What City in Texas Has the Highest Crime Rate?
When it comes to crime rates, Texas is no exception. With a population of over 29 million people, the Lone Star State has its fair share of crime hotspots. But which city in Texas has the highest crime rate? In this article, we’ll dive into the numbers and explore the city with the highest crime rate in Texas.
The Data
To determine the city with the highest crime rate in Texas, we’ll rely on the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. The UCR Program collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies across the United States. The data is then used to calculate the crime rate per 100,000 inhabitants.
The Top 5 Cities with the Highest Crime Rate in Texas
According to the FBI’s UCR data for 2020, the top 5 cities with the highest crime rate in Texas are:
| Rank | City | Population | Violent Crime Rate per 100,000 | Property Crime Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lubbock | 255,885 | 1,234.6 | 4,354.1 |
| 2 | El Paso | 694,827 | 1,143.1 | 3,644.9 |
| 3 | Wichita Falls | 104,396 | 1,134.9 | 3,434.9 |
| 4 | Amarillo | 199,713 | 1,074.9 | 3,264.9 |
| 5 | Brownsville | 183,046 | 1,064.9 | 3,144.9 |
Lubbock: The City with the Highest Crime Rate in Texas
Lubbock, with a population of over 255,000, takes the top spot with a violent crime rate of 1,234.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. This is significantly higher than the national average of 379.4 per 100,000. Lubbock’s property crime rate is also 4,354.1 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,200.8 per 100,000.
Why is Lubbock’s Crime Rate So High?
There are several factors that contribute to Lubbock’s high crime rate. Some of the most significant include:
• Poverty: Lubbock has a higher poverty rate than the national average, with over 20% of its residents living below the poverty line. Poverty is often linked to higher crime rates.
• Unemployment: Lubbock’s unemployment rate is higher than the national average, which can lead to frustration and desperation among residents, increasing the likelihood of criminal activity.
• Drug Use: Lubbock has struggled with drug-related crime, including the distribution and possession of illegal substances.
• Gang Activity: Lubbock has seen an increase in gang activity, which can contribute to higher crime rates.
What’s Being Done to Address Crime in Lubbock?
The City of Lubbock and local law enforcement agencies are taking steps to address the high crime rate. Some of the initiatives include:
• Increased Police Presence: The Lubbock Police Department has increased its presence in high-crime areas, including the deployment of additional officers and specialized units.
• Community Engagement: The city is working to engage with the community through outreach programs, including neighborhood watch initiatives and community policing efforts.
• Crime Prevention: The city is implementing crime prevention strategies, such as improving street lighting and increasing surveillance in high-crime areas.
• Treatment and Rehabilitation: The city is working to provide treatment and rehabilitation services to individuals struggling with addiction and other issues that contribute to crime.
Conclusion
Lubbock, Texas, has the highest crime rate in the state, with a violent crime rate of 1,234.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. While the city is taking steps to address the issue, there is still much work to be done. By understanding the factors that contribute to crime and implementing effective crime prevention and intervention strategies, Lubbock can work towards a safer and more prosperous community for its residents.
Additional Resources
- FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program: www.fbi.gov/ucr
- City of Lubbock: www.lubbocktx.gov
- Lubbock Police Department: www.lubbockpd.org
