Luther LarryTexas is one of the most populous states in the United States, with a population of over 28 million people. While the Lone Star State is known for its vibrant culture and great quality of life, it also has some of the least safe cities in the country. This article looks at 12 of the least safest cities in Texas, based on the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report.
The 12 least safest cities in Texas, in order of decreasing safety, are Texarkana, Lufkin, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston, Amarillo, Brownsville, El Paso, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio and McAllen. Each of these cities has a high crime rate, with Texarkana having the highest rate in the state with a crime rate of 7,072 per 100,000 people.
All of these cities are located in the southern or western parts of the state. While they may have high crime rates, these cities are also home to many people who are living and working to make their communities better.
12 Least Safest Cities in Texas (2023)
1. Houston
Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest city in the United States. According to the FBI’s 2018 Crime in the United States report, Houston had the second-highest crime rate among the five major cities in Texas, with a total of 168,356 reported crimes.
The violent crime rate in Houston was 603.7 per 100,000 people, with 10,315 violent crimes reported. The property crime rate was 3,174.7 per 100,000 people, with 158,041 reported property crimes.
2. Dallas
Dallas is on the list of largest cities in Texas and the ninth-largest city in the United States. According to the FBI’s 2018 Crime in the United States report, Dallas had the third-highest crime rate among the five major cities in Texas, with a total of 136,095 reported crimes.
The violent crime rate in Dallas was 633.4 per 100,000 people, with 8,826 violent crimes reported. The property crime rate was 2,941.8 per 100,000 people, with 127,269 reported property crimes.
3. San Antonio
San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas and the seventh-largest city in the United States. According to the FBI’s 2018 Crime in the United States report, San Antonio had the highest crime rate among the five major cities in Texas, with a total of 152,945 reported crimes.
The violent crime rate in San Antonio was 665.2 per 100,000 people, with 10,099 violent crimes reported. The property crime rate was 3,150.1 per 100,000 people, with 142,846 reported property crimes. This makes San Antonio one of the least safest cities in Texas.
4. Fort Worth:
Fort Worth is the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas, with a population of over 900,000 people. The crime rate in Fort Worth is slightly above the national average, and the violent crime rate is almost double the national average.
Property crime is the most common crime in the city, with the most common offenses being theft and burglary. Although the crime rate has decreased over the years, it remains a concern for many residents.
5. Austin:
Austin is the capital city of Texas, and it is the largest city in the state with a population of over 1 million people. The crime rate in Austin is lower than the national average, and the violent crime rate is slightly lower as well.
Property crime is the most common crime in the city, with the most common offenses being theft and burglary. Over the past few years, the crime rate in the city has decreased, and the city is now considered one of the safer cities in Texas.
6. El Paso:
El Paso is the sixth-largest city in the state of Texas, with a population of over 700,000 people. The crime rate in El Paso is lower than both the national average and the state average, and the violent crime rate is even lower.
Property crime is the most common crime in the city, with the most common offenses being theft and burglary. The city has seen a decrease in crime over the last few years, and it is now considered one of the safest cities in Texas.
7. Arlington:
Arlington is the seventh-largest city in the state of Texas, with a population of over 400,000 people. The crime rate in Arlington is slightly above the national average, and the violent crime rate is more than double the national average.
Property crime is the most common crime in the city, with the most common offenses being theft and burglary. Unfortunately, Arlington is one of the least safest cities in Texas, and the crime rate continues to be a concern for many residents.
8. Corpus Christi:
Crime rate in Corpus Christi is higher than the national average. Property crime rates in Corpus Christi are very high, with a rate of 3,379 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 2,362 per 100,000 people. Violent crime in Corpus Christi is also higher than the national average, with a rate of 786 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 397 per 100,000 people.
9. Amarillo:
Crime rate in Amarillo is higher than the national average. Property crime rates in Amarillo are very high, with a rate of 3,252 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 2,362 per 100,000 people.
Violent crime in Amarillo is also higher than the national average, with a rate of 832 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 397 per 100,000 people.
10. Lubbock:
Crime rate in Lubbock is higher than the national average. Property crime rates in Lubbock are very high, with a rate of 3,409 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 2,362 per 100,000 people.
Violent crime in Lubbock is also higher than the national average, with a rate of 784 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 397 per 100,000 people.
11. Plano:
Crime rate in Plano is lower than the national average. Property crime rates in Plano are relatively low, with a rate of 1,948 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 2,362 per 100,000 people. Violent crime in Plano is also lower than the national average, with a rate of 279 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 397 per 100,000 people.
12. Garland:
Crime rate in Garland is higher than the national average. Property crime rates in Garland are very high, with a rate of 3,495 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 2,362 per 100,000 people.
Violent crime in Garland is also higher than the national average, with a rate of 810 per 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 397 per 100,000 people. Garland is one of the least safest cities in Texas.
Conclusion
The 12 least safest cities in Texas are Texarkana, Lufkin, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Galveston, Amarillo, Brownsville, El Paso, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio and McAllen. While these cities do have high crime rates, they are also home to many people who are striving to make their communities better.
The state of Texas is committed to improving public safety in these cities, and with continued commitment and effort, these cities can become safer for all Texans.
