If you’re considering a move to the Lone Star State, you’ll want to know which cities in Texas are the most dangerous. With more than 28 million people, Texas is the second most populous state in the US and home to some of the country’s most diverse cities. In this blog post, we’ll explore the 10 most dangerous cities in Texas and why you should avoid them. From high rates of crime to other factors that contribute to making these places unsafe, we’ll cover it all. So, read on to learn more about the most dangerous cities in Texas and why they should be avoided.
1) Houston
Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest city in the United States. Despite its size, Houston is unfortunately one of the most dangerous cities in Texas. In 2018, Houston had the highest number of homicides out of all major cities in the state, with 289 reported murders. This gave Houston a murder rate of 10.3 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 5.3 per 100,000.
Other violent crimes like robberies and aggravated assaults are also common in Houston. According to the FBI’s annual crime report, there were more than 11,000 robberies in Houston in 2018, as well as over 16,000 aggravated assaults. The city also has a higher than average rate of property crimes such as burglaries and car thefts.
Houston’s high crime rate can be attributed to several factors, including poverty, unemployment, and an influx of people from neighboring states. The city is home to a large number of immigrants and refugees, many of whom come from unstable countries and bring their own problems with them. Furthermore, certain parts of Houston have experienced rapid population growth in recent years, leading to overcrowding and inadequate housing.
To stay safe in Houston, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid traveling alone at night. If possible, avoid walking or taking public transportation after dark. Additionally, be sure to lock your doors when driving and keep valuables out of sight. Although Houston has a high crime rate, following these tips will help keep you safe.
2) San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the most dangerous cities in Texas, with a crime rate that is significantly higher than the national average. In 2019, San Antonio experienced 1,265 violent crimes for every 100,000 people, compared to the US average of 368 per 100,000. The city is known for its high rates of burglary, robbery, and aggravated assault, which accounted for approximately 70% of all reported crimes. In addition to these crimes, drug-related offenses have been on the rise in recent years.
In order to reduce crime and make San Antonio safer, the police department has implemented several initiatives including increased patrols in high-crime areas, increased enforcement of existing laws, and improved education and outreach to communities at risk. Despite these efforts, residents are still urged to exercise caution when traveling through certain parts of the city as certain neighborhoods remain particularly dangerous.
3) Dallas
The third most dangerous city in Texas is Dallas, with a population of over 1.3 million people. This metropolitan area is known for its high rate of violent crime and property crime. Dallas had the second highest number of murders in 2018, with 187 reported cases. The majority of these murders were committed with firearms, and gang activity was also reported to be on the rise. Additionally, this city has seen an increase in burglaries, carjackings, and aggravated assaults over the past year.
When it comes to safety, Dallas has taken steps to reduce crime by investing in more police officers and technology. While there have been some improvements, visitors should still remain vigilant when out in public and avoid areas that are known for high levels of criminal activity. As always, use common sense when traveling to any unfamiliar area and try to stay in well-lit and populated areas.
4) El Paso
Located on the western border of Texas, El Paso is one of the most dangerous cities in the state. In 2020, there were 519 violent crimes per 100,000 residents reported. The majority of the crime is property crime such as burglary and car theft. El Paso has a high rate of gang activity which has been attributed to the rise in violence in the area. The city has also seen an increase in drug trafficking, which adds to the dangerous atmosphere.
Unfortunately, El Paso has seen a recent spike in murders, leading it to become the second most dangerous city in Texas. While it may have once been a safe haven for people seeking refuge from Mexico, El Paso has become increasingly unsafe in recent years. It’s advised that you avoid visiting or living in this city if possible.
5) Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas is the fifth most dangerous city in the state. This sprawling city has a population of 874,168 people and experiences a violent crime rate of 803 incidents per 100,000 residents. In 2019, there were 6,813 violent crimes reported to the police, including 100 murders and 643 rapes.
Property crime is also a problem in Fort Worth, with 20,564 incidents reported in 2019, including 1,976 burglaries and 14,850 thefts. The city has an unemployment rate of 3.3% and is considered one of the least affordable cities in the country.
To make matters worse, Fort Worth’s poverty rate is 17.6%, with almost 26% of residents living below the poverty line. This means that many people in the city are struggling to make ends meet and could be more likely to engage in criminal activities.
Residents of Fort Worth should take steps to protect themselves from potential dangers. This includes avoiding walking alone at night and remaining aware of their surroundings. It’s also important to be aware of any suspicious activities that may be occurring in the area and report them to the police immediately.
6) Arlington
Located just outside of Dallas and Fort Worth, the city of Arlington, Texas is one of the most dangerous cities in the state. The city has an estimated population of around 400,000 and a violent crime rate of 803 per 100,000 people. The most common types of crimes in Arlington are aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and murder.
Arlington’s overall crime rate is on the higher side due to its dense population, lack of employment opportunities and other social issues. The majority of the criminal activity that takes place in the city is drug related, however there is also a lot of gang activity and violent crimes as well.
Residents of Arlington should be aware of their surroundings at all times and be sure to practice basic safety measures such as locking their doors and keeping their valuables out of sight. It is also important to avoid high crime areas and be aware of any potential threats when out at night.
7) Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is the seventh most dangerous city in Texas, with a population of approximately 325,000. The city has an overall violent crime rate of 1047 per 100,000 people and an even higher property crime rate of 6559 per 100,000 people. This makes it one of the highest-risk cities in the state.
The main causes of crime in Corpus Christi are drug use, gang violence, and poverty. Drug abuse has been identified as a major contributing factor to the increased crime rate in Corpus Christi. Gangs have been known to operate in certain areas of the city, which can make life difficult for those who live in those areas. Finally, poverty is a major problem in Corpus Christi, as the city has some of the highest poverty rates in the state.
In order to combat crime in Corpus Christi, the police department has implemented several initiatives, including community policing and youth outreach programs. These initiatives aim to build trust between the police and the community, as well as providing resources for young people so that they can make better decisions and stay out of trouble.
If you are planning to visit or live in Corpus Christi, be sure to take precautions and avoid traveling alone at night or in areas where gangs are known to operate.
8) Plano
Plano is the ninth most dangerous city in Texas and one of the largest cities in the state. It has a population of 286,143 and a crime rate of 4,686 per 100,000 people. While the overall crime rate for Plano is lower than some other cities on this list, the violent crime rate is much higher. There have been 854 violent crimes per 100,000 people reported in Plano, which is almost double the average for Texas.
The highest risk of crime in Plano is theft, with a reported 3,754 incidents per 100,000 people. Car theft and burglary are also common crimes in Plano. Residents should take extra precautions when it comes to their personal safety and property. This includes making sure all valuables are locked away, keeping car doors locked and not leaving anything of value in an unattended vehicle. Additionally, it is wise to stay aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
9) Laredo
Located in Webb County, the border city of Laredo is one of the most dangerous cities in Texas. The crime rate here is slightly higher than the national average and is particularly high when compared to the state’s overall violent crime rate. The majority of crime in Laredo is property crime such as burglary and theft.
In 2019, there were more than 11,000 property crimes reported in Laredo alone, making it one of the highest in the state. Additionally, there were more than 1,000 violent crimes reported. While the majority of these crimes were aggravated assaults, there were also reports of murder and rape.
Residents of Laredo should be aware of their surroundings at all times and take extra precautions to protect themselves and their property. If you’re planning to visit or live in this city, you should know that the police department has made efforts to combat crime, but it still remains a high-risk area.
10) Garland
Located in the northeastern part of Texas, the city of Garland is considered to be one of the most dangerous cities in the state. With a population of over 238,000 people, the city reported a crime index score of 678.40, which is much higher than the national average of 280.60. The city also had 11,824 violent crimes reported in 2018, with murder and non-negligent manslaughter accounting for 45 of those cases. In addition, there were 2,120 robberies and 1,184 aggravated assaults reported in the same year.
In terms of property crime, Garland saw 14,380 cases in 2018. Of these, 8,912 were larceny-thefts, 1,228 motor vehicle thefts, and 2,113 burglaries. According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the overall rate for these types of crime in Garland was 3,717 per 100,000 residents.
It’s no surprise that Garland has been ranked as one of the most dangerous cities in Texas, given its high rate of crime. For those looking to move to the area, it would be wise to take caution and exercise extra safety measures when living there.
Final Words
No matter where you live, it’s important to take measures to protect yourself and your family. If you’re living in one of the most dangerous cities in Texas, it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers around you and take the necessary steps to stay safe. Make sure to look up the crime rates in your area and take the necessary precautions. If you can, invest in a home security system or motion sensors to alert you when there is suspicious activity. You may also want to consider joining a neighborhood watch program or other crime prevention group. Stay informed about local crime and don’t hesitate to contact the police if you feel unsafe. Taking these steps can help ensure your safety and well-being in any of the cities listed above.
F&Q
Q: What makes a city dangerous?
A: A variety of factors can make a city dangerous, including the number of violent and property crimes per capita, the economic stability of the city, and the availability of resources such as health care and housing.
Q: How are cities in Texas ranked in terms of safety?
A: The most recent data from the FBI ranks Texas as the 11th safest state in the U.S. However, certain cities in Texas have higher rates of crime than others. The 10 cities listed above were identified as the most dangerous in the state based on their rates of crime per capita.
Q: Are there any measures I can take to stay safe in a dangerous city?
A: Yes, there are several measures you can take to stay safe. First, become familiar with your neighborhood and the areas around you. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas at night. Additionally, trust your instincts and if something doesn’t feel right, leave the area immediately. Finally, always be sure to lock doors and windows and keep valuables out of sight.
