Prosper is a suburb in Collin and Denton counties in the U.S. state of Texas. Prosper is located within the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, its population was 9,423. As of 2023, the population was 37,746.

History

The first settlers arrived in 1846 to farm cotton in the black fertile prairie soil. Between 1850 and 1902, two settlements existed - Rock Hill was two miles south of the present town and Richland was one mile north. The development of these small communities was expedited in 1876 when county courts ordered small tracts of land to be established for a quick sale. These tracts, each about 160 acres in size, were sold for $3.50 per acre. Dr. A. T. Bryant of McKinney purchased what later became the center of the present town. The towns merged during the establishment of St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad in March 1902. For years, Prosper was the central stop for the railroad between Dallas and Sherman. When community officials applied for a post office with the name "Richland", they were informed that the city name was already taken. Postmaster B.J. Naugle asked for an alternative name, and J.C. Slaughter suggested the name "Prosper" because crops that year had been very prosperous. Prosper was incorporated in 1914 with a commission form of government and a population of 500. Uncas Norvell Clary was mayor and served in that position for the next 49 years. Prosper became a growing area with many new homes and communities being developed. The Prosper Community of Windsong Ranch features a man-made crystalline lagoon.

Geography

Prosper is located in western Collin County and eastern Denton County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 59.1 km2, of which 0.6 sqkm, or 1.09%, is covered by water.

Demographics

According to the 2020 U.S. census, the town of Prosper had a population of 30,174, up from 9,423 at the 2010 census. The median household income as of 2023 was $176,000.

Arts and culture

Prosper holds an annual Christmas festival, and Fourth of July event. Each May, Prosper Founders Fest celebrates its history, people, and arts. The event combines the Prosper Fire Department's "Barbecue Cookoff", a 5K race, an art show, a music festival, and a Sunday Family Fellowship.

Education

Most of the Town of Prosper is served by the Prosper Independent School District. In January 2018, Prosper ISD began construction of a natatorium and a football stadium. The facilities opened in the fall of 2019. Prosper ISD opened their third high school, Walnut Grove High School, in the fall of 2023. The Glenbrooke and Doe Creek subdivisions in far west Prosper are within the Denton Independent School District. Residents currently attend: The Texas Legislature designated Collin College as the community college for all of Collin County and for Prosper ISD. The majority of Denton County, including the part of Prosper in Denton ISD, is zoned to North Central Texas College.

Notable people