Mesquite, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
149,814
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,537/yr
32.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
54,114
0.1% year-over-year change

Mesquite population

How many people live in Mesquite

Mesquite is home to 149,814 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Mesquite locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
149,814
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
71,392
Female
52.4%
78,422
Value Percent YoY change
Male 71,392 47.6% 0.2%
Female 78,422 52.4% 0.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Mesquite is 27, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.6% are children under 15, then 15.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.2% of the population, while another 23.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
27
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.6%
15 to 24
15.1%
25 to 44
27.2%
45 to 64
23.8%
Over 65
11.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 33,853 22.6% -0.6%
15 to 24 22,649 15.1% 3.8%
25 to 44 40,704 27.2% 0.7%
45 to 64 35,692 23.8% 1.8%
Over 65 16,916 11.3% -4.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Mesquite, 77.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 29.9% of locals are Caucasian, 27.4% are African American and 3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 25.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
77.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.9%
Non-citizens
13.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 116,459 77.7% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 13,334 8.9% -5.9%
Non-citizens 20,021 13.4% 3.2%
Racial breakdown
White
29.9%
Black or African American
27.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
25.4%
Other
13.4%
Value Percent
White 44,779 29.9%
Black or African American 41,041 27.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,326 0.9%
Asian 4,474 3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 75 0%
Two or more races 37,999 25.4%
Other 20,120 13.4%

Households in Mesquite

A peek inside Mesquite households

Mesquite has 50,308 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 73.6% are families, while the remaining 26.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
50,308
-0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
13,307
Family households
37,001
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,307 26.4% -1.8%
Family households 37,001 73.6% 0.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Mesquite

The housing landscape of Mesquite

Mesquite's housing consists of 54,114 units, with 70.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
54,114
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 38,277 70.7%
1 unit, attached 1,374 2.5%
2 units 396 0.7%
3 or 4 units 2,081 3.8%
5 to 9 units 3,147 5.8%
10 to 19 units 3,617 6.7%
20 to 49 units 2,362 4.4%
50 or more units 2,527 4.7%
Mobile home 333 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
939
147.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Mesquite

In Mesquite, the median construction year is 1992. About 1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 543 1% -3.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 570 1% 5.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,586 10.3% -2.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,418 11.9% -3.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,735 16.1% -5.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 15,405 28.5% 5.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8,406 15.5% -7.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,365 9.9% 1.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,147 4% 10.0%
Built in 2020 or later 939 1.7% 147.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Mesquite occupancy rates

Out of the 50,308 occupied housing units in Mesquite, 62.6% are owner-occupied, while 37.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
50,308
-0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
18,793
Owner occupied
31,515
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 18,793 37.4% 1.3%
Owner occupied 31,515 62.6% -1.1%
Unoccupied housing units
7.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Mesquite housing costs

Housing costs in Mesquite come to a median of $1,465 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,513.

Median housing costs per month
$1,465/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Mesquite
$1,513/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Mesquite

Mesquite education at a glance

About 42.4% of the population in Mesquite went to high school, while 24.8% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 11.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8,403 7.8% -3.2%
High school diploma 45,777 42.4% 0.9%
College diploma 26,731 24.8% -2.1%
Associate degree 8,004 7.4% -0.7%
Bachelor's degree 12,784 11.8% 2.8%
Graduate degree 6,225 5.8% 9.6%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Mesquite

How much people earn in Mesquite

The average annual household income in Mesquite was $59,228 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -12.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,537, reflecting a +32.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Mesquite
$59,228/year
-12.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Mesquite
$72,537/year
32.1% year-over-year change

Mesquite income by age

In Mesquite, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $68,321. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $87,632 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $41,012, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $53,614 in earnings. Overall, 86.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $41,012 -22.0%
25 - 44 $68,321 -1.6%
45 - 64 $87,632 3.0%
Over 65 $53,614 3.3%
Above poverty level
127,815
Below poverty level
19,558
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 127,815 86.7% -0.8%
Below poverty level 19,558 13.3% 10.5%

Employment in Mesquite

Workforce and job types in Mesquite

The job market in Mesquite is powered by 74,716 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10% run their own businesses, 72.8% are employed by private companies, and 11.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
74,716
-0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
51,285
Blue collar
23,431
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 51,285 68.6% 0.2%
Blue collar 23,431 31.4% -1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10%
Private companies
72.8%
Governmental workers
11.7%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7,453 10% -0.9%
Private companies 54,375 72.8% 0.9%
Governmental workers 8,728 11.7% -4.3%
Not for profit companies 4,160 5.6% -8.8%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
12.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Mesquite stands at 5.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Mesquite

How people get around in Mesquite

Commuting methods vary: 97.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 63,062 97.9% -2.2%
Taxicab 230 0.4% 206.7%
Bus or trolleybus 429 0.7% 13.8%
Motorcycle 76 0.1% 2.7%
Bicycle 48 0.1% -47.8%
Walk 593 0.9% -4.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Mesquite demographics 

What is the total population of Mesquite?

Mesquite has a total population of 149,814 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Mesquite?

The gender ratio in Mesquite is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (71,392 residents)
  • 52.4% females (78,422 residents)

What is the median age in Mesquite?

The median age in Mesquite is 27.

What is the age distribution of the population in Mesquite?

The age distribution in Mesquite is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.6% (33,853 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.1% (22,649 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.2% (40,704 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.8% (35,692 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.3% (16,916 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Mesquite?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Mesquite is as follows:
  • White: 29.9% (44,779 residents)
  • Black or African American: 27.4% (41,041 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (1,326 residents)
  • Asian: 3% (4,474 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (75 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 25.4% (37,999 residents)
  • Other: 13.4% (20,120 residents)

What percentage of the population in Mesquite are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 77.7% of the population in Mesquite.

How many housing units are there in Mesquite?

There are 54,114 housing units in Mesquite, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Mesquite and what is the average household size?

Mesquite has a total of 50,308 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Mesquite?

Mesquite has a median household income of $72,537, representing a +32.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Mesquite?

The employment rate is 94.6% in Mesquite, with a workforce of 74,716 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.6% (51,285 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.4% (23,431 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10% (7,453 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.8% (54,375 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.7% (8,728 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (4,160 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025