About Allen
Allen is located in north central Texas, approximately 25 miles north of downtown Dallas, and is one of the 10 largest cities in Collin County.
Allen Awards and Recognitions
- ACTV earns YouTube Silver Creator Award for exceeding 100,000 subscribers (YouTube, 2023) - View all ACTV awards and honors
- City of Allen ranks 9th in its population category for use of innovative technology (Digital Cities Survey, 2023)
- Allen is the 6th best place to buy a house in the nation (WalletHub, 2023)
- Purchasing Department earns Achievement of Excellence in Procurement for the 23rd consecutive year (National Procurement Institute, Inc., 2023)
Demographics
Includes data from Fiscal Year 2021-2022
Demographic | Data |
---|---|
Population | 109,039 |
Median age | 35.5 |
Median household income | $112,603 |
Median home value | $367,861 |
Total single-family units | 30,945 |
Allen ISD enrollment | 21,738 |
Adults with a high school diploma | 96.6% |
Adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher | 59% |
Registered voters | 68,732 |
History
Caddo and Comanche tribes lived in the region before immigrants of European descent came to Allen in the 1840s. The original township of Allen was located along the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. It was named for Ebenezer Allen, a former attorney general of Texas and one of the promoters of the railroad. The first train robbery in Texas took place in Allen on February 22, 1878 by Sam Bass and his associates.
In 1907 the Texas Traction Company purchased land on the west side of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad track to build the Interurban line. A devastating fire destroyed most of the business district between the Interurban tracks and the railroad in 1915. The Interurban closed in 1948 and the population of Allen declined to 400 in 1950.
Allen was officially incorporated in 1953. US 75 was built in 1960, launching decades of continuous growth.
Government structure
City of Allen operates under a council-manager form of government as approved by voters in 1979 through adoption of the Allen City Charter. The Allen City Council, which consists of the mayor and six councilmembers, is elected citywide by Allen voters and not by district.
The mayor and councilmembers serve three-year, staggered terms of office. These members appoint representatives to numerous citizen-led boards and commissions to advise the council on major issues. Councilmembers also appoint a City Manager to serve as the City’s chief administrative officer.
History resources
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Donate toys for kids with ACO's North Pole Toy Drive
ACO's annual North Pole Toy Drive is now accepting donations! -
ACTV celebrates national and state awards, achieves 100k subscriber milestone
ACTV, City of Allen's government television station, is proud to announce its remarkable achievements in 2023, including a milestone of reaching over 100,000 subscribers on the City’s official YouTube channel. -
There's No Place Like Allen for the holidays!
String the lights and pass the hot cocoa—it’s holiday season in Allen! Hayrides, face painting and family memories await during these special events through December. -
Allen recognized again as one of the nation's top 10 Digital Cities
The Center for Digital Government survey recognizes cities utilizing innovative technology for better government. In 2023, Allen ranked 9th in its population category of 75,000-124,999. Read the full story at Govtech.com -
Christmas holiday hours: Dec. 24-26
City offices and facilities will close or modify hours for the Christmas holiday on Sunday, Dec. 24, Monday, Dec. 25 and Tuesday, Dec. 26. Trash collection slides to the next day for all routes. No bulk pickup on Dec. 23 or Dec. 30 (moved to Jan. 13). -
Shelter supplies needed!
Want to support Allen's shelter animals? Consider a donation from our Amazon Wish List! Our top needs are dog food, cat food and laundry soap. -
Honoring Veterans Day in Allen
Veterans Day (Nov. 11) is an opportunity to honor America's military veterans and the sacrifices they have made in service of their country, community and loved ones. There are several events in Allen this weekend that pay tribute to our veterans.