Murphy, Texas

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Murphy is a city in Collin County, Texas, United States. The population was 3,099 at the 2000 census.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 Government
4 Education
5 External links

[edit] Geography

Murphy is located at 33°0′37″N, 96°36′25″W (33.010233, -96.606959)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.6 km² (5.2 mi²), all land.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 3,099 people, 1,030 households, and 909 families residing in the city. The population density was 227.9/km² (589.7/mi²). There were 1,126 housing units at an average density of 82.8/km² (214.3/mi²). 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 47.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 82.3% were married couples living together, 3.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 11.7% were non-families. 8.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 1.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.22.

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, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 5.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $83,547, and the median income for a family was $87,214. Males had a median income of $61,354 versus $41,172 for females. 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.

Murphy is a small, fast-growing community with a history that goes back to the early 1900's. Murphy is located in southeastern Collin county, on the outer fringe of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Situated midway between Plano and Wylie on FM 544, Murphy is two miles south of the famous South Fork Ranch. Its borders enclosing only 3.8 square miles and shares borders with Plano, Richardson, Wylie, Sachse, and Parker. It is approximately 20 miles from downtown Dallas and about 30 miles 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 9,000 square feet, and the average lot size trend toward 12,000 square feet.

Several subdivisions have begun building and are occupied. The newest approved development at this time is 470 acres 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. The municipal complex is comprised of 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 6500 and has continued to grow to around 10,000 in 2006.

[edit] Government

The city of Murphy, Texas adopted a Home Rule Charter 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 council as of 2006 is Bret Baldwin, Michelle Long, Roger Davis, Eric Barna, Murray Sanderford and Dwayne Elledge. Bret Baldwin was elected Mayor in 2005 and is serving a 3 year term.

[edit] Education

The city is served by Plano Independent School District and Wylie Independent School District.

The Plano ISD part is served by Boggess Elementary, Martha Hunt Elementary, Miller Elementary, Armstrong Middle School, Murphy Middle School, Williams High School, and Plano East Senior High School.

The Wylie ISD part is served by Harry and Retha Tibbals Elementary School, Cheri Cox Elementary School, Raymond B. Cooper Junior High School, McMillan Junior High School, Burnett Junior High School, and Wylie High School. In the 2007-2008 school year, students will no longer attend McMillan or Burnett. Intermediate school students will be served by Draper Intermediate (opening Fall 2007). All Junior High students will attend Cooper Junior High. Ninth-graders will attend Wylie East High School (opening Fall 2007).