The state of Texas is truly a unique and special part of the United States.
If you’re skeptical, just ask someone from Texas.
It is a widely accepted fact that every place has its own level of safety concerns, and Texas is no exception. It is no secret that there are cities and towns in the state that pose more risks to safety than others.
Despite its questionable distinction, many areas have earned the label of being dangerous. As a result, this list predominantly consists of suburbs, smaller cities, and towns, with the exception of Houston and Dallas.
Texans often use the phrase, “everything’s bigger in Texas,” to express the grandeur and vastness of their state.
Regrettably, the crime rate is also encompassed in this.
It’s important to keep in mind that Texas, like any other place, has both safe and potentially dangerous areas. Being aware of any potential issues can help you stay safe while exploring the area.
Texas is a state that is rich in diversity and culture, which is evident in its history, cuisine, music, art, architecture, and ecosystems. Both visitors and locals can enjoy and appreciate the unique experiences that Texas has to offer if they exercise caution. The state’s vibrancy is a reflection of its diverse and rich cultural heritage, which makes it an exciting and rewarding place to visit or live.
Here are the 13 Most Dangerous Cities and Towns in Texas:
1. Houston
When people think of Houston, they typically think of its landmarks like the Space Center, Theater District, Historic District, and Houston Grand Opera. However, Houston has gained an unfortunate reputation as the most perilous city in Texas.
Houston, with a population of 2.3 million, has a violent crime rate of 2.67 per 1,000 residents.
2. Lubbock
The city of Lubbock is renowned for being the hometown of the legendary musician Buddy Holly, and it proudly showcases its history and culture through various attractions like The Buddy Holly Center and the Museum of Texas Tech University. The community can enjoy a diverse range of exhibits, from art to paleontology, that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage.
According to Crimegrade.org, Lubbock received a disappointing grade of “D” for its crime rate and was placed in the 21st percentile for safety, indicating a high level of risk.
3. Beaumont
Beaumont, situated to the east of Houston, is widely referred to as the Golden Triangle by its inhabitants.
According to the FBI’s 2018 crime report, Beaumont had a higher incidence of violent crime compared to Houston. The report revealed that Beaumont had 13 murders, 99 rapes, 798 aggravated assaults, and 359 robberies.
The residents of Beaumont face a rather concerning statistic, as they have a 1 in 22 likelihood of falling victim to a crime. This means that a significant portion of the population may be at risk, and it is important to take measures to address this issue and ensure the safety of the community.
Concerns arise when navigating through the city, which can cause unease.
In order to stay safe in unfamiliar neighborhoods, women are strongly advised to travel with companions due to the alarming rate of reported rapes.
4. Amarillo
Amarillo, a city in Texas, is known for its famous steak challenge, art shows, and theatres. It is the 14th largest city in Texas based on its population.
The Northeast quadrant of Amarillo seems to have a higher incidence of crime compared to other areas.
According to the latest FBI data from 2019, Amarillo holds the fifth position in the list of Top Ten Most Dangerous Cities in Texas.
Amarillo has had its fair share of gang-related activities, with notorious groups like the Aryan Circle, The Tangos, and several others being involved.
It’s important to exercise caution when driving or walking around during the evening hours.
5. Bellmead
Bellmead, also known as “Beautiful Autumn Valley,” is a city situated in McLennan County and is a part of the Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area. The locals of the area are well acquainted with this name.
Although it may be a small city, Bellmead packs a big punch in terms of crime statistics. Shockingly, it has been named as the most dangerous city in Texas, and it has also been recognized as one of the 30 most perilous cities in the entire United States.
According to statistics, the incidence of violent crimes in the area was 1,294 per 100,000 residents, while the occurrence of property crimes was 6,196 per 100,000 residents.
According to statistics, there was a significant likelihood of individuals in Bellmead encountering theft or arson, with a staggering 1 in 4 chance.
6. San Antonio
The city of San Antonio boasts of being the birthplace of The Alamo. This 18th-century Spanish mission, which has been transformed into a museum, gained worldwide recognition for the 1836 historic battle for Texan independence from Mexico.
The River Walk, spanning for miles, is a well-known pathway where people can take a leisurely stroll and indulge in shopping and dining at various stores and cafes.
According to statistics, San Antonio residents have a relatively high chance of experiencing crime, with a one in 15 chance of being a victim.
7. Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a charming coastal city located on the Gulf of Mexico. The city is nestled into a bay and boasts of beautiful beaches that are sheltered by Mustang and Padre islands. These islands are also home to a variety of migratory birds and sea turtles, adding to the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the Texas State Aquarium that showcases an impressive array of marine life.
Despite being located in close proximity to several other cities, Corpus Christi has a higher murder rate at 5.4 per 100,000 people.
8. Palmview
Located within Hidalgo County, Palmview is a constituent of both the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission and Reynosa-McAllen metropolitan areas.
It’s a mystery how Palmview, with a population of less than 6,000 people, managed to secure a fifth-place finish.
According to statistics, the probability of locals falling victim to rape is one in 121. This is a concerning figure that highlights the importance of taking measures to address and prevent sexual violence.
9. Humble
Located in the Houston metropolitan area, Humble is a vibrant and bustling city that boasts of a rich cultural and historical heritage. With its strategic location and easy access to major transportation routes, Humble offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and old-world charm. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there’s always something exciting to explore and experience in this bustling city. So come and discover the many wonders of Humble today!
Based on the data provided by the FBI, it has been revealed that Humble is currently ranked as the 12th most dangerous city in the United States.
According to the statistics of 2019, there were 152 occurrences of violent incidents, which translates to a crime rate of 9.4 for every 1,000 people.
According to recent statistics, robbery is the most prevalent crime, and there has been a 9% increase in criminal activities over the years.
Although it is generally safe to venture outside during daylight hours, it is prudent to exercise caution, particularly after midnight.
10. Bastrop
Located approximately 30 miles southeast of Austin, Bastrop is a part of the Greater Austin metropolitan area.
Although Bastrop is located close to Austin, which is known for being a hub of state politics, entertainment, and prestigious universities in Texas, its crime rate is surprisingly 56% higher than the national average.
11. Mesquite
Mesquite is a charming suburban city situated east of Dallas with a population of 143,078 people as of 2019. Unfortunately, the city witnessed 685 violent crimes reported during the same year.
12. Texarkana
Located in the eastern region of Texas, Texarkana is a city that shares a border with a city in Arkansas.
There are several interesting attractions in the area worth checking out. Spring Lake Park offers a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy nature, while Discovery Place features interactive exhibits that are sure to delight children. For those interested in history, the Ace of Clubs House is a 19th-century building that has been repurposed as a museum. Lastly, the Perot Theatre is a popular venue for musicals and concerts, perfect for those looking for a night out.
It’s important to keep in mind that the likelihood of falling victim to a crime is relatively high, with statistics showing that it’s as high as one in 12. Therefore, it’s crucial to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and protect yourself from potential harm.
13. Dallas
The city of Dallas is renowned for its magnificent skyscrapers and stunning panoramic views.
As unfortunate as it is, Dallas has a high crime rate that surpasses more than 90% of other cities in the United States. SafeWise reported that in 2019, Dallas was ranked as the thirteenth Most Dangerous City in the US.
According to statistics, the city of Dallas had a total of 10,441 violent crimes, resulting in a crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents.
If you’re in Dallas, it’s important to be mindful of certain neighborhoods where caution should be exercised. These include areas such as Northwest Dallas, South Dallas, West Dallas, as well as certain spots in Wolf Creek and Cedar Crest. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so take extra precautions when traveling in these neighborhoods.
It’s important to be aware that pickpocketing can be a problem in Dallas, but fortunately, using public transportation is generally safe aside from the occasional petty theft.
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