Is Mathis Safe, Pros and cons of living in Mathis

Mathis, Texas, offers a glimpse into small-town American life with its proximity to Lake Corpus Christi and a community that values its heritage. The city, located in San Patricio County, presents a unique blend of historical significance and a developing future, making it a point of interest for those seeking a quieter pace of life. Its identity is shaped by its agricultural roots and the natural beauty of its South Texas setting.

The community atmosphere in Mathis is often described as tight-knit, with residents coming together for local events and celebrations. This sense of camaraderie is a defining characteristic for many who choose to call Mathis home. The town’s ongoing revitalization efforts, particularly in its historic downtown, aim to blend its traditional charm with modern development, creating a dynamic environment for both residents and businesses.

Is it Safe to Live in Mathis?

Mathis presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The overall crime rate in Mathis is reported to be higher than the national average across all communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). When compared to other cities of similar population size, Mathis’s combined violent and property crime rate is notably above average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Specifically, violent crime in Mathis occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of all population sizes in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of an individual becoming a victim of violent crime in Mathis is approximately 1 in 268, with a rate of 4 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates also contribute to the overall safety concerns, though they are reported to be lower than the U.S. average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

Violent Crime Overview

Violent crime statistics in Mathis indicate a higher incidence compared to national figures. The rate of violent crime in Mathis is reported as 4 per 1,000 residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This rate is considered higher than in most communities across the United States, regardless of population size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime, such as assault, robbery, rape, or murder, is approximately 1 in 268 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While the national average for assault is 257.4 per 100,000 residents, Mathis reports a similar rate (as reported by Niche). However, murder rates in Mathis are lower than the national average (as reported by Niche).

Property Crime Overview

Property crime in Mathis is a factor to consider, though it is reported to be lower than the national average. The overall crime rate in Mathis is reported to be 23% lower than the national average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This includes property crimes, which are reported at a rate of 1263 per 100,000 residents, which is 28.2% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).

However, when examining specific categories, burglary rates in Mathis are 304.2 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 500.1 (as reported by Niche). Theft rates are also reported at 772.1 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 2,042.8 (as reported by Niche). Motor vehicle theft is reported at 187.2 per 100,000 residents, also below the national average of 284 (as reported by Niche).

Pros and Cons of Living in Mathis

Mathis offers a distinct lifestyle shaped by its affordability and community focus, presenting both advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The cost of living is a significant draw, providing a more economical option compared to both state and national averages. This affordability extends across various categories, making it an attractive prospect for budget-conscious individuals and families.

However, the town’s safety and employment landscape present challenges. While some aspects of property crime are lower than national averages, the overall crime rate and violent crime statistics are higher than many other U.S. communities. Additionally, while the job market is growing, the average salary and unemployment rate reflect a more moderate economic environment that may require careful consideration for those seeking extensive career opportunities.

Affordability and Cost of Living

The cost of living in Mathis is significantly lower than the national average, making it an economically attractive place to reside. Overall living costs in Mathis are 19% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability is driven by lower expenses in key areas, particularly housing.

Housing expenses in Mathis are notably lower, being 63% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home price in Mathis is approximately $81,500 (as reported by Data USA), and the median rent is around $700 per month (as reported by Zillow). These figures reflect a housing market that is considerably more accessible than in many other parts of the country.

Job Market and Economy

Mathis has an employed population of 1,642 individuals, with employment growing at a rate of 26.3% from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The largest industries in Mathis include construction, public administration, and accommodation and food services (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Mathis is approximately $44,446 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

However, the unemployment rate in Mathis is reported at 4.30%, which is slightly above the state average (as reported by MetroStatUSA). While there are major employers like Dollar General and O’Reilly Auto Parts, the job market may offer fewer high-paying opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas. The median household income in Mathis is around $35,271 (as reported by Data USA), which is below the state and national averages, indicating moderate economic conditions.

Demographics and Lifestyle

Mathis is a small city with a population of approximately 4,308 residents (as reported by Data USA). The community is predominantly Hispanic, with 80% of the population identifying as such (as reported by Current Texas Census Data). The median age in Mathis is around 38.5 years (as reported by Current Texas Census Data), suggesting a mix of age groups within the community.

The lifestyle in Mathis is often characterized by its rural feel, with most residents owning their homes. The community is known for its tight-knit atmosphere and conservative leanings. Many families choose to live in Mathis, drawn to its small-town charm and community events.

Population and Diversity

The population of Mathis is approximately 4,308 people (as reported by Data USA). The city is home to a significant Hispanic population, making up 80% of the residents (as reported by Current Texas Census Data). White residents constitute about 18.4% of the population, with smaller percentages for other racial groups (as reported by Current Texas Census Data).

Citizenship in Mathis is high, with 94.9% of residents being U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). A small percentage, 6.27%, of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Mathis is 38.5 years (as reported by Current Texas Census Data).

Housing and Living

Mathis offers affordable housing options, with a median property value of $81,500 (as reported by Data USA). The homeownership rate in Mathis is 64.3%, which is close to the national average (as reported by Data USA). The average commute time for residents is 20 minutes, and most people drive alone to work (as reported by Data USA).

The median gross rent in Mathis is $830 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). While housing is affordable, the poverty rate in Mathis is 29.5%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). This suggests that while housing costs are low, a significant portion of the population faces economic challenges.

Climate and Environment

Mathis experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters (as reported by Wikipedia). The temperature throughout the year typically ranges from 47°F to 96°F, rarely dropping below 34°F or exceeding 100°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The area receives an average of 30 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The summer months, from May to September, can be uncomfortably humid (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically August, with average high temperatures around 95°F and lows of 75°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Winters are generally mild, with January being the coldest month, averaging a low of 48°F and a high of 67°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Temperature and Seasons

Mathis has distinct seasons, with summers being hot and winters being cool. The hot season lasts from late May to late September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The average high temperature in August reaches about 95°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Conversely, the cool season spans from late November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 72°F (as reported by Weather Spark). January sees the coldest temperatures, with average highs around 67°F and lows around 48°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Rainfall and Weather Patterns

Annual precipitation in Mathis averages around 30 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). September typically receives the most rainfall, with an average of 2.8 inches (as reported by Weather Spark). The driest month is December, with an average of 1.0 inch of rain (as reported by Weather Spark).

The chance of a wet day in Mathis is greater than 20% from late April to late October (as reported by Weather Spark). The month with the most wet days is September, averaging 8.3 days with precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark). The period from March to November experiences muggy conditions for a significant portion of the time (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education in Mathis

Mathis is served by the Mathis Independent School District, which operates four schools catering to students from pre-kindergarten through high school. The district as a whole is rated 2 out of 5 stars by SchoolDigger, indicating a pattern of underperformance when compared to other districts in Texas (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). However, individual schools within the district show varying levels of performance.

Mathis Elementary School is ranked within the top 50% of all public schools in Texas (as reported by Public School Review). Mathis Intermediate School also receives positive marks, with a “B” overall Niche grade (as reported by Niche). Mathis High School shows a relatively high 4-year graduation rate, but the district’s overall academic performance, particularly in math and science, faces challenges (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

School District Performance

The Mathis Independent School District (ISD) serves the community with four schools. The district is ranked 595 out of 961 districts in Texas and holds a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). This rating suggests that the district, as a whole, underperforms compared to many other Texas school districts.

Mathis ISD has an average math proficiency score of 39% and a reading proficiency score of 51%, which are below the Texas state averages (as reported by Niche). Minority enrollment in Mathis schools is high, at 88%, with a majority of students being Hispanic (as reported by Niche).

Key Schools and Features

Mathis Elementary School is recognized for being ranked within the top 50% of Texas public schools (as reported by Public School Review). Mathis Intermediate School is noted for its student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 and has an overall Niche grade of B (as reported by Niche). Mathis Middle School also shows some strengths, particularly in specific STAAR EOC exams (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Mathis High School demonstrates a strong 4-year graduation rate (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Despite these individual school achievements, the district faces challenges in improving overall student outcomes, particularly in mathematics and science proficiency rates (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Major Employers and Job Opportunities

Mathis’s economy is supported by a range of employers, with key sectors including construction, public administration, and accommodation and food services (as reported by Data USA). Major companies such as Dollar General and O’Reilly Auto Parts have a presence in the area, providing employment opportunities for residents (as reported by Lensa). The town is also seeing economic development, with new businesses like a brewery and a distillery contributing to its growth (as reported by Mathis Economic Development Corporation).

While the job market is active, the average salary in Mathis is approximately $44,446 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate stands at 4.30%, which is slightly above the state average (as reported by MetroStatUSA). This indicates a moderate job market with opportunities for those seeking employment, though high-paying positions may be less common.

Key Industries and Companies

The primary industries employing residents in Mathis are construction, public administration, and accommodation and food services (as reported by Data USA). Large retail chains like Dollar General and O’Reilly Auto Parts are significant employers in the area (as reported by Lensa). The city is also experiencing growth in the hospitality and service sectors, with new establishments contributing to the local economy.

Other companies with a presence in Mathis include McDonald’s, HEB, Dairy Queen, and Subway, indicating a diverse range of retail and food service opportunities (as reported by Indeed.com). The Mathis Economic Development Corporation is actively working to attract new businesses and industries, fostering a promising economic future for the city (as reported by Mathis Economic Development Corporation).

Salary and Employment Trends

The average annual salary in Mathis is around $44,446 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, salaries can vary significantly by occupation and experience, with the 25th percentile earning around $32,020 and the 75th percentile earning approximately $53,000 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). High-paying roles can include nursing and licensed vocational nursing (LVN) positions (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Mathis is 4.30% (as reported by MetroStatUSA). Employment in Mathis has seen growth, with a 26.3% increase in the employed population over the past year (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a developing job market, though it may not offer the same level of high-wage employment found in larger urban centers.