The City of Denton is the county seat of Denton County, Texas. According to the 2010 United States Census, its population was 113,383, making it the 27th-most populous city in Texas, the 200th-most populous city in the United States, and the 12th-most populous city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.

A Texas land grant led to the formation of Denton County in 1846, and the city was incorporated in 1866. Both were named after pioneer and Texas militia captain John B. Denton. The arrival of a railroad line in the city in 1881 spurred population, and the establishment of the University of North Texas in 1890 and Texas Woman’s University in 1901 distinguished the city from neighboring regions. After the construction of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport finished in 1974, the city had an even more rapid growth; as of 2011, Denton was the seventh-fastest growing city with a population over 100,000 in the country.

Located on the far north end of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex in North Texas on Interstate 35, Denton is known for its active music life; the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo, Denton Arts and Jazz Festival, and 35 Denton Music Festivals attract over 300,000 people to the city each year. The city experiences hot, humid summers and relatively few extreme weather events. Its diverse citizenry is represented by a nonpartisan city council, and numerous county and state departments have offices in the city. With over 45,000 students enrolled at the two universities located within its city limits, Denton is often characterized as a college town. As a result of the universities’ growth, educational services play a large role in the city’s economy. Residents are served by the Denton County Transportation Authority, which provides commuter rail and bus service to the area.

The median income for a household was $44,415 in 2010. The per capita income was $22,940. About 20.3% of the population were below the poverty line. The Denton Independent school District (DISD) provides the public primary and secondary educational system in the city. The district comprises five comprehensive high schools, one alternative high school, and numerous primary schools. Denton is also host to several private schools with religious affiliations and alternative education models. Denton is served by the Denton Public Library, which has three branches.

The University of North Texas (UNT) is a public university in Denton, with an enrollment of nearly 38,000, is the sixth largest university in Texas. Founded in 1890, the university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Its College of Music, the first school to offer a degree in the field of jazz studies, is nationally recognized.

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is a public university in Denton. Founded in 1901, the university enrolls more than 13,000 undergraduates and graduates. Men have been admitted to TWU since 1972 but make up less than ten percent of the university. TWU’s College of Nursing is the second largest in Texas and in the top 20 of largest nursing programs in the United States, and the school’s nursing doctoral program is the largest in the world.

The city’s three largest educational institutions, including the University of North Texas, Denton Independent School District, and Texas Woman’s University, are the largest employers, employing almost 12,000 people. The University of North Texas is the largest employer in the city, with 7,764 employees comprising 12.59% of the workforce. The City of Denton also employs more than 1,334 people. The educational services, health and social services, manufacturing, and general retail sectors employ over 20,000 people in Denton. Wholesale trade and hospitality jobs also play major roles. Notable businesses headquartered in Denton include truck manufacturer Peterbilt, beauty supplier Sally Beauty Company, and jewelry producer Jostens. The Golden Triangle Mall the city’s largest shopping complex, with over 90 specialty shops, is a major source of retail trade

Additional Helpful Links:

City of Denton – https://www.cityofdenton.com/en-us/

Denton ISD – https://www.dentonisd.org/dentonisd

Denton Chamber of Commerce – http://www.denton-chamber.org/

Demographics – http://www.city-data.com/city/Denton-Texas.html