12 Most Dangerous Cities in Texas

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.

Most Dangerous Cities In TX

1. Odessa

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.

2. Lubbock

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.

3. Beaumont

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.

4. Houston

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.

5. San Antonio

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.

6. Corpus Christi

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.

7. Dallas

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.

8. Waco

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.

9. Arlington

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%.

10. Killeen

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.

11. Tyler

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.

12. Amarillo

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.

Most Dangerous Cities in Texas: Takeaway

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.