If you’re driving north out of Fort Worth and you see the horizon start to open up, you’re likely heading toward a spot that’s becoming the "it" place for people fleeing the metroplex sprawl. You’ve probably heard of Rhome. It’s that small, high-growth town sitting right where Highway 287 and Highway 114 shake hands. But if you’re looking to move there or just settling a bet, the big question is: what county is Rhome TX in?
Rhome is firmly planted in Wise County.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a "gateway" town. While it feels like it’s just a hop and a skip from the Tarrant County line, it officially belongs to the rolling hills and ranching history of Wise. The town sits in the southeast corner of the county, about 12 miles southeast of the county seat, Decatur.
Why the "What County is Rhome TX In" Question Trips People Up
Texas geography is messy.
Sometimes you’ll find a city that straddles two or even three counties—look at Fort Worth, which bits its way into Tarrant, Denton, Parker, and Wise. But Rhome is simpler. It’s 100% Wise County. The confusion usually stems from the postal service and school districts.
👉 See also: Minneapolis Institute of Art: What Most People Get Wrong
Even though you’re in Wise, your life might revolve around Tarrant or Denton. Many Rhome residents commute into the DFW core for work, and the town is part of the Northwest Independent School District (NISD). This is a massive district that serves kids across three different counties. So, your kid might go to school in Justin (Denton County), but your property taxes are going to Wise County.
A Quick Snapshot of Rhome and Wise County
- Established: Late 1850s (originally called Prairie Point).
- Population: Around 2,000 and climbing fast (it jumped 9% just in the last year).
- Vibe: Rural roots meeting suburban explosion.
- Median Household Income: Roughly $90,969.
Life at the Crossroads
Rhome calls itself the "Crossroads of the Metroplex." It’s a catchy nickname, but it’s also literal. Because it sits at the intersection of two major highways, it’s become a magnet for developers.
Go back twenty years and Rhome was mostly just a place you passed through on the way to Wichita Falls. Now? It’s a construction zone in the best way possible. New housing developments like Chisholm 20 and Bywell are popping up where cattle used to graze.
The growth is staggering. In 2010, the census counted about 1,500 people. Current estimates for 2026 suggest we're pushing well past the 2,000 mark. That’s a lot of new neighbors for a town that started as a small stagecoach stop.
✨ Don't miss: Michigan and Wacker Chicago: What Most People Get Wrong
The Wise County Factor
Being in Wise County matters for a few practical reasons. For one, the tax structure and local government are different than what you’d find in the heart of Dallas or Tarrant.
Wise County is historically ranching country. It was named after Henry A. Wise, a U.S. Congressman from Virginia. It’s got that "Western Cross Timbers" terrain—lots of sandy loam, rolling hills, and some of the best sunset views in North Texas.
Decatur is the "big city" of the county. If you need to go to the courthouse or deal with county-level paperwork, you’re heading 12 miles up the road to that gorgeous pink granite courthouse in the middle of Decatur’s square.
Schools and Community
Since Rhome is in Wise County but served by Northwest ISD, residents get the best of both worlds. They live in a lower-density county but have access to one of the most well-funded, high-performing school districts in the state.
🔗 Read more: Metropolitan at the 9 Cleveland: What Most People Get Wrong
Local kids usually attend:
- Prairie View Elementary (right in Rhome)
- Chisholm Trail Middle School (also in Rhome)
- Northwest High School (located in nearby Justin)
Is Rhome Actually a Good Place to Live?
If you hate traffic and want a 5-acre lot, Rhome used to be the perfect answer. Nowadays, it’s getting more suburban. You’ll find plenty of "cookie-cutter" neighborhoods, but the lots are generally a bit bigger than what you’d get in Frisco or Plano.
The median home price as of early 2026 is hovering around $237,000 to $350,000 depending on the month, though new builds can easily push into the $500k+ range. It’s still "affordable" by Texas standards, but the secret is definitely out.
One thing to keep in mind: the commute. If you work in downtown Fort Worth, you're looking at about a 30-40 minute drive. If you're heading to Dallas? Pack a snack. That 114 trek can be brutal during rush hour.
Actionable Steps for Newcomers
If you’re looking at Rhome for your next move, don't just look at the house. Look at the logistics.
- Check the Tax Rate: Wise County taxes are generally lower than Tarrant, but check the specific MUD (Municipal Utility District) taxes for new developments. They can bite.
- Drive the Commute: Do the drive at 7:30 AM on a Tuesday. Highway 287 is notorious for "bottlenecking" as you approach the Tarrant County line.
- Visit the Square: Go to Decatur. Since that's your county seat, you'll be spending time there for car registrations and voting. Plus, the food on the square is excellent.
Rhome is a unique slice of North Texas. It’s a place where you can still find a local flour mill's history (it had the first roller mill in the county!) while living in a smart home with fiber-optic internet. Just remember: it’s Wise County through and through.