Is Windcrest Safe, Pros and cons of living in Windcrest

Windcrest, Texas, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the vibrant San Antonio metropolitan area. This community, known as the “City of Lights,” provides a welcoming atmosphere for residents seeking a balanced lifestyle. Its strategic location along the I-35 Innovation Corridor positions it within one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, promising a dynamic environment for both living and business.

The city’s identity is shaped by its friendly neighborhoods, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to fostering opportunities for its residents. Windcrest balances small-town charm with the advantages of a major urban center, making it an appealing choice for a diverse range of individuals and families.

Is it Safe to Live in Windcrest?

Windcrest’s overall crime rate is a significant concern, reported as 443.36% higher than the national average (according to Crime Explorer). This elevated rate is largely driven by property crimes, which are 535.4% above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). While the total crime rate is high, the violent crime rate per 100,000 people is comparable to the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer).

However, a closer look at specific crime statistics reveals a more nuanced picture. Property crime, including burglary and larceny, significantly exceeds national averages (as reported by Crime Explorer). Despite these statistics, some sources indicate a more favorable safety grade, with one reporting Windcrest’s crime rate as 39% below the national average and a safety grade of B+ (as reported by DoorProfit). This discrepancy may be due to different data sets or methodologies used by the reporting agencies.

Violent Crime Statistics

In terms of violent crime, Windcrest recorded 19 reported incidents, translating to a rate of 332 per 100,000 individuals. This figure is slightly lower than the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). Notably, there were zero homicides in the latest reported crime year (as reported by Crime Explorer).

The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Windcrest is approximately 1 in 232 per year, which is 13% higher than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). While specific assault, robbery, and rape statistics vary by source, the overall violent crime rate is generally considered to be in line with national figures.

Property Crime Overview

Property crimes represent the most substantial portion of Windcrest’s crime statistics. The city has recorded 640 property crimes, equating to 11,183 per 100,000 residents, which is 535.4% higher than the U.S. average (as reported by Crime Explorer). This category includes offenses such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.

The annual rate for property crime is 971.2 per 100,000 residents, significantly exceeding the national average of 163.6 per 100,000 residents (as reported by Crime Explorer). While some sources suggest a lower property crime risk than the national average, the majority of data points to a heightened concern in this area.

Cost of Living in Windcrest

Windcrest offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The overall cost of living is reported as 9% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This affordability extends to several key expense categories, making it an attractive option for residents.

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

Housing Costs

The housing market in Windcrest presents a favorable environment for potential homeowners and renters. The median home value in Windcrest was $302,000 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This is 0.908 times smaller than the national average of $332,700 (as reported by Data USA).

The median listing price for homes in Windcrest is around $345,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®). In March 2026, home prices were down 12.6% year-over-year, with a median sale price of $305,000 (as reported by Redfin). The median rent price stands at $1,224 per month (as reported by Realtor.com®).

Daily Expenses

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Windcrest are also competitive. Grocery prices are 7% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs are 6% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale), offering additional savings for residents.

The cost of living index in Windcrest is 104, compared to the national average of 100 (as reported by AreaVibes). This indicates a slightly higher cost of living than the national average, though other sources suggest it is lower overall. This slight variation might be attributed to different data collection methods and the specific categories included in the indices.

Job Market and Economy

Windcrest’s economy is bolstered by its proximity to San Antonio, benefiting from the larger metropolitan area’s job growth and diverse employment sectors. The city itself is part of a region experiencing significant economic expansion, making it a promising location for career advancement.

The average annual salary in Windcrest is reported to be around $50,000 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), with estimates varying by source. For example, another source indicates an average salary of $64,173 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

Major Employers

While specific major employers within Windcrest are not extensively detailed, the city benefits from its location within the San Antonio metropolitan area, which hosts numerous large companies. These include national employers and Fortune 500 companies such as Valero, USAA, and Toyota (as reported by Windcrest Economic Development). Proximity to these entities creates a robust economic ecosystem.

Additionally, Windcrest has strong ties to the military, with several major bases nearby. This presence influences key industries in the region, including aerospace, healthcare, and cybersecurity (as reported by Windcrest Economic Development).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in the broader San Antonio area is reported at 3.2% as of May 2020 (as reported by Windcrest Economic Development). This indicates a healthy job market within the metropolitan region. In Texas overall, the unemployment rate was 4.3% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts).

This low unemployment rate suggests ample opportunities for those seeking employment within Windcrest and its surrounding areas. The diverse industries present in the region contribute to a stable and growing labor market.

Climate in Windcrest

Windcrest experiences a climate characterized by mild winters and hot summers, offering distinct seasonal changes while maintaining a comfortable overall temperature. The region is situated near the western edge of the humid subtropical climate zone, which can lead to variations in humidity based on Gulf of Mexico influences.

The area is known for its sunshine, with an average of 300 sunny days per year (as reported by Windcrest Economic Development). This abundance of sunlight contributes to a pleasant environment for both residents and outdoor activities.

Temperatures

Summers in Windcrest are hot, with daily high temperatures often reaching the mid-nineties (as reported by Windcrest Economic Development). The hot season typically spans from late May to mid-September, with August being the hottest month, averaging a high of 95°F and a low of 75°F (as reported by Weather Spark). Winters are short and can be cold, with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing.

The cool season lasts from late November to mid-February, with average daily high temperatures below 69°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The coldest month is January, with average lows around 43°F and highs around 63°F (as reported by Weather Spark).

Rainfall

Rainfall in Windcrest is variable throughout the year, with an average of 30 inches annually (as reported by Windcrest Economic Development). The majority of this rainfall typically occurs in the late spring or early fall.

The wettest month is May, with an average of 9.2 wet days and approximately 3.6 inches of rain (as reported by Weather Spark). Conversely, December sees fewer wet days, averaging around 4.5 days with precipitation (as reported by Weather Spark).

Education in Windcrest

Windcrest is served by public charter schools, primarily within the Compass Rose Public Schools and Heritage Academy districts. While some schools perform below state averages in academic proficiency, certain institutions show higher rankings and test scores.

Windcrest Elementary School, for instance, received a “D” rating from the Texas Education Agency, with particular areas needing improvement in Student Achievement (as reported by Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). However, other schools within the area may offer different educational experiences.

School Ratings and Performance

Among the Windcrest schools, Heritage Academy of Windcrest, an elementary school, holds a notable statewide ranking, placing 2,277 out of 4,647 Texas elementary schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). It also boasts a low student-teacher ratio of 10.6 and relatively strong proficiency rates in reading and math.

Similarly, Heritage Academy, a middle school, ranks 806 out of 2,361 Texas middle schools (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). This school is recognized for its low dropout rate and solid proficiency in reading, math, and science.

Student Demographics

Windcrest Elementary School’s student population is predominantly Hispanic, with 68.6% of students identifying as such. A significant portion, 73.1%, are also classified as economically disadvantaged (as reported by Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). These demographic factors can influence school performance and resource allocation.

The North East Independent School District, which serves Windcrest, generally receives positive ratings, with an overall grade of B minus for Windcrest Elementary School according to Niche. The district itself has a strong rating, indicating a commitment to providing educational services within the community.

Demographics of Windcrest

Windcrest is a city with a population of approximately 5,820 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Windcrest is 45.2 years, indicating a population that is generally older than the national average (as reported by Data USA).

The racial and ethnic makeup of Windcrest shows a diverse community. White (Non-Hispanic) residents are the largest group, making up 41.9% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 38.1% (as reported by Data USA).

Population and Age

The population of Windcrest has seen a slight decline, with a projected population of 5,744 in 2026 (as reported by World Population Review). The median age of 45.2 years suggests a stable community, with a slightly higher proportion of older adults compared to younger demographics.

For every 100 females, there are approximately 90.1 males in Windcrest (as reported by World Population Review). This gender distribution is a common demographic characteristic in many suburban communities.

Race and Ethnicity

The ethnic composition of Windcrest is notably diverse. White residents constitute 55.82% of the population, while Hispanic residents make up 37.42% (as reported by Data USA). Other racial groups, including Black or African American and Asian populations, are also represented, contributing to the city’s multicultural fabric.

A significant portion of Windcrest residents are U.S. citizens, with 96.6% holding citizenship (as reported by Data USA). This high rate of citizenship reflects the established nature of the community.

Pros and Cons of Living in Windcrest

Windcrest offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. The city’s affordability, particularly in housing, and its proximity to San Antonio’s amenities are significant draws. However, concerns regarding crime rates and the performance of local schools need careful consideration.

The cost of living, lower than the national average, combined with a generally stable job market, provides a solid foundation for residents. The community’s small-town feel, coupled with access to urban conveniences, creates a unique living experience.

Pros

One of the primary advantages of living in Windcrest is its affordability. Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale), making homeownership or renting more accessible. The overall cost of living is also lower, allowing residents to stretch their budgets further.

The community atmosphere is another significant pro. Windcrest is known for its friendly neighborhoods and a strong sense of community, where neighbors often greet each other by name (as reported by Kurby AI). This creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for families and individuals.

Cons

The most significant con identified is the elevated crime rate, particularly concerning property crimes. As noted, property crime rates are substantially higher than the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer), which may be a deterrent for some individuals and families prioritizing safety.

While some schools in Windcrest have received positive rankings, the overall academic performance of some local schools, like Windcrest Elementary, has been rated as needing improvement (as reported by Texas Tribune Schools Explorer). This could be a concern for families with school-aged children.