Texas, famed for its expansive landscapes and bustling cities, offers a wide range of experiences. However, even amid this expanse, some cities experience considerable crime rates. Identifying Texas’ most dangerous cities is critical for raising awareness and ensuring safety. These rankings are based on some criteria, including violent crime rates, property crimes, and overall safety records.
When it comes to crime in Texas, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio are frequently mentioned, but other lesser-known communities also have safety concerns. This list tries to highlight the metropolitan locations where inhabitants and visitors should take particular vigilance. From big hubs to rural communities, these cities face unique issues that have an impact on overall safety.
Understanding these hotspots might help you make more educated vacation and residency decisions in Texas. According to recent crime statistics and trends, the five most hazardous cities in Texas are as follows.
1. Houston
The most hazardous city in Texas is Houston. Houston’s violent crime rate is 2.67 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is 10.70 per 1,000 residents. In 2022, there were 6,241 violent crimes reported, including 399 murders. Property crime is also a problem, with 95,926 cases reported in 2022. Houston’s most violent neighborhoods include Sunnyside, MacGregor, Sharptown, and Greenspoint.
Houston has the highest crime rate in Texas, with an overall risk of becoming a victim of a property crime of 1 in 23, and a violent crime of 1 in 78.
If safety and cost are important to you, see our post about the cheapest areas to live in Texas.
2. San Antonio
San Antonio is also among the most hazardous cities in Texas. San Antonio, with a population of 1.59 million, had 2,918 documented incidences of violent crime in 2022. The violent crime rate is 1.83 incidences per 1,000 people, while property crime is 10.83 incidents per 1000 people. In 2016, San Antonio had a 20-year high homicide rate of 151 killings.
The murder rate has risen steadily throughout the years, reaching a 30-year high of 195 in 2022. Gang activity accounts for a significant portion of San Antonio’s violent crime, with the majority of homicides either drug-related or domestic.
San Antonio’s worst neighborhoods are Pecan Valley, East Terrell Hills, Arena District, Villa De San Antonio, and Westwood Village.
3. Dallas
Dallas has a population of 1,304,379, making it one of Texas’s largest cities. It is also one of Texas’ most hazardous cities, with a crime rate of 4,291 per 100,000 residents, 83% higher than the national average. In Dallas, your odds of becoming a victim of a violent crime are one in every 113. In 2020, there were 11,534 violent crimes, with 235 murders, 3,296 robberies, and 7,428 robberies. Shootings are widespread in Dallas, and they are generally linked to gang activities.
Dallas’s most dangerous neighborhoods include South Boulevard Park Row, Cedar Crest, South Dallas, the Convention Center District, and Northwest Dallas.
4. Austin
Austin is one of the most dangerous cities in Texas. The total number of violent crimes reported in Austin is also rising, from 1,139 cases in 2021 to 1,282 in 2022. The violent crime rate is 1.24 per 1000 inhabitants, and the property crime rate is 8.36 per 1000. Austin’s violent crime rate per 100,000 population places it 28th out of the 30 biggest US cities.
Riverside, Rosewood, Bouldin, and MLK are among Austin’s most violent neighborhoods.
5. Pasadena
Pasadena has a crime rate of 2,428 per 100,000 people, which is 5% higher than the national average. Residents have a one-in-332 risk of becoming victims of a violent crime. In 2020, there were seven murders, 119 robberies, and 241 assaults. Property crimes were reported at 3,000 instances in 2022, including 678 burglaries, 2,038 thefts, and 361 motor vehicle thefts.
Final Words
Finally, Texas, with its huge landscapes and vibrant cities, offers a combination of safe and dangerous surroundings. Identifying the most dangerous cities in the state is critical for increasing awareness and safeguarding the safety of all residents and visitors. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Pasadena rank as the top five cities with high crime rates, with each experiencing unique difficulties that affect overall safety. Understanding these hotspots can help people make more informed travel and residency decisions, stressing the significance of being vigilant in certain places. Staying informed allows you to better navigate the complexities of Texas and enjoy its unique experiences while putting safety first.
