What is the Crime Rate in Texas?
Texas is the second-most populous state in the United States, with a population of over 29 million people. As with any state, crime is a concern in Texas, and understanding the crime rate is essential for individuals, businesses, and law enforcement agencies. In this article, we will delve into the crime rate in Texas, exploring the types of crimes, the numbers, and the trends.
Overview of Crime in Texas
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, Texas reported over 1.2 million crimes in 2020, which is a 3.5% decrease from the previous year. The overall crime rate in Texas has been declining steadily over the past decade, with a 21.4% decrease in reported crimes from 2010 to 2020.
Types of Crimes in Texas
Texas experiences a wide range of crimes, including:
• Violent Crimes: Murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. In 2020, there were 14,414 violent crimes reported in Texas, which is a 4.1% decrease from the previous year.
• Property Crimes: Burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. In 2020, there were 1,064,416 property crimes reported in Texas, which is a 3.2% decrease from the previous year.
Crime Rates by City
While the overall crime rate in Texas has been declining, some cities experience higher crime rates than others. Here are the top 5 cities in Texas with the highest crime rates per 100,000 residents in 2020:
| City | Crime Rate per 100,000 Residents |
|---|---|
| El Paso | 2,444.6 |
| Houston | 2,344.9 |
| Dallas | 2,244.1 |
| San Antonio | 2,134.9 |
| Austin | 1,944.9 |
Crime Rates by County
Crime rates also vary by county in Texas. Here are the top 5 counties with the highest crime rates per 100,000 residents in 2020:
| County | Crime Rate per 100,000 Residents |
|---|---|
| Harris County | 2,534.9 |
| Dallas County | 2,444.9 |
| Bexar County | 2,344.9 |
| Tarrant County | 2,244.9 |
| Travis County | 2,134.9 |
Trends in Crime in Texas
There are several trends in crime in Texas that are worth noting:
• Decrease in Property Crimes: Property crimes have been declining in Texas over the past decade, with a 21.4% decrease from 2010 to 2020.
• Increase in Violent Crimes: Violent crimes have been increasing in Texas over the past decade, with a 10.5% increase from 2010 to 2020.
• Disparities in Crime: Crime rates vary significantly by race and ethnicity in Texas. African Americans are disproportionately represented in crime statistics, making up 12.3% of the population but 27.4% of those arrested for violent crimes.
Conclusion
The crime rate in Texas is a complex issue that requires a nuanced understanding of the types of crimes, the numbers, and the trends. While the overall crime rate in Texas has been declining, there are still significant disparities in crime rates by city, county, and demographic group. By understanding the crime rate in Texas, individuals, businesses, and law enforcement agencies can work together to reduce crime and improve public safety.
