The Safest and Most Dangerous Cities in Texas

Crime in Texas Is a Complex Landscape

While everything may be bigger in Texas, the crime rate tells a more complicated story. The state sits above the national average for violent crime and ranks among the top 10 for property crime. However, both of these rates have decreased year-over-year. Still, these numbers aren’t entirely surprising given Texas’s explosive population growth, driven by job opportunities, affordable real estate, and the absence of a state income tax.

Texas cities with the highest and lowest crime rates

(per 100,000 people)

Note: Excluding cities with crime rates of zero. Source: 2023 FBI Data

High-Crime Cities in Texas

South Padre Island

South Padre Island is a popular Gulf Coast destination known for its miles of sandy beaches, sport fishing opportunities, and laid-back lifestyle. The city of just over 2,000 is also a prime spot for spring breakers looking to start the party every March, or, in some cases, crash it. Unfortunately, the influx of tourists alongside a small year-round population has pushed South Padre Island to the highest property-crime and violent-crime rates in Texas.²

Gonzales

Gonzales is a legendary figure in Texas history. Known as the “Lexington of Texas” after the 1835 “Come and Take It” skirmish, the city was a pivotal outpost during the Texas Revolution in the 1830s. Since then, however, its economy has shifted from agriculture to oilfield services, straining limited police resources and pushing its violent crime rate to nearly four times the national median.³

Balcones Heights

Balcones Heights is a suburb inside the central Texas mecca that is San Antonio. The compact enclave is home to around 2,700 residents and features a tight grid of shops, restaurants, and a renowned hospital. However, the high volume of foot traffic and limited police patrols have led to some of the highest violent and property crime rates in Texas relative to its small year-round population.

Humble

​Humble sits just north of Houston in Harris County and is home to just over 16,000 permanent residents. The city originally started off as a boom town when oil was first discovered there in the early 1900s. Since then, industrial corridors, major interstates, and proximity to George Bush Intercontinental Airport have led to high property crime rates.⁴

Low-Crime Cities in Texas

San Elizario

​Located along the Rio Grande in far west Texas, San Elizario is a charming city of just over 10,000 that enjoys a rich history and tight-knit sense of community. While the town’s jail may have been broken into by famous outlaw Billy the Kid in the 1800s, the days of shootouts and showdowns are long gone — the city has the lowest violent crime rate in the state.​⁵

Fulshear

Located on Houston’s western edge, Fulshear is a rapidly growing city that blends upscale suburban charm with a slower pace of life. The town’s rapid growth is a result of numerous master-planned communities and top-rated schools. However, crime has not kept pace with the population, as Fulshear boasts one of the lowest violent crime rates in the state.

Parker

Parker may seem like an unassuming, tranquil suburb just north of Dallas. But, the city of just over 6,000 boasts a legendary secret: Parker is home to Southfork Ranch, known to many as the Ewing family’s home in the hit television series Dallas. While the show may have featured crime and deceit, the real-life location could not be further from that: Parker boasts one of the lowest violent crime rates in Texas.​

Collinsville

Collinsville is a quaint, small Texas town north of DFW with a population of just over 1,800 residents. Its small size helps the city boast one of the lowest property crime rates in both the state and country. Collinsville is known for its award-winning school district and proximity to outdoor attractions like Lake Ray Hubbard.​⁶

Friona

Nestled in the Texas panhandle, Friona is known as “The Biggest Small Town in Texas.” The city of 4,000 boasts a steadily growing population and economy, combined with a vibrant local retail community. While outdoor attractions and the Parmer Medical Center certainly bring residents in, the low property crime rates are a big factor in determining why they stay.⁷

Alpine

Alpine serves as one of Texas’s best-kept secrets. The mountain town is located in the heart of the Big Bend Region, surrounded by rugged West Texas peaks and valleys. The rich cultural scene features multiple museums and Sul Ross State University. The city of approximately 6,000 blends small-town charm and easy outdoor access, leading to one of the lowest property crime rates.

Crime Trends in the Lone Star State

Texas has a crime rate that sits above the national average, ranking 17th for violent crime and 9th for property crime. Aggravated assault is the most common crime in Texas, followed by larceny theft. The state is an economic and population powerhouse, so growing pains are to be expected within a region so large and diverse.

Texas is positioned more moderately in crime rates compared to its neighboring states. It experiences lower violent crime rates than New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas, though its rate is slightly higher than Oklahoma's. In terms of property crime, Texas's rate is lower than those of New Mexico and Louisiana but higher than Oklahoma's.​

Violent crime rates

(per 100,000 residents)

Texas’s violent crime is 12 percent above the national average, with 406 crimes per 100,000 people. However, there was a 6 percent decrease in the violent crime rate from 2022 to 2023. Texas’s murder rate outpaced the nation by 5.3 percent.

Property crime rates

(per 100,000 residents)

The state’s property crime rate is 17 percent above the national average. However, it is decreasing as well, with a 2.7 percent drop from 2022 to 2023. All types of property crime — including burglary, larceny theft, and vehicle theft — are well above national averages.