Is Lackland AFB Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lackland AFB
Is it Safe to Live in Lackland AFB?
Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) is generally considered a safe community, with a crime safety grade of B+ (as of 2026) (DoorProfit). While the overall crime rate is comparable to the national average, safety can vary significantly by neighborhood (DoorProfit, AreaVibes). Residents often consider the northern parts of the area to be the safest (DoorProfit, AreaVibes). It is recommended to research specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting the area (DoorProfit).
The crime rate in Lackland AFB is reported as 32.33 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (AreaVibes). This rate is considered higher than the average U.S. city, with Lackland AFB ranking in the 29th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 29% of cities but less safe than 71% (AreaVibes). Property crime in Lackland AFB has a rate of 25.43 per 1,000 residents annually (AreaVibes). The cost of crime per resident is approximately $320 per year (AreaVibes).
Demographics and Population
Lackland AFB is a census-designated place (CDP) located in Bexar County, Texas, with an estimated population of 6,785 (Data USA, Census Dots). The population has seen a decrease from the 9,467 recorded in the 2020 Census (Census Dots). The demographics show a significant portion of the population is White, at 57.1%, followed by Hispanic or Latino at 15.5%, and Black or African American at 14.7% (Census Dots). This demographic makeup is similar to that of the 2020 Census, indicating a stable racial diversity (Census Dots).
The median age in Lackland AFB is notably young, around 21.3 years (Texas Ally Real Estate Group, Census Dots). This is largely due to its role as a hub for Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT), with a high concentration of young recruits and students (Texas Ally Real Estate Group). For every 100 females, there are approximately 181.7 males, reflecting the military population (Census Dots).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Lackland AFB is generally lower than the U.S. national average, estimated to be 8% lower (Salary.com). However, it is about 13% higher than the Texas state average (Salary.com). Housing costs are a significant factor, with a median rent of approximately $2,188 monthly (Texas Ally Real Estate Group). This figure is considerably higher than the national median rent, making housing a substantial portion of income for residents (Texas Ally Real Estate Group).
The housing market is heavily influenced by the military population, with a very low homeownership rate of around 2% (Texas Ally Real Estate Group). Most residents rent, either in base housing managed by Balfour Beatty Communities or in nearby developments (Texas Ally Real Estate Group). The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Lackland AFB varies by rank and dependency status, with rates for enlisted personnel ranging from $1,359 to $2,157 and for officers from $1,584 to $2,475 (MilitaryByOwner).
Job Market and Economy
The economy in the broader Bexar County area, which includes Lackland AFB, is diverse, with key industries including finance and insurance, professional and technical services, and public administration (Data USA). The average annual pay in Bexar County is approximately $65,875 (Texas Ally Real Estate Group). Employment in Lackland AFB itself saw a slight decline of -3.76% between 2023 and 2024, with the most common job sectors for residents being Accommodation & Food Services, Retail Trade, and Public Administration (Data USA).
Major employers in the San Antonio area, which benefits Lackland AFB, include USAA, H-E-B, and Valero Energy Corporation (Indeed.com, Built In). The military presence itself is a significant economic driver, with Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) being a major hub for government-related jobs (SATXtoday). The unemployment rate in the San Antonio area was reported at 3.8% (Military OneSource).
Climate and Weather
Lackland AFB experiences a hot, humid subtropical climate (NOAA, myPerfectWeather). Summers are hot and oppressive, with average high temperatures in August reaching around 96°F (myPerfectWeather, AQI.in). The hottest temperatures recorded can reach up to 101°F (San Antonio Climate Guide). Winters are short and cool, with average low temperatures in January around 43°F (myPerfectWeather, AQI.in).
Annual precipitation averages around 35 inches (myPerfectWeather). May is typically the wettest month, with an average rainfall of about 3.5 inches (myPerfectWeather, San Antonio Climate Guide). While snow is rare, San Antonio has experienced snowfall events in the past, with accumulations varying significantly (San Antonio Climate Guide).
Education and Schools
Lackland AFB is served by schools within the Bexar County education system. Base residents are typically zoned for schools within the Northside Independent School District (ISD) (MilitaryByOwner, Texas Ally Real Estate Group). Specific schools serving base residents include Lackland Elementary School and junior-senior high schools (Texas Ally Real Estate Group). Detailed school ratings and performance data are best obtained directly from the Northside ISD website or through educational review platforms like Niche.
The percentage of adults in Lackland AFB holding a bachelor’s degree or higher is around 38% (Texas Ally Real Estate Group). This reflects a population that includes both young military personnel and their families, as well as civilian support staff.