Balch Springs vs Mesquite: which is better to live in?
Balch Springs gets F overall and Mesquite gets D-. They finish close to even on our index, though keep in mind each is graded against Texas places of its own size.
Balch Springs wins on errands and things to do. Mesquite wins on cost of living, jobs and income, schools, getting around, education levels, health, home ownership and internet access.
Balch Springs suits young professionals, retirees and people on a budget better, while Mesquite suits remote workers better.
Side by side
| Balch Springs | Mesquite | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall grade | F | D- |
| Population | 27,258 | 150,693 |
| Growth since 2020 | -1.6% | +0.3% |
| Median rent | $1,378 | $1,513 |
| Median home value | $224,400 | $245,700 |
| Monthly cost to buy | $1,498 | $1,666 |
| Median household income | $66,942 | $72,537 |
| Property tax per year | $3,233 | $3,859 |
| Violent crime per 100k | 386 | 453 |
| Property crime per 100k | 2,686 | 2,231 |
| Schools rated A or B | 29% | 49% |
| Average commute | 34 min | 32 min |
| Work from home | 9.8% | 10.0% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 9.1% | 20% |
| Median age | 32.2 years | 32.9 years |
| Days 90°F or hotter | 106 | 106 |
| River flooding risk (FEMA) | Low | Low |
Bold marks the better value where one is clearly better.
Grades by category
| Balch Springs | Mesquite | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living | C (47) | C+ (51) |
| Jobs and income | D+ (32) | C- (39) |
| Schools | D+ (25) | C- (34) |
| Safety | D (17) | D (17) |
| Errands and things to do | B+ (80) | C+ (49) |
| Getting around | F (1) | F (6) |
| Education levels | F (2) | D- (9) |
| Health | F (4) | F (4) |
| Home ownership | D+ (29) | C+ (52) |
| Internet access | D (24) | B- (64) |
Cost of living
Balch Springs is the cheaper of the two.
Rent is lower in Balch Springs: a median of $1,378 a month, 9% lower than Mesquite's $1,513.
The median home is worth $224,400 in Balch Springs and $245,700 in Mesquite. With 20% down at today's rates, that is about $1,498 a month against $1,666, property tax included.
Compared with what locals earn, homes cost 3.4 times income in Balch Springs and 3.4 times in Mesquite.
Commute and location
Commutes average 34 minutes in Balch Springs and 32 in Mesquite.
The two are about 3 miles apart, so many people weigh them for the same job.
Safety and schools
Balch Springs has less violent crime. Balch Springs reported 386 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, and Mesquite reported 453 in 2025. The Texas rate is 387.
For schools, 29% of Balch Springs's 7 rated campuses earn an A or B, against 49% of Mesquite's 49.
Common questions
Is Balch Springs or Mesquite better to live in?
They grade about the same overall (F vs D-). The better choice depends on what you need, so compare the categories above.
Is Balch Springs cheaper than Mesquite?
Yes. Balch Springs has lower typical rent and home prices.
Which is safer, Balch Springs or Mesquite?
Balch Springs, based on violent crime per 100,000 people reported to the FBI.
Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Texas Education Agency 2025, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA. Updated 2026-10-04.