RENT OWN SELL
Newyork
RENT OWN SELL
Newyork
Texas is a large and diverse state with a wide range of crime rates. Some of the cities in Texas have very low crime rates, while others have much higher rates. The following is a list of the 12 most dangerous cities in Texas based on the crime rate.
Population: 112,483
Violent Crime Rate: 5.64 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 35.85 per 1,000 residents
Odessa, Texas has gained notoriety for its elevated levels of crime, making it the most dangerous city in Texas. Certain areas within Odessa, including Southside/Cannondale, Crump Park, Downtown Odessa, Crestwood, and Royalty Heights, have particularly concerning crime rates that both residents and visitors should be cautious of.
The overall crime rate in the city reflects this reputation, with statistics suggesting a troubling 1 in 30 chance of falling victim to criminal activity.
Population: 260,000
Violent Crime Rate: 4.75 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 32.38 per 1,000 residents
Lubbock, Texas, has sometimes been labeled as relatively unsafe due to its higher-than-average crime rates. These rates primarily pertain to property and violent crimes. Contributing factors include economic disparities, limited access to education and job opportunities for certain populations, as well as issues related to substance abuse.
Despite having several secure and lively neighborhoods, specific areas have witnessed higher crime incidents, leading people to perceive Lubbock as comparatively risky when compared to other cities.
Population: 112,556
Violent Crime Rate: 4.62 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 32.58 per 1,000 residents
Beaumont, Texas, is known for its elevated crime rate, which exceeds the national average by almost double and contributes to its reputation as a dangerous city. The residents of Beaumont face a one in 22 likelihood of falling victim to violent or property crimes, reflecting the pervasive presence of criminal activity and violence within the community.
Population: 2.3 million
Violent Crime Rate: 4.39 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 30.89 per 1,000 residents
Houston, Texas, is often deemed unsafe due to its relatively high crime rate, encompassing violence, property offenses, and drug-related activities. Several factors contribute to these challenges, including socioeconomic disparities, a dense population, and pockets of poverty.
Moreover, the city’s vast expanse and sprawling urban layout can hinder law enforcement efforts and limit community resources in certain areas, consequently posing difficulties for crime prevention and response measures.
Population: 1.5 million
Violent Crime Rate: 3.95 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 27.95 per 1,000 residents
San Antonio, Texas, has gained a reputation for being unsafe due to its high rates of crime, especially regarding homicides. In 2016, the city witnessed a significant surge in murder cases, with an alarming total of 151 deaths – the highest recorded in the past twenty years.
Furthermore, San Antonio ranked fourth among U.S. cities with the largest increase in murders in 2020, highlighting ongoing concerns about violent crimes within its borders.
Population: 317,773
Violent Crime Rate: 3.87 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 27.84 per 1,000 residents
Corpus Christi is widely regarded as a dangerous city due to its significantly high violent crime rate, which surpasses national and state averages. Additionally, the issue of drunk driving poses a substantial concern within the area. In 2019, the FBI classified Corpus Christi as the 43rd most perilous city in terms of violent crime. Furthermore, its proximity to the Mexican border makes it susceptible to drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
Population: 1,304,379
Violent Crime Rate: 3.77 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 27.55 per 1,000 residents
In Dallas, Texas, there is a perception of danger due to its higher than average violent crime rate. According to the data for 2021, Dallas recorded a staggering 11,131 violent crimes, translating to a rate of 863.90 per 100,000 residents. This surpasses the national violent crime rate of 379.6 per 100,000 residents.
However, it is essential to note that not all areas within Dallas are equally risky. Some neighborhoods exhibit significantly lower crime rates compared to others.
Population: 139,594
Violent Crime Rate: 3.69 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 26.96 per 1,000 residents
Texas is often regarded as a hazardous place due to various factors. In Waco, specifically, the rate of violent crime stands at 3.69 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 3.79 per 1,000 residents. This means that there is approximately a 1 in 273 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime while residing in Waco.
Another concern within the city is gang activity. Various gangs such as the Crips, Bloods, and Aryan Brotherhood call Waco home and are known to engage in criminal activities like drug dealing and violence.
Population: 394,266
Violent Crime Rate: 3.63 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 26.96 per 1,000 residents
Arlington, Texas, is generally not considered a dangerous city. However, it does have certain areas with higher crime rates including East Arlington, Downtown Arlington, and North Arlington. Additionally, Arlington’s poverty rate exceeds the national average. As of 2020, the poverty rate in Arlington stood at 14.5%, compared to the national average of 11.6%.
Population: 153,095
Violent Crime Rate: 3.59 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 26.49 per 1,000 residents
Killeen is considered one of the worst cities in Texas to live in. The neighborhood, with a poverty rate of 15.1%, surpasses the national average of 11.6%. The correlation between poverty and crime is evident—financial hardship pushes some individuals to resort to illegal activities for survival.
In Killeen, as a city marked by limited economic opportunities and lower income levels, frustration and despair sometimes prevail, further contributing to the occurrence of criminal behavior.
Population: 105,995
Violent Crime Rate: 3.52 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 25.87 per 1,000 residents
Tyler, Texas is considered one of the most dangerous cities in TX. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, Tyler’s violent crime rate stands at 3.52 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 3.79 per 1,000 residents. Similarly, the city exhibits a property crime rate of 25.87 per 1,000 residents compared to the national average of 26.1 per 1,000 residents.
Population: 200,393
Violent Crime Rate: 3.46 per 1,000 residents
Property Crime Rate: 25.51 per 1,000 residents
Amarillo is the last one on our list of the most dangerous cities in TX. There are many reasons which make this city unsafe including poverty, unemployment, drug trafficking, and more. In addition to these factors, Amarillo is also located in a region of Texas that has a high rate of gun ownership. This can contribute to the city’s high violent crime rate, as guns are often used in crimes.
It is important to note that these are just the 12 most dangerous cities in Texas. There are many other cities in the state with crime rates that are higher than the national average. It is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe, no matter where you live.
