Murphy, Texas
Encyclopedia
Murphy is a city in Collin County
, Texas
, United States
and a suburb
of Dallas
, located to the north east of the city. The 2010 census reported Murphy's population as 17,708.
The community supports plans to continue to foster the country-living atmosphere, though with fewer large lots. Minimum lot sizes are 9000 square feet (836.1 m²), and the average lot size trends toward 12000 square feet (1,114.8 m²).
Several subdivisions have begun building and are occupied. The newest approved development is 470 acres (1.9 km²) on the northeast side of the city along Maxwell Creek. The country living theme is expressed in this development by a linear park, which is expected to include a hike-and-bike trail. The major new feature to be noted in the Future Land Use Plan is a central business district at the northeast and northwest corners of the intersection of FM 544 and Murphy Road. This is expected to encompass a park-like area with offices and stores fronting on a central plaza. Construction on such a development, Murphy Marketplace, began in 2008. It now contains numerous restaurants and services. The municipal complex comprises a total of four buildings to serve Fire, Police, City Administration, and Public Works.
With the opening of the President George Bush Tollway, access to the west became a reality in 1999. The highway is a major factor in the growth of the economy of Southeast Collin County. Its impact on Murphy has already been felt in the rapid expansion as new homes have been built, with the boom starting in 1999. The population in late 2002 was about 6,500 and continued to grow to around 12,000 in 2006. The 2010 census reported a population of 17,708. The city was rated #7 in the "Best Places to Live" survey of Dallas Suburbs in the July 2008 D Magazine, and #9 in the 2010 edition of the article (By comparison Dallas was #54, and neighboring Plano was #18). In 2011 the city was rated #27 in America by "Money's list of America's best small towns".
Few reminders of Murphy's early heyday remain; one structure still in use is the First Baptist Church of Murphy, built in 1901. Although the business district faded out, the school system remained for some time. The school building served as a community center in 1987. A school building which housed elementary and high school students was built in 1938 as a WPA project. When it closed in 1950, the schoolchildren transferred to Plano. Later, citizens renovated the school building, which became the Community Center, Fire Station, and City Hall. Later, the City Hall and Fire Station were moved to a new complex across the road, leaving the old building to be renovated as the Community Center scheduled to reopen in February 2012.
, the city has a total area of 5.25 square miles (13.6 km²), of which 100% is land.
, while another portion is served by the Wylie Independent School District
.
The Plano ISD section of Murphy is served by the following schools:
Elementary schools (separate attendance boundaries):
Middle schools (separate attendance boundaries):
High schools:
Prior to the opening of McMillen, T. H. Williams High School in Plano served Murphy.
The Wylie ISD section of Murphy is served by the following schools:
Elementary schools (separate attendance boundaries)
Secondary schools
of 2000, there were 3,099 people, 1,030 households, and 909 families residing in the city. The population density
was 589.7 people per square mile (227.9/km2). There were 1,126 housing units at an average density of 214.3 per square mile (82.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 76.06% White, 9.52% African American, 1.10% Native American, 9.07% Asian, 2.00% from other races
, and 2.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.94% of the population.
There were 1,030 households out of which 82.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 83.8% were married couples
living together, 2.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 10.8% were non-families. 8.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.18.
The median age for residents in Murphy, TX is 33.9 (this is younger than the average age in the U.S.).
Families (non-single residences) represent 88.3% of the population, giving Murphy a higher than average concentration of families.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 37.8% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.9 years. For every 100 females there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $83,547, and the median income for a family was $87,214. The median income for men was 61,354 and the median income for women was 41,172. The per capita income
for the city was $31,149. About 1.1% of families and 1.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.2% of those under age 18 and 1.2% of those age 65 or over.
Demographic information for the 2010 census is still pending.
Murphy is located in Collin County, the wealthiest county in Texas and one of the wealthiest 1% of counties in the United States. The four zip codes of Collin County that contribute to the county's affluence are (in descending order of median household income/year): 75093, 75024, 75025, and 75094.
Collin County, Texas
As of the census of 2000, there were 491,675 people, 181,970 households, and 132,292 families residing in the county. The population density was 580 people per square mile . There were 194,892 housing units at an average density of 230 per square mile...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and a suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
of Dallas
Dallas, Texas
Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the South and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States...
, located to the north east of the city. The 2010 census reported Murphy's population as 17,708.
About
Murphy is a fast-growing community with a history that goes back to the early 1900s. Murphy is located in southern Collin county, within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Situated midway between Plano and Wylie on FM 544, Murphy is two miles (3 km) south of the famous Southfork Ranch. Its borders enclosing only 3.8 square miles (9.8 km²), Murphy shares borders with Plano, Richardson, Wylie, Sachse, and Parker. It is approximately 20 miles (32.2 km) from downtown Dallas and about 30 miles (48.3 km) from D/FW Airport.The community supports plans to continue to foster the country-living atmosphere, though with fewer large lots. Minimum lot sizes are 9000 square feet (836.1 m²), and the average lot size trends toward 12000 square feet (1,114.8 m²).
Several subdivisions have begun building and are occupied. The newest approved development is 470 acres (1.9 km²) on the northeast side of the city along Maxwell Creek. The country living theme is expressed in this development by a linear park, which is expected to include a hike-and-bike trail. The major new feature to be noted in the Future Land Use Plan is a central business district at the northeast and northwest corners of the intersection of FM 544 and Murphy Road. This is expected to encompass a park-like area with offices and stores fronting on a central plaza. Construction on such a development, Murphy Marketplace, began in 2008. It now contains numerous restaurants and services. The municipal complex comprises a total of four buildings to serve Fire, Police, City Administration, and Public Works.
With the opening of the President George Bush Tollway, access to the west became a reality in 1999. The highway is a major factor in the growth of the economy of Southeast Collin County. Its impact on Murphy has already been felt in the rapid expansion as new homes have been built, with the boom starting in 1999. The population in late 2002 was about 6,500 and continued to grow to around 12,000 in 2006. The 2010 census reported a population of 17,708. The city was rated #7 in the "Best Places to Live" survey of Dallas Suburbs in the July 2008 D Magazine, and #9 in the 2010 edition of the article (By comparison Dallas was #54, and neighboring Plano was #18). In 2011 the city was rated #27 in America by "Money's list of America's best small towns".
History
Attracted by the offer of land grants from the Peters colony,qv the first settlers of the community arrived in the area in 1846. The original townsite, located on land owned by C. A. McMillen, was first called Old Decator, after McMillen's hometown, and later, Maxwell's Branch. When the St. Louis Southwestern Railway reached the area in 1888, the residents renamed the town Murphy, in honor of William Murphy, who provided land for the tracks and the construction of a depot. A post office was established there in 1891. From the 1880s until the 1950s Murphy served as a shipping point for area farmers and stock raisers. The Great Depression,qv the mechanization of farming, and job opportunities in the Dallas metropolitan area contributed to a decline in the population of Murphy. Though the rural community was never very large, its population was reduced to 150 by the mid-1950s and to 135 by 1961. Mail service was discontinued in 1954. Beginning in the mid-1970s, however, the population increased dramatically. The establishment of businesses in nearby Plano and Richardson made Murphy a commuter community for these two cities. In 1970 there were 136 residents reported in Murphy. That figure had risen to 1,500 by 1986, fallen to 1,114 by 1988, and risen again to 1,547 in 1990.Few reminders of Murphy's early heyday remain; one structure still in use is the First Baptist Church of Murphy, built in 1901. Although the business district faded out, the school system remained for some time. The school building served as a community center in 1987. A school building which housed elementary and high school students was built in 1938 as a WPA project. When it closed in 1950, the schoolchildren transferred to Plano. Later, citizens renovated the school building, which became the Community Center, Fire Station, and City Hall. Later, the City Hall and Fire Station were moved to a new complex across the road, leaving the old building to be renovated as the Community Center scheduled to reopen in February 2012.
Geography
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 5.25 square miles (13.6 km²), of which 100% is land.
Government
The City of Murphy, Texas adopted a Home Rule Charter in 2003 and the power of the city is vested in a council of elected individuals who regulate and legislate and appoint other officials, such as the City Manager, who heads the executive branch. The councilmembers as of 2011 are Bret Baldwin (Mayor), Colleen Halbert, Dennis Richmond, John Daugherty, Scott Bradley, Bernard Grant and Dave Brandon. Bret Baldwin was re-elected Mayor in 2011 and is serving a three year term. James Fisher is the City Manager.Public schools
A portion of Murphy is served by the Plano Independent School DistrictPlano Independent School District
Plano Independent School District is a public school district in southeastern Collin County, Texas, with its headquarters in Plano. Plano ISD serves about of land, with of it within the City of Plano...
, while another portion is served by the Wylie Independent School District
Wylie Independent School District (Collin County, Texas)
Wylie Independent School District is a school district based in Wylie, Texas, United States and covers much of south central Collin County.Wylie ISD serves most of the city of Wylie, including the city of St. Paul, a portion of the city of Murphy, and the Collin County portion of the city of...
.
Plano Independent School District
The Plano ISD section of Murphy is served by the following schools:
Elementary schools (separate attendance boundaries):
- Boggess Elementary School (Murphy)
- Martha Hunt Elementary School (Murphy)
- Miller Elementary School (RichardsonRichardson, TexasRichardson is a city in Dallas and Collin Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 99,223. In 2011 the population was estimated to be 107,684. Richardson is an affluent inner suburb of Dallas and home of the Telecom Corridor with a high...
)
Middle schools (separate attendance boundaries):
- Armstrong Middle School (PlanoPlano, TexasPlano is a city in the state of Texas, located mostly within Collin County. The city's population was 259,841 at the 2010 census, making it the ninth-largest city in Texas and the 71st most populous city in the United States. Plano is located within the metropolitan area commonly referred to as...
) - Murphy Middle School (Murphy)
High schools:
- McMillen High SchoolMcMillen High School- Principals :George King has been the principal of McMillen High School since its inaugural year in 2011.-Athletics:McMillen has a Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis and Drill Team.There is also a Marching Band during the Fall, during football season....
(Grades 9-10) (Murphy) (opened fall 2011) - Plano East Senior High SchoolPlano East Senior High SchoolPlano East Senior High School is a secondary school in Plano, Texas serving high school juniors and seniors. It is part of the Plano Independent School District....
(Grades 11-12) (Plano)
Prior to the opening of McMillen, T. H. Williams High School in Plano served Murphy.
Wylie Independent School District
The Wylie ISD section of Murphy is served by the following schools:
Elementary schools (separate attendance boundaries)
- Harry and Retha Tibbals Elementary School (K-4) (Murphy)
- Don Whitt Elementary School (K-4) (Wylie ISD, located in Sachse)
Secondary schools
- Draper Intermediate School (5-6) (WylieWylie, TexasNot to be confused with the unincorporated area of Wylie, Texas just outside Abilene, Texas.Wylie is a city in Collin, Dallas, and Rockwall Counties in the U.S. state of Texas, and a suburb of Dallas. At the 2000 Census, the population was 15,132; 2004 estimates pegged it at 25,850...
) - Raymond B. Cooper Junior High School (7-8) (Wylie)
- Wylie High School (9-12) (Wylie)
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 3,099 people, 1,030 households, and 909 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 589.7 people per square mile (227.9/km2). There were 1,126 housing units at an average density of 214.3 per square mile (82.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 76.06% White, 9.52% African American, 1.10% Native American, 9.07% Asian, 2.00% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 2.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.94% of the population.
There were 1,030 households out of which 82.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 83.8% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 2.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 10.8% were non-families. 8.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.18.
The median age for residents in Murphy, TX is 33.9 (this is younger than the average age in the U.S.).
Families (non-single residences) represent 88.3% of the population, giving Murphy a higher than average concentration of families.
In the city the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 37.8% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.9 years. For every 100 females there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $83,547, and the median income for a family was $87,214. The median income for men was 61,354 and the median income for women was 41,172. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $31,149. About 1.1% of families and 1.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.2% of those under age 18 and 1.2% of those age 65 or over.
Demographic information for the 2010 census is still pending.
Murphy is located in Collin County, the wealthiest county in Texas and one of the wealthiest 1% of counties in the United States. The four zip codes of Collin County that contribute to the county's affluence are (in descending order of median household income/year): 75093, 75024, 75025, and 75094.
Population growth
- 1990: 1,5472
- 2000: 3,099
- 2006: 12,790 (Est.)
- 2010: 17,708
- Population within 5 mile radius of the City of Murphy is approximately 530,000
- Population within the DFW Metroplex is approximately 6 million (2008)