Denton County Land Guide 2026 | Pilot Point, Aubrey

Denton County Land Guide: The North Denton Pipeline in 2026

Developers are buying north of US 380 in Denton County, from Pilot Point and Aubrey to the land between Denton and Lake Ray Roberts. Here is the pipeline, the roads behind it, and what it means for landowners and buyers.

Denton County growth by the numbers

Denton County reached an estimated 1,069,346 residents in July 2025, up 18.0% from 906,530 in April 2020 (Census QuickFacts). It added 23,120 people from 2024 to 2025, 12th nationally for numeric growth, with about half from domestic migration (TxDOT briefing). CandysDirt reports that Aubrey's and Pilot Point's populations have roughly doubled since 2020 (CandysDirt, Sept. 2026).

The development pipeline

Lantern by Hillwood (Pilot Point): 618 acres at Friendship Road and FM 1385, about 2,000 homes plus parks, trails, retail and a possible elementary school site. It is Hillwood's sixth Denton County community (Denton Record-Chronicle). Hillwood estimates about $1.2 billion in value at buildout, and Denton County and Pilot Point approved TIRZ agreements (Houston Chronicle, Feb. 2026).
102 acres at FM 1385 and G.A. Moore Parkway (Pilot Point): bought by two investment groups for mixed use in September 2026 (CandysDirt).
Covey Creek by Centurion American (Aubrey): about 168 acres at FM 428 and Coffey Road, planned for 828 homes by D.R. Horton and First Texas Homes (Dallas Business Journal; CandysDirt).
Craver Ranch (north Denton, near Sanger): a 2,870-acre mixed-use plan reported at 9,000+ homes and 1.24 million sq. ft. of commercial space, approved by the Denton City Council on Dec. 2, 2025 (Denton Record-Chronicle; Community Impact).

Thinking about buying, selling or holding land in Denton County? Cooper Land Company works land every day: growth-corridor tracts, commercial corners and lake lots. Call or text 214-714-5638 or email dan@cooperlandcompany.com. You can also get the free North Texas Land Value Report.

Roads behind the growth

TxDOT plans to rebuild about 12 miles of FM 1385 between US 380 and FM 455 from two lanes to six (CandysDirt). The Dallas North Tollway's Phase 4B, from FM 428 to the Grayson County line, is in early planning, and NTTA staff told the Pilot Point Chamber that construction could start "within the next five years or so" (Post Signal; NTTA). The FM 428 rehabilitation from the Denton County line east is set to finish in 2027 (TxDOT).

What it means for land prices

A local broker quoted by CandysDirt said land north of the US 380 corridor now carries a premium compared with years past, while prices still let developers buy, zone and install infrastructure (CandysDirt). Regionally, TRERC's Region 4 rural median was $8,604/acre in 2Q 2026 with sales up 9.64% year over year (TRERC). Lot supply is the variable to watch. Absorption of new lots around Celina and Gunter will shape how quickly the next ring north is bought.

Utilities: the swing factor in rural Denton County

Outside city systems, sewer is often the constraint. Package plants, MUDs and PIDs are how many north Denton tracts become developable. See our post on package plants in rural Denton County (linked below) for how that works and what it means for a tract's value.

Frequently asked questions

Is Denton County growing?

Yes. Denton County grew 18.0% from 2020 to an estimated 1,069,346 residents in July 2025, per the Census Bureau.

What is being built in Pilot Point?

Hillwood is planning Lantern, a 618-acre community of about 2,000 homes near Friendship Road and FM 1385, and investors bought 102 acres at FM 1385 and G.A. Moore Parkway for mixed use in 2026.

Will the Dallas North Tollway reach Denton County's north end?

Phase 4B, from FM 428 to the Grayson County line, has no set date. NTTA staff have said construction could begin within about five years.

Who can help me sell land in north Denton County?

Cooper Land Company in Prosper brokers land across Denton County and North Texas. Call 214-714-5638.

Sources

Last updated October 28, 2026. Figures come from the public sources linked above and describe areas and trends, not the value of any specific property. Verify current facts with the listed agency before you buy or sell. Cooper Land Company, 2501 Greenspoint Ln, Prosper, TX 75078 Â· 214-714-5638 Â· TREC Consumer Protection Notice Â· Information About Brokerage Services