Mesquite
Data updated
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Each dot is one of the 84 cities we score — brighter means a higher score. Boundaries, highways and lakes: US Census TIGER.
- Prosperity62
- Schools75
- Safety52
- Lifestyle78
- Market80
- Affordability84
- Commute62
- Growth69
Comparevs Balch Springsvs Dallasvs Garlandvs Sunnyvalevs Rowlett
Mesquite
Snapshot
✓ Pros
- Lower home prices and cost of living compared to many nearby suburbs
- Family-friendly community – Parks, recreation centers, and school options for families
- Easy commute to Dallas and surrounding cities via highways
- Local culture & events – Rodeos, fairs, and community festivals add character and entertainment
- Less hustle than Dallas or Irving, with plenty of established neighborhoods
✗ Cons
- Traffic congestion on major roads and highways during rush hour
- Some neighborhoods have better schools than others, so zoning is important
- Fewer restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions compared to Dallas
- Aging infrastructure in parts
- Typical North Texas heat can be intense for some residents
Demographics
Population
Mobility & Migration
Age Distribution
Households
Education Level
Connectivity & Remote Work
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Real Estate
💡 Market Insights
Home Prices
Market Trends
Market Health
Market Insights
Typical Home
Property Mix
Common Features
Costs & Ownership
Investment Indicators
Lifestyle
Explore Mesquite on Google Maps
Lifestyle Scores
Nearby Amenities (within 5 miles)
Getting Around
Averaged across Mesquite, weighted by where people live. #20 of 84 cities. Its most walkable areas reach 68, and 29% of residents live somewhere walkable (50+).
Local life in Mesquite
Downtown Mesquite sits along Main Street and Davis Street, a one-way pair that carries State Highway 352 through the old town. It is a nationally accredited Main Street district.
Day-to-day Mesquite1,2,6,8,10,13,14,17,22,23,24,25,31,32,33
- 1Alejandro's @ Front Street Station
- 2Bear Cave Coffee
- 3Front Street Station
- 4Heritage Square
- 5City Hall
- 6Police Headquarters
- 7Venner Municipal Center (Parks, Fire)
- 8Mesquite Arts Center
- 9Main Library
- 10Gomez Western Wear Arena (rodeo)
- 11City Lake Park
- 12Westlake Park
- 13DeBusk Park / KidsQuest
- 14Paschall Park
- 15Florence Ranch Homestead
- 16Kroger (N. Galloway)
- 17Kroger (Gus Thomasson)
- 18Kroger (Faithon P. Lucas)
- 19Aldi
- 20Albertsons
- 21Walmart Supercenter
- 22Dallas Regional Medical Center
- 23BSW Urgent Care+ Mesquite
- 24Mesquite High School
- 25Mesquite ISD Administration
30 points. All 51 campus addresses are in schools.campuses. Off the map (farther out): North Branch Library (closing), Catfish Corner, Clay Mathis Park, Walmart Neighborhood Market, Dallas College Eastfield.
Mesquite's year, month by month3,6,7,8,9,11,12
| Month | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| March | Rodeo Day: Rodeo Parade + market opening (Mar 28, 2026) | Downtown / Front Street Station |
| Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov (Sat) | Downtown Mesquite Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Front Street Station |
| April | Trash Bash cleanup; Doggy Derby Day | Citywide; Opal Lawrence Historical Park |
| May | Cinco de Mayo (May 2); Council Picnic (May 9) | Front Street Station; City Lake Park |
| Jun-Aug (Sat nights) | Mesquite Championship Rodeo | Gomez Western Wear Arena, 1818 Rodeo Dr. |
| Jul-Aug (Sat) | Summer night markets | Front Street Station |
| September | Hispanic Heritage Month; Vida Sana Health Fair (Sep 26) | Various |
| November | Holiday Gift Market + Jingle Jog (Nov 28) | Front Street Station |
| December | Christmas on the Square (Dec 1); Santa Cop Toy Parade (Dec 5) | Heritage Square; 790 Windbell Circle |
| December | Christmas in the Park with fireworks (Dec 5-6) | Westlake Park, 600 Gross Rd. |
Show all 11 rows
| December | Christmas at the Ranch (Dec 12) | Florence Ranch Homestead |
2026 dates from city announcements unless marked. Doggy Derby Day date is from 2025. No city-run July 4 fireworks show was confirmed.
What's in town vs. nearby3,5,19,21,23,24,25,31,32,33,34,36
| Need | In Mesquite | Nearest outside town |
|---|---|---|
| Full grocery | 3 Kroger, Aldi, Albertsons, Walmart Supercenter, Walmart Neighborhood Market, Tom Thumb, Latin markets | - |
| Hospital | Dallas Regional Medical Center, 1011 N. Galloway Ave. (202 beds) | BSW Medical Center - Sunnyvale (24-hour ER) |
| Urgent care | BSW Urgent Care+, 1280 N. Town East Blvd. (8 a.m.-8 p.m.) | - |
| Pharmacy | Not confirmed | - |
| Library | Main, 300 W. Grubb Dr.; North Branch moving into Florence Rec Center | - |
| Mall / big-box shopping | Town East Mall; Restaurant Row along I-635 | - |
| College | Dallas College Eastfield, 3737 Motley Dr. | - |
| Rail transit | None (not a DART city); commuter bus to DART Green Line; STAR Transit on-demand | DART Green Line stations (not confirmed which) |
| Lake | City fishing ponds; Lake Ray Hubbard on the north-east edge | - |
| Major job centers | Town East / I-635 retail; Skyline industrial area | Downtown Dallas, about 20 min |
In-town stores from SNAP retailer and store listings dated 2024-2026.
Read the full local life guide
Downtown: Front Street Station and the Main/Davis blocks
Downtown Mesquite sits along Main Street and Davis Street, a one-way pair that carries State Highway 352 through the old town. It is a nationally accredited Main Street district. Its center is Front Street Station at 100 W. Front St., a plaza the city rebuilt for about $5.5 million, including the underground utilities restaurants need.
Alejandro's, a Tex-Mex restaurant, leases the restored 1930 Holley Brothers Grocery building at Front Street Station (117 W. Main St.). Bear Cave Coffee is at 214 W. Davis St. and hosts art and music nights with the Corner Theatre. Mesquite BBQ has cooked on East Davis Street since 1959. Heritage Square, at 111 Broad St., hosts the December Christmas on the Square.
The city offers facade grants and free design help to downtown building owners. In 2024 it was also working on a zoning overlay that would allow workshops or living space behind storefronts, and on traffic calming for the one-way streets. Town East Mall is about 3.5 miles north.
A year built around the rodeo and Front Street Station
Mesquite calls itself the Rodeo Capital of Texas. The Mesquite Championship Rodeo, founded in 1946, runs Saturday nights in summer at Gomez Western Wear Arena (formerly Mesquite Arena), 1818 Rodeo Dr. 2026 dates included July 18 and Aug. 1. The arena books concerts and other shows year-round.
The calendar opens with Rodeo Day in late March. In 2026 it was March 28, with the 68th Rodeo Parade through downtown and the first Downtown Mesquite Market of the year. The market runs Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. from March to June and September to November at Front Street Station, with night markets in July and August. Other 2026 dates: a Cinco de Mayo celebration (May 2) at Front Street Station and a citywide council picnic at City Lake Park (May 9).
December is the city's busiest month. The 2026 schedule includes Christmas on the Square (Dec. 1), the police department's Santa Cop Toy Parade (Dec. 5), Christmas in the Park at Westlake Park (Dec. 5-6, ending with fireworks), and Christmas at the Ranch at the Florence Ranch Homestead (Dec. 12). The Mesquite Arts Center (1527 N. Galloway Ave.) runs plays and concerts through the season.
Parks, trails and water
Mesquite lists 76 parks and four recreation centers. City Lake Park (200 Parkview St.) is about 20 acres, with a stocked lake, a fishing pier, a ballfield, picnic areas and the Discovery Playground, which is built for full wheelchair access. It won the state's Lone Star Legacy Park award in 2021. DeBusk Park (1625 Gross Rd.) has the longest park trail, 1.76 miles, around the park and KidsQuest playground. Catfish Corner (1702 Lawson Rd.) has six spring-fed fishing ponds. Clay Mathis Park (2181 Clay Mathis Rd.) got the city's first spray pad in 2023.
The city counts 23 hike-and-bike trails inside parks. They add up to about 12 miles, but most are under half a mile. The longest connected route is the Heritage Trail, about 4.3 miles of asphalt and concrete from Towne Centre Drive and Franklin Drive to the I-30 frontage road. Mesquite Golf Club is a 154-acre public 18-hole course. Lake Ray Hubbard is on the city's north-east side.
Errands are mostly in town
Groceries are close by in most of Mesquite. Kroger has stores at 525 N. Galloway Ave., 3600 Gus Thomasson Rd. and 1919 Faithon P. Lucas Sr. Blvd. There is an Aldi at 3635 Gus Thomasson Rd., an Albertsons at 2828 Motley Dr. and a Walmart Supercenter at 200 US 80 E. A Walmart Neighborhood Market opened in 2026 at 3100 E. Cartwright Rd. in south Mesquite. H-E-B bought 25.6 acres south of I-20 near FM 741 in 2024 but has not said what it will build.
Dallas Regional Medical Center (1011 N. Galloway Ave.) is the in-town hospital, with 202 staffed beds. Baylor Scott & White runs an Urgent Care+ at 1280 N. Town East Blvd., open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. City Hall is at 757 N. Galloway Ave. The main library is at 300 W. Grubb Dr. Under the budget the council adopted in September 2026, the North Branch (2600 Oates Dr.) will close and move into the Florence Recreation Center on the same block. The Dunford and Goodbar recreation centers will become reservation-only.
Schools
Mesquite ISD serves most of the city with 51 campuses: 34 elementary schools (PK-5), 10 middle schools (6-8) and six high schools plus alternative campuses. The high schools are Mesquite, North Mesquite, West Mesquite, Poteet, Horn and Vanguard. Enrollment was 36,634 in 2026, down about 10% from 2016. The district's latest published TEA rating we confirmed is a B for 2024-25. A small part of the city is in Dallas ISD. Dallas College Eastfield is at 3737 Motley Dr.
Getting around and public safety
Three interstates cross Mesquite: I-30 on the north side, I-635 through the middle and I-20 on the south. US 80 runs through north Mesquite. Off-peak, downtown Dallas is about 20 minutes from downtown Mesquite (our calculation, about 14 miles). Mesquite is not a DART member city. A commuter bus links to DART's Green Line, and STAR Transit runs on-demand rides inside the city. Mesquite Metro Airport is a city-owned general aviation field with a 6,000-foot runway.
Mesquite Fire Department is a career department with 11 stations. The 2025-26 budget funds a new Fire Station 8 on FM 2757, set to open in December 2025. Mesquite Police is based at 777 N. Galloway Ave. It splits the city into nine districts and lists 327 sworn officers.
Not confirmed yet
- 2026 TEA accountability ratings for Mesquite ISD and its campuses.
- Pharmacy locations (chain and grocery pharmacies).
- Whether Dallas Regional Medical Center runs a 24-hour emergency department (very likely for an acute-care hospital, but not confirmed in a source we read). Nearest freestanding ERs.
- Whether Mesquite Fire Department provides EMS transport, and its ISO rating.
- Whether Fire Station 8 opened in December 2025 as planned.
- Acreage for parks other than City Lake Park, plus the full list of 76 parks.
- Which parts of the city are in Dallas ISD and Forney ISD, and which campuses serve them; especially new homes on the Kaufman County side (for example Solterra).
- Whether the city runs a July 4 fireworks show.
- Mesquite BBQ street number, Town East Mall address, Sprouts address.
- Opening date for the North Branch Library's move to the Florence Recreation Center.
Questions people ask
How far is Mesquite from downtown Dallas?
About 14 miles. Off-peak, the drive from downtown Mesquite takes about 20 minutes by our calculation. Rush hour on I-30 and I-635 adds time.
Does Mesquite have DART rail?
No. Mesquite is not a DART member city. A commuter bus connects to DART's Green Line, and STAR Transit runs on-demand rides inside the city.
Is there a hospital in Mesquite?
Yes. Dallas Regional Medical Center is at 1011 N. Galloway Ave. and has 202 staffed beds. Baylor Scott & White also runs an urgent care at 1280 N. Town East Blvd., open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
What school district is Mesquite in?
Mostly Mesquite ISD, which has 51 campuses and 36,634 students (2026). Its latest confirmed TEA rating is a B for 2024-25. A small part of the city is in Dallas ISD.
When is the Mesquite rodeo?
The Mesquite Championship Rodeo runs Saturday nights in summer at Gomez Western Wear Arena, 1818 Rodeo Dr. The Rodeo Parade through downtown is in late March (March 28 in 2026).
Is the Mesquite North Branch Library closing?
Yes. The budget adopted in September 2026 closes the North Branch at 2600 Oates Dr. and moves its services into the Florence Recreation Center on the same block over several months. The main library is at 300 W. Grubb Dr.
What grocery stores are in Mesquite?
Kroger (three stores), Aldi, Albertsons, a Walmart Supercenter on US 80, a Walmart Neighborhood Market that opened in 2026 on E. Cartwright Rd., Tom Thumb and several Latin markets. H-E-B owns land south of I-20 but has not announced a store.
Does Mesquite have a farmers market?
Yes. The Downtown Mesquite Market runs Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Front Street Station from March to June and September to November, with night markets in July and August.
Sources (37) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Visit Mesquite, Alejandro's at Front Street Station
- Visit Mesquite, Bear Cave Coffee
- Dallas Morning News, Can Mesquite get small-town downtown charm right? (Aug 2024)
- Dallas Express, Downtown Mesquite earns national recognition (Front Street Station, facade grants)
- Homes.com, Downtown Mesquite neighborhood guide
- City of Mesquite, Real. Texas. Holidays 2026 schedule
- City of Mesquite news, spring 2026 events (Mar 16, 2026)
- HappeningNext, Downtown Mesquite Market 2026 opening day
- Visit Mesquite events calendar, April 2025
- Gomez Western Wear Arena (Mesquite Arena) homepage
- Vivid Seats, Mesquite Championship Rodeo, July 18, 2026
- TickPick, Mesquite Championship Rodeo, Aug 1, 2026
- Dallas Morning News, Mesquite parks and trails list (Apr 2021)
- City of Mesquite, Parks & Recreation FAQ (trails, ponds, playgrounds, city addresses)
- TrailLink, Mesquite Heritage Trail
- Dallas Morning News, Mesquite receives statewide honor for City Lake Park (Apr 2021)
- City of Mesquite community newsletter, mid-2023 (Clay Mathis spray pad)
- City of Mesquite, Park shelters
- Wikipedia, Mesquite, Texas
- KERA News, Mesquite officials could close library in consolidation proposal (Jul 29, 2026)
- KERA News, Mesquite plans to close North Branch Library under new budget (Sep 9, 2026)
- MapQuest, Mesquite Public Library North Branch listing
- Independence Title, Discover Mesquite relocation guide (PDF; schools, city contacts)
- The Gypsy Nurse, Dallas Regional Medical Center profile
- Baylor Scott & White, Urgent Care+ Mesquite
- NERIS (FSRI), Mesquite Fire Department FD48113845
- Wikipedia, Mesquite Police Department (Texas)
- Wikipedia, Mesquite Independent School District
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Mesquite ISD (2026 enrollment, campuses)
- Texas Tribune, Mesquite ISD accountability rating 2024-2025
- Feed America, SNAP retailers in Mesquite, TX
- Walmart, Mesquite US 80 E Supercenter (#789)
- The Shelby Report, Walmart opens Mesquite Neighborhood Market (Sep 25, 2026)
- Tom Thumb, 1501 Pioneer Rd., Mesquite store page
- Dallas Morning News, H-E-B buys property in Mesquite (Oct 2024)
- OSRM open routing engine (Realust drive-time calculation, Oct 2026)
- City of Mesquite, Mesquite City Council adopts 2025-26 budget (Aug. 19, 2025)
Seasonal Temperatures
Annual Conditions
Crime & Safety
Safety Overview
Violent Crime
Property Crime
Job Market
Income
Employment
Income Distribution
Education
School District
Schools
🏆 Top-Rated Schools (3 A-rated schools in Mesquite)
Academic Info
📈 Graduation Rates (Class of 2024)
🎯 College Readiness (Class of 2023)
Transportation
Mobility Scores
Commute
Distance To
⚡ EV Charging
Drive to major employers from Mesquite
Rush-hour drive times from the center of Mesquite, weekday at 8:00 AM.
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University Medical CenterDallas | 38 min | 23 min | 14.3 mi |
| Downtown DallasDallas | 39 min | 24 min | 15.1 mi |
| Texas InstrumentsDallas | 40 min | 25 min | 18.4 mi |
| AT&TDowntown Dallas | 43 min | 26 min | 15.3 mi |
| Telecom CorridorRichardson | 43 min | 28 min | 22.6 mi |
| Uptown DallasDallas | 44 min | 26 min | 16.5 mi |
| State Farm CityLineRichardson | 45 min | 30 min | 24 mi |
| Galleria / LBJDallas | 46 min | 27 min | 21 mi |
Show all 36 workplaces
| Workplace | 8 AM rush | No traffic | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| McKessonLas Colinas | 49 min | 33 min | 30.1 mi |
| UT DallasRichardson | 49 min | 34 min | 23.7 mi |
| Medical City PlanoPlano | 52 min | 36 min | 28.8 mi |
| SMUUniversity Park | 55 min | 30 min | 19.6 mi |
| UT Southwestern / Medical DistrictDallas | 55 min | 30 min | 20.7 mi |
| Legacy WestPlano | 58 min | 37 min | 31.7 mi |
| Arlington Entertainment DistrictArlington | 59 min | 43 min | 33.6 mi |
| DFW AirportDFW | 59 min | 43 min | 38.2 mi |
| American AirlinesFort Worth | 60 min | 42 min | 35.7 mi |
| Southwest AirlinesLove Field | 60 min | 35 min | 24 mi |
| Tyler TechnologiesPlano | 60 min | 39 min | 32.4 mi |
| Capital OnePlano | 61 min | 40 min | 34.3 mi |
| JPMorgan Chase Legacy WestPlano | 61 min | 38 min | 32.3 mi |
| Las Colinas Urban CenterIrving | 61 min | 35 min | 27 mi |
| Dallas Love FieldDallas | 61 min | 36 min | 22.9 mi |
| Toyota North America HQPlano | 61 min | 41 min | 33.4 mi |
| Keurig Dr PepperFrisco | 62 min | 41 min | 34.4 mi |
| Frito-Lay / PepsiCoPlano | 62 min | 41 min | 32.9 mi |
| RaytheonMcKinney | 62 min | 46 min | 40.3 mi |
| The StarFrisco | 62 min | 41 min | 34.8 mi |
| Kimberly-ClarkIrving | 63 min | 37 min | 27.6 mi |
| Fidelity InvestmentsWestlake | 67 min | 50 min | 47.2 mi |
| Charles SchwabWestlake | 68 min | 50 min | 48.2 mi |
| Downtown Fort WorthFort Worth | 72 min | 53 min | 46.9 mi |
| University of North TexasDenton | 75 min | 57 min | 52.6 mi |
| Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | 76 min | 59 min | 52.6 mi |
| AllianceTexasFort Worth | 77 min | 60 min | 56 mi |
| Lockheed MartinFort Worth | 80 min | 62 min | 55.9 mi |
Source: Google Routes forecast, updated October 2026. Find where to live near your work →
Cost of Living
Cost Index (100 = National Average)
Monthly Utilities
Everyday Costs
Taxes
Hidden costs in Mesquite
A home on the Dallas County side of Mesquite pays five taxing units. In 2025 the city charges 0.7047, Mesquite ISD 1.1069, Dallas County 0.2155, Parkland Hospital 0.2120 and Dallas College 0.1066, all per $100 of value.
Where a typical Mesquite homestead tax bill goes (2025)1,2,3,12
- City of Mesquite$2,019/yr
- Mesquite ISD$1,621/yr
- Dallas County$494/yr
- Parkland Hospital$486/yr
- Dallas College$305/yr
Homestead at $286,462, Dallas County side, no PID, owner under 65. Assumes 20% county and Parkland homestead exemptions (not confirmed). The city is the largest line because it has no homestead exemption.
Base 2025 tax rate: Mesquite vs. nearby cities1,2,3
- Rowlett (Dallas Co.)2.51%
- Balch Springs (Mesquite ISD)2.44%
- Garland (Dallas Co.)2.39%
- Mesquite (Dallas Co.)2.35%
- Seagoville2.25%
- Dallas (Dallas Co.)2.23%
- Sunnyvale2.21%
- Forney (Kaufman Co.)2.04%
Excludes PIDs. Garland and Rowlett offer homestead exemptions; Mesquite's city rate does not. Kaufman-side Mesquite runs about 2.42% in Forney ISD (city 0.7047 + Forney ISD 1.2869 + Kaufman County 0.4275), unconfirmed.
Monthly cost beyond the mortgage (sourced parts only)2,3,12,17,19,21
- Property tax (homestead, no PID)$410/mo
- Water, sewer, trash, drainage (6,000 gal)$164/mo
- Electric (Oncor-area average, 1,000 kWh)$152/mo
- Internet (AT&T 1 Gig)$70/mo
Realust estimates from posted rates. Excludes homeowners insurance, gas and HOA dues. A Solterra or Polo Ridge PID adds about $140–$285 a month.
Utility providers in Mesquite11,17,18,19,20,21
| Service | Provider | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Oncor wires; choose a retail provider | About 15.2¢/kWh average at 1,000 kWh | Oncor delivery: $4.06/mo + 6.87¢/kWh |
| Water & sewer | City of Mesquite | Water $20.86 base + $9.05–$11.20 per 1,000 gal; sewer $20.70 + $8.13 per 1,000 gal | Sewer capped at 8,000 gal; 3% increase Oct 1, 2026 |
| Trash & recycling | City of Mesquite | $27.25 + $2.25 tax per month | On the city bill |
| Drainage | City of Mesquite | $6.00 per month | |
| Natural gas | Atmos Energy | Not retrieved | |
| Internet | AT&T Fiber (99%), Spectrum (99%), Hotwire fiber (53%), Optimum, 5G home | AT&T 1 Gig $70/mo | Varies by address |
Read the full hidden costs guide
The city tax is the biggest line on the bill
A home on the Dallas County side of Mesquite pays five taxing units. In 2025 the city charges 0.7047, Mesquite ISD 1.1069, Dallas County 0.2155, Parkland Hospital 0.2120 and Dallas College 0.1066, all per $100 of value. Together that is 2.35% before exemptions.
Mesquite gives no general homestead exemption on the city tax, so the city taxes the full value of a home. Nearby Garland, Rowlett and Dallas offer one. The school district takes $140,000 off a homestead's value. Owners 65 and older get $65,000 off the city tax plus a tax ceiling.
On the 2025 average Mesquite ISD homestead of $286,462, the bill comes to about $4,925 a year, or $410 a month. That is an effective rate of about 1.72%. The city share, about $2,020, is larger than the school share. The same house as a rental would owe about $6,720.
Voters capped the 2025 city rate
The council adopted a 0.73 rate in August 2025 to pay for police, fire and street work. Because that rate was above the voter-approval limit, it went to the ballot. Voters rejected it on November 4, 2025, so the 2025 city rate dropped to 0.704692, up from 0.69 in 2024. The council also discussed a 10% homestead exemption but did not adopt one.
PIDs in the newer east-side neighborhoods
Mesquite has no MUDs, but it has four public improvement districts: Solterra, Polo Ridge, Iron Horse and Heartland Town Center. In Solterra, the 2023 PID rate was 0.99 per $100, with a TIRZ credit that cut the net charge to about 0.60. On a $286,000 home that adds about $1,700 a year.
Polo Ridge, in Kaufman County, bills a flat amount per lot. For the bill due January 2027, Phase 1 lots owe $2,045 to $3,408 a year before a TIRZ credit that has not been set. Ask the seller for the PID disclosure and the current year's installment.
The Kaufman County side
Part of east Mesquite lies in Kaufman County. There, Kaufman County's rate replaces the three Dallas County units, and the city lists it at 0.4275 with no general homestead exemption. Some of these homes, including Polo Ridge, are in Forney ISD at 1.2869, while Solterra is in Mesquite ISD. Confirm the ISD and the total rate by address.
Utilities: one city bill, retail electric
The city bills water, sewer, trash and drainage together. The minimum bill is $77.06 a month with the first 1,000 gallons. At 6,000 gallons, the posted rates come to about $164. Sewer charges stop rising at 8,000 gallons, which helps in summer. Water and sewer rates rose 3% on October 1, 2026.
Mesquite is on Oncor's lines, so you pick a retail electric plan. The Oncor-area average is about 15.2 cents per kWh, or about $152 for 1,000 kWh. Atmos Energy supplies natural gas.
FCC data show AT&T Fiber available at 99% of locations, with 1 Gig at $70 a month with autopay. Spectrum cable reaches 99%, and Hotwire fiber reaches about half.
Commute, rent and risk
The average commute is about 32 minutes. I-30, I-635 and US 80 reach Dallas without tolls. The Bush Turnpike north toward Garland and Plano charges about 22 cents a mile with a TollTag.
Median gross rent is $1,513 a month (ACS 2020–2024). A flood model on Redfin estimates about 11% of properties face severe flood risk over 30 years, mostly along creeks and the East Fork of the Trinity. Check the FEMA map for any address.
Not confirmed yet
- What 2026 tax rates did the city, Mesquite ISD and Dallas County adopt?
- What does homeowners insurance cost for a $286,000 home in Mesquite?
- What share of Mesquite parcels sits in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area?
- What water deposit does the city charge new accounts and renters?
- Which Kaufman County subdivisions are in Forney ISD vs. Mesquite ISD?
- What are Spectrum and Hotwire prices, and which neighborhoods have Hotwire bulk agreements?
- Do any older Mesquite subdivisions have mandatory HOAs, and at what dues?
Questions people ask
What is the property tax rate in Mesquite, TX?
On the Dallas County side, the 2025 base rate is about 2.35%: city 0.7047, Mesquite ISD 1.1069, Dallas County 0.2155, Parkland 0.2120, Dallas College 0.1066. A PID in Solterra or Polo Ridge adds more.
Does Mesquite have a homestead exemption?
Not on the city tax. The city gives $65,000 to owners 65 and older and $15,000 to disabled owners, with a tax ceiling. Mesquite ISD exempts $140,000 for every homestead.
How much are property taxes on a $286,000 home in Mesquite?
About $4,925 a year ($410 a month) with a homestead exemption and no PID, based on 2025 rates. As a rental with no exemptions, about $6,720.
Did Mesquite voters approve the 2025 tax increase?
No. Voters rejected Proposition A on November 4, 2025, so the city rate is 0.704692 instead of the proposed 0.73.
How much is the water bill in Mesquite?
The minimum city bill for water, sewer, trash and drainage is $77.06 a month. At 6,000 gallons it is about $164 based on posted rates.
Who provides electricity in Mesquite?
Oncor owns the lines, and residents choose a retail electric provider. The Oncor-area average is about 15.2 cents per kWh.
Does Mesquite have fiber internet?
Yes. FCC data show AT&T Fiber at 99% of locations and Hotwire fiber at about 53%. AT&T's 1 Gig plan is $70 a month with autopay.
Does Solterra have a PID?
Yes. In 2023 the Solterra PID rate was 0.99 per $100, cut to about 0.60 net by a TIRZ credit, plus a $1,250-a-year HOA assessment.
Sources (28) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Republic Title, 2025 DFW Tax Rates and Exemptions
- Dallas County Tax Office, Tax Rates (2025)
- City of Mesquite, Tax Rate Information
- City of Mesquite, 2025 Tax Rate Election
- City of Mesquite, news release on Nov 4, 2025 election results (Nov 7, 2025)
- City of Mesquite, ordinance levying 2025 ad valorem taxes (Aug 18, 2025)
- Kaufman County, 2024 Tax Rates
- City of Mesquite, Development Districts and Zones
- City of Mesquite, Polo Ridge PID
- City of Mesquite, Polo Ridge PID 2026 Service and Assessment Plan Update
- Solterra Community Association Fact Sheet (revised July 2023)
- Dallas County Tax Office, Mesquite ISD 2026 truth-in-taxation backup
- Dallas County, Notice of Adopted Tax Rate (2025)
- Dallas Morning News, Dallas County passes tax relief for seniors and disabled (June 21, 2022)
- U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Mesquite city, Texas
- Census Reporter, Mesquite, TX profile
- City of Mesquite, Rate Information and Billing Calculation
- 4Change Energy, TDU Charges (Oncor, updated Oct 4, 2026)
- ElectricityPlans, Texas electricity rate trends (updated Oct 28, 2026)
- BroadbandMap.com, Mesquite TX internet providers (FCC BDC Dec 2025)
- AT&T, Fiber in Mesquite, TX
- Redfin, Mesquite TX housing market (climate risk panel)
- TollGuru TollWiki, President George Bush Turnpike
- Home listing, Polo Ridge (Place Texas)
- Home listing, Polo Ridge (EV Real Estate)
- Home listing, Solterra
- Home listing, Solterra (EV Real Estate)
- City of Forney, Taxes
What’s coming
Public projects that will change daily life in Mesquite: new jobs, roads, schools and places to go. Every project links to its source.
BJ's Wholesale Club, Mesquite
BJ's Wholesale Club is building a roughly 105,000 sq ft warehouse club at 4355 Childress Ave, at the southeast corner of I-30 and I-635, with up to 150 jobs.
Why it matters: New warehouse-club option off I-30/I-635.
Also in Garland
Mesquite ISD $600M bond projects
Voters approved a $600M Mesquite ISD bond in May 2025. Work includes a replacement Motley/Lawrence elementary, an early childhood academy, and additions at North Mesquite, Poteet and Mesquite high schools.
Why it matters: New and upgraded campuses across the district.
Citywide
Joe V's Smart Shop (H-E-B), Garland
H-E-B plans a budget-format Joe V's Smart Shop at a vacant 7-acre shopping center at the northeast corner of Centerville Road and LBJ Freeway; construction was expected to start in 2026.
Why it matters: Low-price grocery option for south Garland.
Also in Garland
I-635/US 80 interchange rebuild
TxDOT's $540M project rebuilds the I-635/US 80 interchange, widens US 80 toward Belt Line Rd. and adds I-635 frontage roads from Town Centre Dr. to Gross Rd. Work began Feb. 2025.
Why it matters: Work zone near Town East Mall until 2029; better US 80 flow after.
Also in Sunnyvale
Texoma water pipelines & NTMWD rates
NTMWD's Texoma Two-Step adds two pipelines carrying Lake Texoma water to its Leonard and Wylie plants (+90M gal/day by 2029). Member-city wholesale water rates rose 7.5% for FY2026.
Why it matters: More regional water supply, but NTMWD expects wholesale rates to keep rising.
Also in Plano · Frisco · Allen · McKinney · Wylie · Richardson · Garland · Rockwall · Princeton · Farmersville · Royse City
Citywide
US 80 widening through Sunnyvale
TxDOT plans to widen US 80 in two phases from Belt Line Road to Lawson Road. Sunnyvale is relocating water lines ahead of the work, due to wrap up in late 2026.
Why it matters: More lanes on Sunnyvale's main highway link to Mesquite and Forney.
Also in Sunnyvale
Dallas County homelessness tax vote
County Prop A would raise the tax rate to $0.24865 per $100 from $0.2155 to fund homelessness reduction, incl. mental health treatment, support services and encampment resolution.
Why it matters: Higher county tax bill for Dallas County homeowners if it passes.
Also in Dallas · Irving · Garland · Grand Prairie · Carrollton · Richardson · Rowlett · DeSoto · Cedar Hill · Coppell · Lancaster · Duncanville · Farmers Branch · Sachse · Balch Springs · University Park · Seagoville · Glenn Heights · Addison · Highland Park · Hutchins · Wilmer · Sunnyvale · Cockrell Hill · Combine
Citywide
PGBT East Branch extension
NTTA is planning an extension of the President George Bush Turnpike about 11 miles south from I-30 to I-20. Sunnyvale has told NTTA its preferred route through town.
Why it matters: Possible new toll road route near Sunnyvale and east Mesquite homes.
Citywide
US 80 widening, Lawson Rd to FM 460
TxDOT's $129M project widens the US 80 freeway and replaces a bridge from Lawson Road at the Dallas County line east to FM 460 in Kaufman County. It was 86% complete in early 2026.
Why it matters: Wider US 80 for east Mesquite and Forney-bound commuters.
I-30 widening, I-635 to Bass Pro Dr.
TxDOT is designing a rebuild of I-30 from I-635 to Bass Pro Drive, widening it from 8 to 11 lanes with ramp changes ($158M), plus a rebuilt Bass Pro Drive interchange ($57M). Bid dates are TBD.
Why it matters: Relief on I-30 between Mesquite, Garland and Lake Ray Hubbard.
Town East Mall Sears site redevelopment
Mesquite approved zoning and a sales-tax rebate deal in Oct 2025 to turn the former Sears at Town East Mall into a Main Event entertainment center, restaurants and a planned 150-room hotel with a conference center.
Why it matters: New dining and entertainment near I-635 and Town East Blvd.
Long Creek Rd data center (denied)
A proposal to swap an approved industrial building on Long Creek Rd for a roughly 202,800-sq-ft, 48 MW data center was denied by the Mesquite City Council on March 16, 2026, despite a P&Z recommendation to approve. Later reconsideration requests have left it in limbo. Colovore still lists a planned 44.8 MW data center at 200 Long Creek Rd.
Why it matters: Resident pushback led to the denial, and Mesquite is now drafting data center rules: a 65-decibel noise cap, water and utility impact studies, and a ban in residential, commercial and mixed-use zones.
Recently opened
See every project on the North Texas map →We track publicly announced projects from official and local news sources. Plans and dates change; dates are targets, not promises. Map locations are approximate. Projects don't affect the Realust Score. Know of a project we're missing? Tell us.
Growth story in Mesquite
Mesquite was founded in 1873 on the Texas and Pacific Railway east of Dallas and incorporated in 1887. It had fewer than 1,700 residents in 1950.
Mesquite population, 1950-2025, plus NCTCOG's 2026 estimate1,2,4
1950-2020: decennial Census counts.2026: NCTCOG Jan. 1 estimate, a different method that runs higher than the Census series. No projection is charted because none was found.
New housing units permitted by the City of Mesquite5,6
Census Building Permits Survey. 2000-2003, 2007, 2013, 2015 and 2022 include apartment buildings. 2026 is January-September only. ETJ homes (e.g., Polo Ridge) are not counted.
Mesquite ISD enrollment27,28
2015-16 to 2024-25: Ballotpedia (federal series). 2025-26: TEA via Texas Tribune. No district projection found. Talia and Polo Ridge are in Forney ISD and are not reflected here.
New-home communities in and around Mesquite7,8,9,10,12,13,14,15,17,19,20
| Community | Developer | Builders | Planned size | Status | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solterra | Huffines Communities | 13 incl. Lennar, Highland, David Weekley, Brightland, First Texas | 3,900 homes + 300 townhomes, 1,530 ac (city 2021) | Selling | Cartwright Rd, 2 mi east of I-635 |
| Talia | Nehemiah Co. | Cadence, Chesmar, David Weekley, Drees, Highland | ~2,500 homes, 612-652 ac | Selling | FM 2757 south of I-20 (Forney ISD) |
| Polo Ridge | Centurion American | First Texas | 1,007 homes, ~805 ac, 27-ac retail | Selling, final phase | 9645 Chesney Dr, Forney (ETJ) |
| Ridge Ranch | Bloomfield | Bloomfield | 949 homes | Selling | Cartwright Rd at Lawson Rd |
| Iron Horse Village | Centurion American | D.R. Horton, Gehan, Mattamy | 336 homes, 54 ac + retail | Unconfirmed | Next to Mesquite Arena |
| Trinity Pointe Village | n/p | n/p | 470 homes | Unconfirmed | n/p |
| Trailwind | n/p | n/p | 450 homes | Unconfirmed | n/p |
| Cloverleaf Crossing | n/p | HistoryMaker | 227-327 townhomes | Selling | n/p |
| Berkshire Estates | n/p | n/p | 269 homes, 1-ac lots | Unconfirmed | n/p |
| ValleyBrooke | n/p | n/p | 235 homes | Proposed | Near I-635 / I-20 / US 80 |
Show all 11 rows
| Hagan Hill | Bloomfield | Bloomfield | 228 homes | Mostly built | Near I-20 |
n/p = not published. Sizes are developer or city figures and differ by source; the city's 2021 list totaled 10,617 planned homes.
Where new homes and jobs are going13,15,20,21,25,40,41
- 1Solterra
- 2Ridge Ranch
- 3Polo Ridge sales center
Talia, Iron Horse and Hithium need exact street points. Canadian Solar's plant address was not confirmed.
Announced manufacturing jobs in Mesquite23,24,25
- Canadian Solar module plantTarget at full ramp; announced June 20231,500 jobs
- Hithium battery module plantTarget within five years; announced July 2024141 jobs
Announced targets, not headcounts. The EDC reported about 3,500 jobs created or announced across all 2024 deals.
Read the full growth story guide
A railroad stop that became a postwar suburb
Mesquite was founded in 1873 on the Texas and Pacific Railway east of Dallas and incorporated in 1887. It had fewer than 1,700 residents in 1950.
Then the suburbs arrived. The 1960 Census counted 27,526 people, and by 1990 Mesquite passed 100,000. Big Town Mall opened in 1959, LBJ Freeway was built by about 1970, and Town East Mall followed in 1971. Mesquite Arena, home of the rodeo, opened in 1986.
Population: built out, then a second wave
Growth slowed after 2000. The 2020 Census counted 150,108 people, up 7.4% in ten years. The Census Bureau's estimates have hovered near that level since, ending at 150,693 in July 2025.
NCTCOG puts the city higher, at 158,412 on Jan. 1, 2026, up 976 from a year earlier. The two agencies use different methods, so compare each against its own series. No city or regional population forecast was found.
Housing: the south side is filling in
Through the 2010s the city often permitted fewer than 100 new homes a year. Since 2020 it has permitted 257 to 719 units a year, 3,149 in total from 2020 to 2025, almost all single-family. Through September 2026 it had permitted 372.
Nearly all of the new building is in south Mesquite. In 2021 the city listed 10,617 planned homes. The largest is Huffines Communities' Solterra on Cartwright Road, planned for about 3,900 homes and 300 townhomes with 13 builders. Talia, by the Nehemiah Company, plans about 2,500 homes on FM 2757 south of I-20. Polo Ridge (about 1,000 homes), Ridge Ranch (949) and Iron Horse Village (336, next to the rodeo arena) round out the larger projects.
Talia and Polo Ridge are in Kaufman County and Forney ISD, and Polo Ridge homes have Forney addresses in Mesquite's ETJ. Check city limits, county, ISD and any PID before buying, because taxes and services vary by address.
What is driving it
Highways and industry. TxDOT started a $540 million rebuild of the I-635 and US 80 interchange in February 2025, due in early 2029. The $1.74 billion LBJ East project widened I-635 from US 75 to I-30.
Canadian Solar announced a $250 million solar module plant in 2023 with about 1,500 jobs at full ramp, and Hithium plans a $100 million battery plant with 141 jobs in the 20 East Trinity Pointe park. The EDC reported about $1.1 billion in deals and 3,500 jobs in 2024.
Schools: fewer students, new bonds
Unlike its fast-growing neighbors, Mesquite ISD is shrinking. Enrollment peaked at 41,038 in 2016-17 and was 36,634 in 2026 state data. In December 2025 the district announced at least $24 million in cuts for 2026-27, citing falling enrollment.
Voters still approved $600 million in bonds in May 2025: $578.5 million for facilities and $21.5 million for technology, each with about 63% support. New homes south of I-20 feed Forney ISD instead, so Mesquite's housing boom does not translate one-for-one into Mesquite ISD seats.
Values and incomes
Census survey data show the median owner-estimated home value rising from $109,400 (2011-2015) to $143,000 (2015-2019) and $245,700 (2020-2024). Median household income rose from $49,604 to $72,537 over the same periods.
Values rose faster than incomes. New homes in Solterra and Talia are priced well above the city's existing stock, which mostly dates from the 1960s to 1980s.
Not confirmed yet
- Does the city or NCTCOG publish a 2040 or 2050 population forecast for Mesquite?
- Has Mesquite ISD commissioned a demographic projection, and will it close or consolidate campuses beyond Motley and Lawrence?
- How many lots in Solterra, Talia and Polo Ridge are built and how many remain?
- What water and wastewater capacity is planned for south Mesquite and the Kaufman County side?
- What retail is coming to the Polo Ridge 27-acre site and the Iron Horse Village commercial space?
- Where exactly do the city limits and ETJ run south of I-20?
Questions people ask
What is the population of Mesquite, Texas?
The Census Bureau estimated 150,693 on July 1, 2025. NCTCOG estimated 158,412 on Jan. 1, 2026. The 2020 Census counted 150,108.
Is Mesquite growing?
Slowly overall. Census estimates show about 0.4% growth from 2020 to 2025, but new-home permits have jumped, averaging about 525 a year from 2020 to 2025 versus about 66 a year in the 2010s.
What are the biggest new communities in Mesquite?
Solterra (Huffines, about 3,900 homes planned), Talia (Nehemiah, about 2,500), Polo Ridge (Centurion American, about 1,000), Ridge Ranch (Bloomfield, 949) and Iron Horse Village (336).
What school district is Solterra in? What about Talia?
Solterra is in Mesquite ISD. Talia and Polo Ridge are in Forney ISD.
Did the Mesquite ISD bond pass?
Yes. On May 3, 2025 voters approved Prop A ($578.5 million) and Prop B ($21.5 million), each with about 63% of the vote.
Is Mesquite ISD enrollment declining?
Yes. It peaked at 41,038 in 2016-17 and was 36,634 in 2026 state data, and the district announced $24 million in budget cuts for 2026-27.
When will the I-635 and US 80 construction finish?
TxDOT estimates early 2029 for the $540 million interchange and US 80 widening that began in February 2025.
Sources (43) · checked Oct 28, 2026
- Mesquite, Texas (Wikipedia; historical census table, history, 2023 ACFR principal employers)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 city and town population estimates, Texas (sub-est2025_48.csv)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2020 city and town population estimates 2010-2020, Texas (SUB-EST2020_48.csv)
- NCTCOG, 2026 Population Estimates publication (Jan. 1, 2026)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, annual place files, South Region (soYYYYa.txt, 2000-2025)
- U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, South Region place file, year-to-date through Sept 2026 (so2609y.txt)
- City of Mesquite, news release on 10,617 planned homes (May 13, 2021)
- Mesquite Economic Development, Residential Developments (accessed Oct 2026)
- City of Mesquite, Solterra groundbreaking (Oct 21, 2021)
- Huffines Communities, Solterra Texas Phase 1 complete (July 27, 2023)
- Solterra Texas / Mesquite News, Chamber invites developers to discuss 10,000 new homes (Apr 28, 2023)
- Mesquite Economic Development, New Mesquite community will bring more than 2,500 homes (Talia / Spradley Farms)
- Dallas Moms (sponsored by Talia), Welcome to Talia (Apr 24, 2025)
- Neighborhoods.com, Mesquite officials give green light to Polo Ridge Ranch (Jan 3, 2018, citing Dallas Morning News Dec 20, 2017)
- First Texas Homes, Polo Ridge community page (accessed Oct 2026)
- City of Mesquite, Polo Ridge PID page
- Mesquite Economic Development, Bloomfield Homes plans 900 houses in Mesquite with help from city
- Mesquite Economic Development, Mesquite's new home market enlarging (undated, c. 2018)
- Centurion American, Three builders named for 300-plus-home Iron Horse Village (May 4, 2021)
- Centurion American, Iron Horse Village community page
- TxDOT, I-635 East / US 80 Interchange fact sheet
- Equipment World, $1.74B project to widen I-635 East in Dallas underway
- Mesquite Economic Development, 2024 Economic Development Annual Report (Dec 20, 2024)
- Canadian Solar, U.S. module manufacturing facility in Mesquite, Texas (PR Newswire, June 15, 2023)
- Mesquite Economic Development, Hithium plans investment into new production facility (July 12, 2024)
- PV Tech, Canadian Solar launches 5GW TOPCon module assembly plant in Texas (2024; headline only, not read)
- Ballotpedia, Mesquite Independent School District, Texas (enrollment 1999-2000 to 2024-25)
- Texas Tribune Public Schools Explorer, Mesquite ISD (state enrollment data, 2026)
- Mesquite Independent School District (Wikipedia; school opening years)
- Ballotpedia, Mesquite ISD Proposition A, School Facilities Bond (May 2025)
- Ballotpedia, Mesquite ISD Proposition B, Technology Equipment Bond (May 2025)
- FOX 4, Mesquite ISD's $600 million bond election (Apr 28, 2025)
- Dallas Morning News, Highland Park ISD, Mesquite, Richardson pass bonds (Nov 4, 2015)
- Dallas Morning News, $280 million bond plan to go to Mesquite ISD voters (Feb 10, 2015; headline only)
- Hoodline, Mesquite ISD axes $24 million from budget (Dec 17, 2025)
- Dallas Observer, North Texas school enrollment declines and closures (undated, c. early 2026)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year table-based summary files 2021-2024 (B25077, B19013, B25001, B25003), place 4847892
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2015-2019 5-year summary file, Texas
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2011-2015 5-year summary file, Texas
- Bloomfield Homes, Ridge Ranch home listing
- Home listing (Solterra Ph 1G)
- Dallas Morning News, Mesquite to become the site of new 2,500-home community (Mar 3, 2023; headline only)
- Dallas Morning News, Construction kicks off on Mesquite mixed-use project at rodeo (Sept 30, 2019; headline only)