Kaufman County vs. Van Zandt County: Where Your Money Goes Further in 2026

If you've been wondering whether your budget stretches further in Kaufman County or Van Zandt County, you're asking the right question. I live and work out here every day, helping people buy and sell from Forney to Wills Point and Canton, and I hear this one constantly. The honest answer is that it depends on what you want your life to look like, so let me walk you through how I see the two counties.

Kaufman County: close to Dallas, growing fast

Kaufman County includes Forney, Terrell, Kaufman, Crandall and Royse City, and a lot of it sits along the US-80 and I-20 corridors. That location is the big draw. If somebody in your house commutes to Dallas, Mesquite or Rockwall, Kaufman County puts you in the best position to do it without losing your whole evening on the road.

The trade-off is that popularity shows up in pricing. Forney and Royse City in particular have seen a lot of new-construction neighborhoods go in, and homes there tend to cost more per square foot than you'll find farther east. You get newer floor plans, community amenities and a more suburban feel, but you're paying for the convenience. Kaufman County also tends to have lots of builders competing for buyers, which can work in your favor when it's time to negotiate.

Van Zandt County: more room for your money

Van Zandt County, with Wills Point, Canton, Edgewood, Grand Saline and Van as its main towns, has a slower pace and a different kind of value. In general, you'll find more land, more privacy and often more house for the money than you would closer to Dallas. Acreage, small ranches and older country homes are far more common here, and a lot of buyers are surprised at what a little extra drive can open up.

The trade-off runs the other direction. Your commute to Dallas gets longer, shopping and dining options are more limited in some of the smaller towns, and you'll want to pay attention to things like internet service, water source and septic when you look at rural properties. None of that is a deal breaker, but it's worth checking before you fall in love with a place.

Property taxes and monthly costs

Your monthly payment is more than the price of the house. Property tax rates differ by county, city, school district and any special districts or MUDs, and new subdivisions in particular can carry extra assessments. Two homes with the same price can have very different tax bills, so please don't guess. Check the current rates with the Kaufman Central Appraisal District or the Van Zandt County Appraisal District, or talk with a tax professional, and then ask your lender to run real payment numbers. I'm happy to help you pull the right questions together, but I'm not a tax advisor.

Lifestyle: which one sounds like you?

Here's how I usually think about it with buyers. If you want a newer home, neighborhood sidewalks, a quicker drive to Dallas and a good chance of builder incentives, start your search in Kaufman County. If you want elbow room, a few acres, a workshop or some animals, or you work from home and don't need to be near the city, take a serious look at Van Zandt County.

Plenty of my clients end up splitting the difference. Wills Point and Terrell sit in the middle, with small-town charm and reasonable access to major roads. Sometimes the best answer is a town neither of you had on the list when we started.

What to do before you decide

Don't rely on a headline number or a map. Spend a Saturday driving both counties, and do it once during the weekday commute so you know what it really feels like. Look at current listings in each area at the price you're comfortable with, because the market moves and anything I tell you today could be different next month. Get pre-approved so you know your actual budget. Then compare homes side by side, including taxes, insurance, commute and what you'll be paying for utilities and upkeep.

If you have a few acres in mind, ask about wells, septic, flood zones and easements early. I'll be writing more about that soon.

Let's talk about your move

Whether you land in Kaufman County or Van Zandt County, I'd love to help you find the place that fits your life and your budget. Call or text me at (972) 672-6833, email john@exaltrealty.com, or stop by the office at 105 N. 4th Street, Wills Point, TX 75169. You can also browse listings anytime at jmorrisontxrealty.com.

John Morrison, Exalt Realty