Most Dangerous Cities in Texas
As appellate lawyers in Texas, violent crime statistics can become quite a valuable tool in our work. While unsettling, such data can clue us into the regional safety differences that exist in many of the states we serve. However, it is just as important that you too are informed of the happenings in your neighborhood so that you can stay aware and keep yourself safe.
The 2020 Texas index crime rate saw a 4% decrease from years prior reporting 2,666.7 crimes per 100,000 people. The positive trend has continued into 2021 and 2022, but despite this stark decline, several Texas cities still face high violent crime rates relative to their neighbors.
Neighborhood Scout analyzed numbers produced by the FBI to rank all US cities from most to least dangerous. This evaluation was based on the regional records of violent crimes including murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. In this detailed report, several Texas cities could be found within the top 50. Among them were Houston, Beaumont, and Lubbock.
Houston was recognized as the 31st most dangerous city in the US. The violent crime rate there stands at around 13.0 per every 1,000 residents. Furthermore, in Houston, there is a 1 in 77 chance of being a victim.
Beaumont trailed not far behind, taking the 36th spot in the list. Reports show that the Beaumont had a crime rate of 12.5 per 1,000 residents and a 1 in 80 chance of being a victim of a violent crime.
Just below the top 50 cutoff was Lubbock, at number 52 in the nation. In Lubbock, there was a reported violent crime rate of 11.1 per 1,000 residents and a 1 in 90 chance of being a victim.
However, while important, solely analyzing crime numbers does not provide a complete picture of a city’s safety. Features like community support, police presence, crime deterrent measures, and several socioeconomic factors are extremely important in measuring danger levels. After also taking these factors into account, The Darrow Law Firm further identified Odessa and Dallas as other largely dangerous cities in the greater Texas area.
Despite it all, Texas’ violent crime rates are actually near the national average. For instance, Texas’ number of murders per year matches that of the national average, and for other crimes, Texas strays only slightly above the national average.
With these crime rates and Texas’ notorious “tough on crime” reputation, Texas has become one of the states with the highest incarceration rates in the U.S., with around 840 out of every 100,000 people behind bars. If you or a loved one have fallen victim to the Texas criminal justice system and have been deprived of justice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our accomplished and dedicated team at Spolin Law P.C. to see how we can help.