About Mesquite

Welcome to Mesquite, Texas!

Known as the official Rodeo Capital of Texas, we are conveniently close to the big city of Dallas while keeping our authentic Texas culture and small town charm.

Mesquite is a vibrant, diverse community that offers fun for the whole family. We have everything from our famous rodeo and exciting downtown area to a myriad of cultural and arts events, sporting and leisure activities, and educational and employment opportunities. We also have miles of parks and trails, shopping, and restaurants. Read about all the fun things to do.

Economic development in Mesquite is thriving. Over the past few years, we’ve had a major uptick in development and business expansions thanks to forward-thinking investments in infrastructure and comprehensive strategic planning. We have thousands of new homes being built and millions of square feet of commercial real estate under development.

Our major employers and corporate partners in Mesquite include Ashley Furniture, PepsiCo, FedEx Ground, Walmart Corporation, UPS, Orora Visual, Mesquite Independent School District, and Town East Mall. Learn more about economic development in Mesquite.

History
Mesquite was established as a depot town by the Texas and Pacific Railway in May 1873. The origin of our town’s name is uncertain. It may have been chosen to pay homage to the abundance of mesquite trees in the area or nearby Mesquite Creek. Mesquite officially became a city on December 3, 1887. The town had a population of 135 when the U.S. Census was taken in 1890.

Today, Mesquite covers almost 50 square miles and is strategically situated at the crossroads of Interstates 20, 30 and 635, State Highway 352 and U.S. Highway 80. We have a robust and diverse economy and population. Of Mesquite’s 154,000+ residents, three in four are people of color - a share that is nearly 77% higher than the U.S. average. One in five Mesquite residents are foreign-born, up 14% in the last five years. We are a city that is welcoming and inclusive - an enjoyable place to live, work, and raise a family.

Mesquite Facts & Features

  • 15 minutes east of downtown Dallas
  • 35 minutes to DFW International Airport or Dallas Love Field Airport
  • 70+ parks and facilities
  • 154,000+ residents
  • 250 dining options
  • 52 public school campuses
  • 3 higher-education institutions