Is Kirby Safe, Pros and cons of living in Kirby

Kirby, Texas, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the amenities of a larger metropolitan area. Located within Bexar County, it is an enclave of San Antonio, benefiting from its proximity while maintaining its own distinct community character. The city was established as an agricultural settlement and evolved into a suburban community upon its incorporation in 1955. Today, Kirby is known for its comfortable and down-to-earth atmosphere, attracting families and businesses alike.

The community is characterized by a diverse population, with residents of all ages and races contributing to its welcoming environment. This diversity is also reflected in its many small businesses that thrive due to their close proximity to San Antonio. Kirby’s manageable size, with a population of approximately 8,117 residents and covering about 2 square miles, allows for a strong sense of community and accessibility.

Is it Safe to Live in Kirby?

Kirby’s safety profile presents a mixed picture, with certain crime statistics indicating areas of concern. The violent crime rate in Kirby is reported to be above the national average, standing at 111.7 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 5.2% higher than the national average (as reported by FBI crime data). Specifically, aggravated assault rates are notably higher than the national average (as reported by FBI crime data).

Conversely, property crime rates in Kirby are below the national average, with 111.7 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 31.7% below the national average (as reported by FBI crime data). However, some property crimes, such as burglary, show rates above the national average (as reported by FBI crime data). Overall, the chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Kirby is approximately 1 in 44 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While some sources indicate a safety grade of “B” with overall crime rates below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit), other analyses suggest a “High Risk” safety grade with violent crime rates significantly above the national average (as reported by PlainCrime).

What is the Cost of Living in Kirby?

Kirby offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The overall cost of living in Kirby is approximately 9% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This affordability extends across various categories, including housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

Housing expenses in Kirby are notably lower, being 21% below the national average (as reported by Payscale). Utilities are also more affordable, coming in 5% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation costs, such as gas prices and bus fares, are 3% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale), and grocery prices are 7% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Housing Market Overview

The housing market in Kirby presents a median home value of approximately $174,725, which has seen a slight decrease of 3.1% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This median home value is also significantly lower than the national average of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). The homeownership rate in Kirby is 66.1%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).

The median rent in Kirby is around $1,450 per month (as reported by Zillow), though other sources indicate a median rent of $1,182 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). This median rent is lower than the national average of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Kirby’s housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with a median sale price of $175,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin).

Job Market and Economy

The average annual salary in Kirby is approximately $53,717, which translates to about $25.83 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure is generally within the range of salaries found in the broader San Antonio metropolitan area. The unemployment rate for Texas, as of March 2026, stands at 4.3% (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics), which is consistent with recent trends in the state’s labor market.

While specific major employers for Kirby are not detailed in the provided search results, its proximity to San Antonio suggests that major industries and employers in the larger city would be accessible to Kirby residents. Key employment sectors in the broader San Antonio area include healthcare, professional and business services, government, and retail trade. The Texas economy overall has shown resilience, with employment growth and a labor force participation rate that exceeds the national average (as reported by the Texas Workforce Commission).

Climate and Weather

Kirby experiences a climate typical of South Texas, characterized by warm to hot summers and mild winters. Average annual precipitation is around 34 inches (as reported by Weather.com). Temperatures in Kirby generally range from a low of around 40°F in the winter to a high of approximately 97°F in the summer (as reported by Weather.com).

The summer months can be quite warm, with average high temperatures reaching into the low 90s Fahrenheit (as reported by AccuWeather). Humidity can make the summer heat feel more intense, as the air can feel uncomfortably humid during this season (as reported by Weather.com). The city generally experiences clear skies, with occasional chances of rain, particularly during certain times of the year.

Education in Kirby

Kirby is served by the Judson Independent School District, which provides educational opportunities for local students. The district includes schools like Kirby Middle School, which has received a Niche grade of C and a GreatSchools Rating of 2 out of 10 (as reported by Homes.com). Academic proficiency at Kirby Middle School indicates that 18% of students achieve proficiency in math and 36% in reading (as reported by Homes.com).

For high school education, students in Kirby typically attend schools within the Judson Independent School District, such as Karen Wagner High School. While specific ratings for all Kirby schools are not detailed, the overall educational landscape in the area reflects the broader offerings of the Judson ISD. There are also several highly-rated public high schools in the greater San Antonio area that serve students from Kirby.

Demographics and Population

Kirby has a population of approximately 8,117 residents, making it one of the smaller cities in Texas (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau). The demographic makeup of Kirby is diverse, with a significant Hispanic population, comprising 61.5% of the residents (as reported by Data USA). The racial breakdown also includes White residents at 19.2%, Black or African American residents at 11.0%, and smaller percentages of Asian and Multiracial individuals (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Kirby is 38.1 years (as reported by Data USA). The population is distributed across various age groups, with about 22.8% under 15, 13% between 15 and 24, 24.4% between 25 and 44, 19.7% between 45 and 64, and 20.2% aged 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income in Kirby was $55,532 in 2024 (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau), with 13.0% of families living in poverty (as reported by Texas Census Data).