What to know when moving to Mesquite, TX
TL;DR: Mesquite at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 33.2% of residents are renters and the median household income is $70,629.
- The Major Draw:
- Median gross rent is $1,408, which is competitive for the region.
- The Reality Check:
- With only 0.2% of residents using public transit, a car is essential for commuting.
- Top Tip:
- Prepare for 13% of the population living below the poverty line when budgeting.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In Mesquite, about 14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, indicating a diverse education level in the community. The median gross rent of $1,408 suggests that housing costs are manageable compared to many urban areas. However, with a poverty rate of 13%, it's essential to consider economic factors when moving here.
Probably not your spot if you rely on public transit, as only 0.2% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,408, which means budgeting around $1,500/month is wise.
- Median home value stands at $207,500, making homeownership a feasible goal.
- With 33.2% of the population renting, there are options for both renters and owners.
- The poverty rate is 13%, highlighting economic diversity in the area.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Texas, property crime rates have seen a decline of 23.1% from 2022 to 2025, despite an annual rate of 1,797.7 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime has also decreased by 21.8%, with a state annual rate of 345.5 per 100,000.
- Violent crime: 345.5 per 100k vs. national rate of 325.3.
- Property crime: 1,797.7 per 100k vs. national rate of 1,546.9.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 35.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Access to education is robust in the area, with 22 postsecondary institutions in Dallas County.
- Postsecondary institutions: 22
- With College Scorecard data: 21
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, there are several parks and outdoor spots nearby that are popular for recreation.
- White Rock Lake Park - 4.7 stars (5,058 reviews)
- Balloon Museum | Let's Fly Dallas - 4.9 stars (2,655 reviews)
- City Lake Park - 4.6 stars (2,249 reviews)
- Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park - 4.6 stars (1,953 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.