Living in a safe place is an essential part of quality of life, and knowing which cities present greater dangers is critical for both people and visitors. Some areas in Texas, like those in other states, face greater crime rates and safety issues. In this article, we’ll look at the most dangerous cities in Texas in 2024, including crime statistics, trends, and things that influence their rankings.
Most Dangerous Cities In Texas In 2024
Based on the data for 2024, the most dangerous cities in Texas are:
- Beaumont
- Houston
- Lubbock
- Corpus Christi
- San Antonio
- Bellmead
- Amarillo
- Dallas
- Pasadena
- Mesquite
- Waco
- Humble
- Palmview
- Bastrop
- Texarkana
1. Beaumont
Beaumont, a city in Southeast Texas, has been ranked one of the most dangerous cities in Texas in 2024. With a population of 110,898, Beaumont had 1,185 total violent crimes and a violent crime rate of 10.69 per 1,000 people. Also, the city reported 2,730 property crimes, for a property crime rate of 39 per 1,000 persons.
Beaumont’s high crime rates have been attributed to a variety of variables, including pandemic-related delays in criminal cases and charges, which have resulted in more contributors remaining out of jail while they await punishment. The city’s socioeconomic issues, including a 20% poverty rate and higher-than-average unemployment rate, contribute to its categorization as one of the most dangerous areas in Texas.
Most Dangerous places In Beaumont Texas
- Northwest Beaumont
- South Beaumont
- Central Beaumont
- East Beaumont
- West Beaumont
2. Houston
Houston is one of the most dangerous cities in Texas in 2024, with extremely high crime rates. Houston, with a population of 2.33 million, has a violent crime rate of 2.67 per 1,000 persons and a property crime rate of 10.70 per 1,000.
In 2022 alone, Houston reported 6,241 violent crimes, including 399 killings. Property crimes, such as larceny-theft, account for the majority of reported crimes in Texas.
- MacGregor Neighborhood
- Greenspoint
- Leeland Street and Scott Street
- Tidewall Area
- Sunnyside
3. Lubbock
Lubbock, a city in Texas, has been ranked one of the most dangerous in the Texas in 2024. Lubbock, with a population of 264,142, reported 2,375 total violent crimes in 2023, resulting in a violent crime rate of around 4.34 per 1,000 persons.
After being ranked as the third most dangerous city in the United States for 2021 by some sources, such as Safewise, the Lubbock Police Department has disputed this claim, citing weaknesses in the study’s methodology and highlighting that more recent data shows the city’s crime rates have improved.
While Lubbock has had issues with crime rates, including a substantial number of violent crimes reported in prior years, recent data suggests a favourable trend towards lowering crime rates and an overall safer environment than in previous years.
Most Dangerous places In Lubbock Texas
- Jackson
- Tech Terrace
- Chatman Park
- Maxey
- Dunbar
- Weste
- Texas Technological College Historic District
- Heart Of Lubbock
- Parkway
- West End
4. Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is one of the most dangerous cities in Texas in 2024, with a high violent crime rate. In 2023, Corpus Christi reported 2,034 total violent crimes, for a violent crime rate of 4.19 per 1,000 people.
Also, the city recorded 7,383 property crimes, earning a property crime rate of 0.64 per 1,000 persons. Corpus Christi’s high crime rates contribute to its image as one of Texas’ most dangerous cities.
Most Dangerous places In Corpus Christi Texas
- Central City
- Northwest
- Clarkwood
- Staples Street and South Padre Island Drive (SPID)
- Airline Road and SPID
- Kostoryz Road and SPID
5. San Antonio
San Antonio is also one of the most dangerous cities in Texas in 2024, with notoriously high crime rates. In 2023, San Antonio had 5,176 crime cases, with a violent crime rate of approximately 3.53 per 1,000 population. The city had 83 murders, 3,547 cases of serious assault, 689 rapes, 109 arsons, 8,711 motor vehicle thefts, and 3,932 burglaries.
In 2022, San Antonio’s violent crime rate was 1.83 per 1,000 people, while its property crime rate was 10.83 per 1,000 people. The city has seen a jump in crime in recent years, with police officials blaming rising population size, drug-related gang activity, and substance addiction as possible causes for the worrying upward trend in violent crime.
- Wheatley Heights
- San Antonio Villa
- Eastwood Village
- Denver Heights
- East Terrell Hills
- Arena District
- Rainbow Hills
- Jefferson Heights
- East Village
6. Bellmead
Bellmead, located northeast of Waco, Texas, has been identified as one of the most dangerous cities in America in 2024. Bellmead was voted the tenth most violent city in 2023, with a violent crime rate of 10.15 per 1,000 inhabitants and a property crime rate of 110.55 per 1,000 residents.
Also, SafeWise.com ranked Bellmead as the 6th dangerous city in America. These rankings highlight Bellmead’s troubling crime rates, promoting the importance of competent law enforcement and community actions to address the city’s safety concerns.
- Northeast Bellmead
- Central Bellmead
- Southwest Bellmead
- Northwest Bellmead
- East Bellmead
7. Amarillo
Amarillo is considered one of the most dangerous cities in Texas in 2024, with a population of 201,572. In 2023, Amarillo reported 687 total crimes, including 7 murders, 506 aggravated assaults, and 82 rapes.
In 2023, the city had a violent crime rate of approximately 3.41 per 1,000 population, ranking it as Texas’ 8th most dangerous city. An efforts to address crime and improve safety, Amarillo continues to experience challenges, with crime rates exceeding the national average, especially in terms of violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
- W. 45th Ave / Maverick St. area
- W. 1st Ave. / Front Blvd area
- N. Mirror St. / E. Hastings Ave. area
- Western Plaza Dr. area
- S. Georgia St. / Mockingbird Ln.
- N. Soncy / I-40
8. Dallas
Dallas is known for having a higher than average violent crime rate, with 11,131 violent offences reported in 2021, resulting in a rate of 863.90 per 100,000 population. This exceeds the national violent crime rate.
While Dallas is viewed as dangerous due to its crime numbers, it is vital to realise that not all sections of the city have the same high crime rate. Some neighbourhoods in Dallas have much lower crime rates than others.
- South Boulevard-Park Row
- Cedar Crest
- South Dallas
- Convention Center District (south of downtown)
- Cockrell Hill
- Northwest Dallas
- Oak Cliff
9. Pasadena
Pasadena, with a population of 145,954, was named the 9th most dangerous city in Texas in 2024. The city reported 416 crime cases in 2023, with a violent crime rate of approximately 7.38 per 1,000 persons. The crime rate in Pasadena is 2,428 per 100,000 people, making it 5% more risky than the US average.
In 2023, the city suffered a variety of crimes, including 7 murders, 73 rapes, and 631 violent assaults. Also, happenings of property crimes such as burning, motor vehicle thefts, and burglary were reported in Pasadena.
- South Neighborhoods
- Northeast Part
10. Mesquite
Mesquite, with a population of 147,226, was named the 10th most dangerous city in Texas in 2024. The city reported 415 crime cases in 2023, with a violent crime rate of approximately 2.82 per 1,000 persons. In 2023, Mesquite recorded two murders, 306 aggravated assaults, and 23 rapes.
Mesquite recorded 5 burning offences, 674 motor vehicle thefts, and 202 burglary cases. Mesquite has a higher crime rate than several other Texas cities, yet it is rated safer than both the state and national averages. When compared to regions with comparable population proportions, the city’s crime rate per thousand citizens is significantly higher.
- Northwest Mesquite
- West Neighborhoods
11. Waco
Waco, with a population of 140,911, was named the 11th most dangerous city in Texas in 2024. The city reported 555 crime cases in 2023, with a violent crime rate of approximately 3.94 per 1,000 persons. In 2023, Waco registered 7 homicides, 276 violent assaults, and 59 rapes.
Property crimes in Waco included 6 arson charges, 167 motor vehicle thefts, and 257 burglaries. Despite efforts to reduce crime and improve safety, Waco continues to encounter issues, with crime rates exceeding the national average, notably in terms of violent crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
12. Humble
According to FBI data, Humble, which is part of the Houston metropolitan area, is the 12th most dangerous city in the United States. In 2019, 152 violent events were reported in Humble, giving a crime rate of 9.4 per 1000 people.
Over the years, the city has seen an increase in crime, mainly robbery incidents, with overall crime rates rising by 9%. Humble is normally safe during the day, although caution is suggested after midnight.
13. Palmview
Palmview is a city in Texas with much higher crime rates than the national average. According to statistics, Palmview’s violent crime rate is 47, much higher than the national average of 22.6 per 1,000 persons.
Also, the city has a crime rate index of 724, which is 2.8 times higher than the national average. These figures show that Palmview is one of the most dangerous cities in Texas in 2024, with a high rate of criminal activity.
14. Bastrop
Bastrop, a city in Texas with a population around 9,700, has diverse degrees of crime among its neighbourhoods. The likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in Bastrop ranges from 1 in 33 in the northern neighbourhoods to 1 in 66 in the southwest.
The city’s crime rate index is around 303, which is roughly average for American cities. Bastrop’s crime rates have fluctuated throughout time, with violent crime rates exceeding the national average. In 2020, Bastrop had a violent crime rate of 300.7, higher than the national average of 228.3.
15. Texarkana
Texarkana is regarded as one of the most dangerous cities in Texas in 2024, with a violent crime rate of 1,262 per 100,000 people, nearly tripling the state’s rate of 439 per 100,000. The city has a population of approximately 36,000 and is situated on the border between Texas and Arkansas.
In 2022, Texarkana recorded 478 violent crimes, including murders, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults. The city’s poverty rate is approximately 24.9%, much higher than the state average of 16.0%. With all of this information, 24/7 Wall Street ranks Texarkana as the most dangerous city in Texas.
Tips to Keep You Safe In Texas
To stay safe in Texas, especially in cities with varying crime rates, consider the following tips:
● Stay Alert and Aware of Your Surroundings: Be mindful of who is around you and avoid distractions like texting while walking or driving.
● Travel with a Friend: Whenever possible, travel with a companion for added safety, especially in unfamiliar or dimly lit areas.
● Choose Well-Lighted and Busy Streets: Opt for well-lit and populated streets, avoiding vacant lots, alleys, or isolated areas to minimize risks.
● Park in Well-Lighted Areas: When parking, select well-lit spots that will remain illuminated upon your return and always lock your car doors.
● Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or place feels uncomfortable or unsafe, trust your instincts and leave the area promptly.
● Practice Defensive Driving: Anticipate other drivers’ actions, remain aware of your surroundings, and drive defensively to enhance road safety.
● Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others on the road to allow for reaction time in unexpected situations.
● Be Prepared for Changing Weather Conditions: Adjust your driving behavior according to weather conditions to ensure safe travel on Texas roads.
● Avoid Isolated Areas: Stay away from deserted or poorly lit areas, especially when walking alone, to reduce vulnerability to crime.
● Secure Your Belongings: Keep valuables out of sight, avoid displaying expensive items, and secure your belongings to deter theft.
Conclusion
In shorts, Residents and visitors to Texas must be informed of the most dangerous cities so that they can take safety measures and be paying attention. Understanding the factors that give rise to each city’s safety concerns enables groups to work together and implement successful crime prevention programmes, resulting in safer communities for all.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
A place can be considered dangerous in Texas due to various factors, including high crime rates, severe weather conditions, and risky road accidents.
Some of the most dangerous cities in Texas include Houston, Beaumont, Lubbock, and San Antonio.
Houston is considered dangerous due to its high crime rate, including violent crimes and property crimes, as well as its vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding.
Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Texas include Northeast Bellmead, Central City, Eastwood Village, Denver Heights, and East Village in San Antonio.
Some of the most dangerous roads in Texas include I-35E, U.S. Highway 83, and ODessa.
Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Lubbock, Texas, include Central City, Northwest Lubbock, and Southwest Lubbock.
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