ranks as the No. 1 hottest housing market in America, and it frequently tops lists comparing the best cities for renters or the most affordable cities in the U.S.

The top 10 hottest American ZIP codes in October based on total move volume were:

No. 1 – 20002 in Washington, D.C.
No. 2 – 78130 in New Braunfels, Texas
No. 3 – 78641 in Leander, Texas
No. 4 – 77433 in Cypress, Texas
No. 5 – 75071 in McKinney, Texas
No. 6 –32256 in Jacksonville, Florida
No. 7 –77493 in Katy, Texas
No. 8 – 85142 in Queen Creek, Arizona
No. 9 – 98052 in Redmond, Washington
No. 10 – 28269 in Charlotte, North Carolina

suburb real estate housing market moving mckinney dallas