Is Joshua Safe, Pros and cons of living in Joshua

Is it Safe to Live in Joshua?

Joshua, Texas, presents a generally safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate in Joshua is significantly lower than the national average, with property crimes also falling below national figures (according to AreaVibes). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Joshua is approximately 1 in 131, which is considerably lower than in many other parts of the country (according to AreaVibes).

Violent crime rates in Joshua are notably low, ranking well below the national average (according to NeighborhoodScout). With a violent crime rate of 0.66 per 1,000 residents, Joshua is considered safer than many other communities in Texas (according to NeighborhoodScout). The city has also reported zero homicides in recent years, underscoring its reputation as a secure place to live (according to AreaVibes).

Crime Statistics Overview

The Joshua Police Department reports that over a five-year period, the city recorded 265 violent crimes and 339 property crimes. The average violent crime rate is 77.3 per 100,000 residents, which is below the national average (according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Property crime averages 66.3 per 100,000 residents, also significantly below the national average (according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer).

While the west part of Joshua is considered the safest, crime can vary by neighborhood (according to CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of crime ranges from 1 in 29 in the southwest to 1 in 75 in the west (according to CrimeGrade.org). The total projected cost of crime in Joshua for 2025 is estimated at over $10 million, which translates to about $420 per resident (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Demographics and Community

Joshua, Texas, is home to a population of approximately 8,550 residents (according to Data USA). The community is predominantly White, with a significant Hispanic population also residing in the city (according to Data USA). The median age in Joshua is around 37 years, with a balanced distribution across different age groups, from children to seniors (according to Point2Homes).

The city’s population consists of about 44.5% males and 55.5% females (according to Point2Homes). A large majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a small percentage being foreign-born (according to Data USA). The community is comprised of approximately 3,195 households, with an average of three members per household (according to Point2Homes).

Population Trends and Diversity

Joshua’s population has seen steady growth, with a projected population of over 9,000 by 2026 (according to Joshua Demographics). The city is experiencing an annual growth rate of around 2.9%, indicating a consistent influx of new residents (according to Joshua Demographics). This growth contributes to a dynamic community with a mix of long-time residents and newcomers.

The demographic makeup of Joshua includes approximately 75.9% White residents, 18.7% Hispanic residents, and smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups (according to Joshua Demographics). This diversity enriches the cultural landscape of the city, offering a varied community experience for its inhabitants.

Cost of Living and Housing

The cost of living in Joshua, Texas, is generally considered to be 7% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Housing expenses are particularly favorable, being 14% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). The median home price in Joshua is around $431,640 as of May 2026 (according to HAR.com).

Renting in Joshua is also relatively affordable, with a median gross rent of $1,361 per month (according to Point2Homes). For houses, the average monthly rent is approximately $1,575 (according to Trulia). This makes Joshua an attractive option for those seeking to balance affordability with a good quality of life.

Housing Market Insights

Median housing costs in Joshua are approximately $1,523 per month (according to Point2Homes). For renters, the median gross rent is $1,361 per month (according to Point2Homes). These figures reflect a housing market that offers competitive prices compared to national trends.

The zip code 76058, which includes Joshua, has seen a year-over-year decline in rent prices by -4.29% (according to realtor.com®). This trend suggests increased affordability for renters in the area. The median sale price for homes in this zip code shows a year-over-year growth of 7.04%, indicating a healthy market for homeowners (according to realtor.com®).

Job Market and Economy

Joshua, Texas, offers a diverse job market with employment opportunities across various sectors. The economy employs approximately 4,060 people, with key industries including Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Other Services (according to Data USA). The highest-paying industries are Transportation & Warehousing and Public Administration (according to Data USA).

Major employers in Joshua include educational institutions like Chisholm Trail Academy, the City of Joshua itself, and various local healthcare facilities and small businesses (according to Ready Now Storage). The city’s growing retail and service sectors also contribute significantly to job creation. The job market caters to professionals at all career stages, offering opportunities for growth and development.

Employment and Salary Information

The employment rate in Joshua has shown growth, with a 4.05% increase from the previous year (according to Data USA). The most common job groups include those in Education Instruction & Library Occupations, Management Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations (according to Data USA). The average salary for a teacher in Joshua is approximately $38.32 per hour (according to Indeed).

The median wage in Joshua is around $38,700 per year, with the 75th percentile reaching $51,100 per year (according to ZipRecruiter). While the average salary for the city is around $41,791, certain popular jobs like construction and welding can offer significantly higher earnings (according to ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Texas was 4.3% as of March 2026 (according to USAFacts).

Climate and Weather

Joshua, Texas, experiences a climate characterized by hot, muggy summers and cold, windy winters, with partly cloudy conditions year-round (according to myPerfectWeather). Temperatures typically range from 36°F to 96°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 24°F or exceeding 102°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 95°F and lows near 73°F (according to myPerfectWeather).

The cooler season lasts from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 64°F (according to myPerfectWeather). January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 37°F and average highs of 57°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The annual average precipitation in Joshua is about 38 inches, with May being the wettest month, receiving an average of 4 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather).

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Summers in Joshua are hot, with temperatures often in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (according to IDcide). Winters are colder, with temperatures typically in the 40s Fahrenheit (according to IDcide). The variation between day and night temperatures is moderate during both summer and winter (according to IDcide).

The best times of year for outdoor activities in Joshua are generally from mid-April to mid-June and from early September to mid-October, with a peak in early October (according to myPerfectWeather). For hot-weather activities, the period from early June to mid-September is most favorable, peaking in early July (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

Joshua, Texas, is served by the Joshua Independent School District, which is rated B+ and serves approximately 6,026 students (according to Niche). The district ranks among the top in Texas for its performance, diversity, and quality of teachers (according to Niche). Public schools in Joshua generally perform well, with average math proficiency scores of 50% and reading proficiency scores of 55% (according to Niche).

Several schools within the district receive high marks. Plum Creek Elementary School and A.G. Elder Elementary School are among the top-ranked elementary schools in the area (according to Niche). Joshua High School also demonstrates strong performance, with above-average test scores and a good graduation rate (according to SchoolDigger.com).

School Performance and Rankings

Joshua ISD is ranked 169 out of 961 school districts in Texas, earning a 4 out of 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.com. The district’s student-teacher ratio is 17 to 1 (according to Niche). While most schools perform well, Caddo Grove Elementary and Pleasant View Elementary have shown lower test scores and rankings compared to their peers (according to SchoolDigger.com).

The Joshua High School Ninth Grade Campus and Joshua High School itself are key educational institutions within the district, serving students from grades 9 through 12 (according to Niche). The district’s commitment to education is reflected in its above-average performance in state testing and its efforts to provide a supportive learning environment for its students.

Pros and Cons of Living in Joshua

Joshua, Texas, offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The town’s relatively low crime rates and affordable housing market are significant draws, providing a sense of security and financial accessibility (according to AreaVibes and Payscale). The community is known for its small-town charm and friendly atmosphere, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being within reach of larger metropolitan areas like Fort Worth (according to Ready Now Storage and Wikipedia).

However, Joshua’s job market, while growing, may not offer the same breadth of high-paying opportunities as larger cities. The average salary is lower than in some surrounding areas, and certain specialized industries are not as prevalent (according to ZipRecruiter and Data USA). Additionally, the climate, with its hot summers, can be a drawback for those sensitive to heat and humidity (according to myPerfectWeather).

Balancing Affordability and Opportunity

The affordability of housing and a lower cost of living are major advantages of residing in Joshua (according to Payscale). The median home price and rental costs are competitive, making it an attractive option for families and individuals looking to manage their expenses effectively. The community’s commitment to education is evident in its well-regarded school district, offering quality learning environments for children (according to Niche).

On the other hand, career advancement opportunities might be more limited compared to major urban centers. While the major employers provide a stable job base, residents may need to commute to nearby cities for certain specialized or higher-paying positions (according to Ready Now Storage and Data USA). The town’s growth is steady, but it maintains a more relaxed pace of life, which may not suit everyone’s preferences.