Both Arlington and Mesquite are populous cities in the state of Texas, offering their residents unique benefits and amenities. Arlington is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and is home to the world-renowned AT&T Stadium. Mesquite, on the other hand, being smaller and less crowded, offers a more intimate living experience while being conveniently close to the Big D – Dallas. Of course, both cities have their pros and cons, and these need to be assessed based on crucial factors like safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, neighborhoods, and many others, which we are going to delve into next.
Distance between
Arlington, TX and
Mesquite, TX : 30.3 miles
Arlington's population is larger by 166%. Its population has grown by 59,817 people (18.0%) since 2000. The population of Mesquite has grown by 23,168 people (18.6%) during that time.
In terms of safety, both cities have their challenges. Both cities have higher than average crime rates compared to national averages. However, Mesquite's crime rate is slightly lower than Arlington's, making it a somewhat safer place to live. Both cities have multiple initiatives in place to combat crime and ensure safety for their residents, but these efforts are ongoing and safety remains a concern for people considering a move.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 602 registered sex offenders living in Arlington and 180 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Arlington is 652 to 1; the ratio in Mesquite is 799 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in Arlington is near to than in Mesquite.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in both Arlington and Mesquite is slightly lower than the national average. This lower cost of living largely comes down to more affordable housing options in both cities. Nevertheless, each city's cost of living is offset by factors such as income levels, transportation costs, healthcare expenses, and educational facilities.
Income Tax
There is no personal state income tax in Texas, so residents of both Arlington and Mesquite are exempted from this tax.
Property Tax
Arlington has a slightly higher property tax rate compared to Mesquite. However, both cities' rates are higher than the national average. The exact amount a homeowner pays will depend on the assessment of their specific property.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in both cities is identical, as they are both located within the state of Texas. The total combined sales tax rate is 8.25%, which includes a state tax of 6.25% and a local city tax of 2%.
Income
Type
Arlington
Mesquite
Estimated median household income
$59,889
$60,957
Estimated per capita income
$31,722
$28,429
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
95.9
94.7
If you make $50,000 in Mesquite, you will have to make $50,634 in Arlington to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both Arlington and Mesquite are located in the northeastern part of Texas, characterized by flat terrain and scattered forests. Arlington, located closer to the Trinity River, offers many waterfront views and opportunities for outdoor activities. Mesquite, named after the Mesquite trees common in the area, offers a unique landscape with its many parks.
The educational systems in both cities offer a variety of public and private schools, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The graduation rate in Arlington is slightly higher than that in Mesquite. However, Mesquite boasts higher test scores, especially in math and reading. Both cities also offer access to higher education establishments, with Arlington housing the prominent University of Texas at Arlington that attracts students from around the globe.
Opportunities for work in both cities are pretty diverse. Arlington's economy leans heavily towards entertainment and tourism, given its many sports teams and entertainment facilities. Conversely, Mesquite's economy is bolstered by its transport and logistics industry due to its location crossroads of multiple highways. Both cities also have a robust retail industry.
Biggest Employers
Some of Arlington's largest employers include the Arlington Independent School District, the University of Texas at Arlington, and General Motors. In contrast, the major employers in Mesquite include the Mesquite Independent School District, UPS, and Dallas Regional Medical Center.
There were 976 building permits issued in Arlington in 2012 (744 more than in 2011) compared to 560 building permits issued in Mesquite in 2012 (527 more than in 2011).
In Arlington (Tarrant County), 41.4% voted for Democrats and 57.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Mesquite (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Arlington
Mesquite
Arlington
Mesquite
Arlington
Mesquite
2020
49.3%
65.1%
49.1%
33.4%
1.6%
1.4%
2016
43.2%
60.8%
51.8%
34.7%
5.0%
4.5%
2012
41.4%
57.3%
57.1%
41.8%
1.4%
1.0%
2008
43.8%
57.4%
55.5%
42.0%
0.7%
0.6%
2004
37.0%
49.0%
62.5%
50.4%
0.5%
0.5%
2000
36.9%
45.0%
60.9%
52.7%
2.3%
2.4%
1996
41.6%
46.0%
50.9%
46.8%
7.5%
7.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Arlington
Mesquite
Arlington
Mesquite
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
17.3%
11.0%
33.3%
31.1%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
18.9%
1.9%
2.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.2%
3.6%
0.9%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.3%
0.9%
0.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.6%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.3%
1.0%
0.8%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.3%
0.9%
0.9%
Weather
The weather in both cities is typified by hot summers and mild to cool winters. With an average of 232 sunny days, Arlington has a slight edge over Mesquite's average of 229 sunny days. Both cities experience moderate rainfall throughout the year, although the heavy downpours can sometimes lead to flooding in certain areas.
Weather and climate
Type
Arlington
Mesquite
Temperature - Average
65°F
65.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.4%
71.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
82%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
48%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.9 in
39 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
4.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.7%
22.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
66.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
74%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
54%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Arlington, Texas
Average climate in Mesquite, Texas
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM25
SO2
Year
Arlington
Mesquite
Arlington
Arlington
Mesquite
Arlington
Mesquite
Arlington
Mesquite
Arlington
Mesquite
2018
86
86
N/A
N/A
5.8
5.3
27.1
28.1
9.4
9.1
0.4
0.3
2017
86
84
N/A
N/A
6.2
5.0
27.2
29.0
9.1
8.7
0.3
0.4
2016
76
73
N/A
N/A
6.3
5.4
25.5
28.1
8.2
8.1
0.2
0.3
2015
80
82
N/A
N/A
6.5
5.9
24.8
28.3
8.6
8.5
0.3
0.3
2014
78
77
0.22
N/A
6.8
5.6
26.6
29.3
9.3
9.3
0.3
0.4
2013
96
96
0.25
N/A
6.4
6.5
27.2
30.6
11.0
11.7
0.2
0.4
2012
108
110
0.26
N/A
7.8
7.7
30.3
32.2
10.5
11.1
0.3
0.4
2011
96
99
0.23
N/A
8.2
8.3
30.7
32.4
9.5
10.7
0.6
0.7
2010
76
76
0.23
N/A
8.9
8.4
27.7
29.8
8.4
9.3
0.7
0.6
2009
91
90
0.25
N/A
8.7
8.1
29.5
30.4
8.5
9.1
0.5
0.5
2008
92
86
0.25
N/A
9.6
8.7
25.8
30.4
10.7
9.7
0.5
0.6
2007
95
99
0.30
N/A
10.6
9.5
24.6
27.4
9.8
10.2
0.5
0.4
2006
102
104
0.34
N/A
10.4
9.5
29.7
32.4
9.9
9.9
0.8
0.7
2005
110
107
0.34
N/A
11.7
11.3
28.4
31.6
11.3
11.0
1.0
0.8
2004
90
95
0.39
N/A
10.8
10.8
25.4
28.4
N/A
N/A
0.9
0.7
2003
97
100
0.40
N/A
11.1
12.1
27.2
30.4
N/A
N/A
1.0
0.9
2002
97
95
0.37
N/A
11.8
12.3
25.8
28.1
N/A
N/A
0.6
0.4
2001
88
91
0.48
N/A
14.7
12.3
25.0
28.4
N/A
N/A
1.1
0.9
2000
104
104
0.55
N/A
14.5
14.0
26.2
28.2
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.1
Natural disasters
Type
Arlington
Mesquite
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.3%
250.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
558.3%
562.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
23%
21%
Transportation
Arlington is highly dependent on cars for commuting, with a large majority of residents driving their own vehicles. The city does, however, offer a rideshare program called "Via". Mesquite, on the other hand, is served by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, offering bus service across the city. Both cities offer reasonable commute times, given their sizes.
Transport
Type
Arlington
Mesquite
Amtrak stations nearby
2
1
FAA registered aircraft
362
82
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
5
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Arlington
Mesquite
Bicycle
0.2%
0.3%
Bus
0%
0.6%
Carpooled
11.9%
11.5%
Car alone
85%
85.7%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
1.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Arlington
Mesquite
Average
26.1 min
28.2 min
Other means
27.6 min
30.9 min
Public transportation
45.1 min
46.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Arlington
Mesquite
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.7%
84.3%
In 2 person carpool
7.8%
11.3%
In 3 person carpool
2.2%
2.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.8%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in both cities is fairly affordable but is more so in Mesquite. The median home cost in Mesquite is significantly lower than in Arlington. Both cities have seen steady appreciation in home values over the past decade, offering potential investment opportunities.
Neighborhoods
Arlington is home to diverse neighborhoods, each offering its unique vibe from bustling downtown areas to peaceful suburban regions. The city is also known for its well-maintained parks. Mesquite, while smaller, boasts a friendly and close-knit community feel in its neighborhoods with an emphasis on family-friendly environments.
Houses and residents
Type
Arlington
Mesquite
Houses
156,653
55,252
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.9
Median year apartment built
1983
1986
Median year house/condo built
1984
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
12.9 years
Houses occupied
146,888 (93.8%)
52,023 (94.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
78,883 (53.7%)
33,675 (64.7%)
Houses occupied by renters
68,005 (46.3%)
18,348 (35.3%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,609
$1,206
Median monthly housing costs
$1,220
$1,213
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$199,415
$297,978
Estimated median house or condo value
$254,700
$208,900
Median numbers of rooms
5.4
5.4
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.1
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6
Median house price - detached houses
$265,594
$178,609
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$415,006
$84,682
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$224,044
$148,342
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$131,545
$240,293
Median house price - mobile homes
$92,300
$58,740
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$171,140
$180,243
Median house price - All housing units
$259,527
$180,062
Median house age
37
37
Renting percentage
42.6%
38.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,634.9
1,272.6
House value disparities
25%
24.3%
Household income disparities
43.9%
41.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$97,883
$86,417
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$67,452
$71,936
Housing units without a mortgage
948 (2%)
267 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
1,684 (3.6%)
611 (2.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
46,456 (98%)
20,601 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
0 (0%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
1,967 (4.1%)
975 (4.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.7%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1%
1.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Arlington
Mesquite
One, detached
60.2%
71.9%
One, attached
10.8%
2.6%
Two
1.5%
1.0%
3 or 4
4.3%
3.8%
5 to 9
5.7%
5.4%
10 to 19
7.7%
5.1%
20 to 49
3.3%
4.2%
50 or more
5.2%
4.1%
Mobile homes
1.3%
1.9%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
10,953
4,883
State government workers
6,771
1,369
Unpaid family workers
396
373
Industries and Occupations
The major industries in Arlington include entertainment, tourism, education, health care, and retail. Among the common occupations in Arlington are office and administrative support, sales, and management. In contrast, Mesquite's economy is dominated by transportation and logistics, health care, and retail, with the most common occupations being office and administrative support, transportation, and sales.
Arlington boasts more healthcare facilities than Mesquite, including the renowned Texas Health Resources and the Medical City Arlington. Mesquite, however, is home to the Dallas Regional Medical Center and offers access to a wide variety of healthcare providers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Arlington
Mesquite
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Arlington boasts considerably more advanced infrastructure compared to Mesquite. Housing facilities, schools, medical facilities, and entertainment spots are well dispersed throughout the city making it more convenient for the residents. Mesquite, while smaller, offers a more compact layout that increases its walkability.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Arlington
Mesquite
1999
1,768
810
2000
1,198
286
2001
1,140
190
2002
847
196
2003
1,216
463
2004
1,504
732
2005
2,158
967
2006
2,107
995
2007
1,390
633
2008
558
209
2009
235
81
Culture and Food
Arlington is a cultural hub, featuring many artistic venues, museums, and a buzzing nightlife. It's renowned for its food scene, with restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Mesquite, though smaller, offers a unique charm with its annual rodeo event and numerous BBQ joints that give a glimpse into Texas' authentic western heritage.
Sports Teams
Arlington is home to several major sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys NFL team and the Texas Rangers MLB team. While Mesquite does not host any major sports teams, it nevertheless offers its residents a variety of local sports amenities and is just a short drive away from the sports action in Dallas.
Arlington, TX
Mesquite, TX
