8 Most Dangerous Cities in Texas (2024 Update)

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Even though nobody’s ready to admit this yet, human beings are inherently drawn to crime. And despite the fact that they all hate playing roles taken up by victims, more often than not you’ll find them ready and very much willing to play invincible characters that represent perpetrators.

Or why else would you explain our desire to kill fictitious characters in TV shows or video games?

Some experts believe this might be one of the contributors to the dramatic rise of crime in the US, and especially in Texas. With that in mind, the following are the cities listed by the FBI as Texas cities with the highest crime statistics:

The 8 Most Dangerous Cities in Texas: A Quick Look

1. Palmview,TX

If you’ve been to Texas, you’ve probably heard about or even visited Hidalgo County. A county named after Miguel Hidalgo Costilla, a priest who became famous after calling for the independence of Mexico from Spain. In Hidalgo, you’ll find Palmview, a city that has a population of only 5,776 people as of 2020.

This is a clear indication that the population has grown by 5.79%, since the 2010 census had it at 5,460. And when you check out its density figures, you’ll find that it’s 2,059 people per square mile.

According to the Council for Community and Economic Research data, the cost-of-living index of Palmview city stands at 76%. It’s 24% lower than the national average (which is assumed to be 100% by the way), and 16% lower than that of Texas (92%).

The American Community Survey (ACS) says its average household income is $42,946. It’s also important to add that Palmview has a poverty rate of 29.57%, which is significantly higher than the national average.

As of december 2021, the FBI reported that the violent crime rate in Palmview City is currently at 1,860 per 100,000 people, with the murder rate at 17.2. The property crime rate, on the other hand, is at 4,754 per 100,000 people.

If we draw parallels to the national average which stands at 388 and 1.958 respectively, we won’t be wrong to assume this city is one of the most dangerous cities in the state.

2. Houston,TX

With a population of 2,323,660, it’s quite obvious why Houston has not only been ranked as the 4th largest city in the nation, but also the largest in Texas. This is a 10% increment from the previous figure which was 2,099,450. The annual growth rate is also significantly high,as it recorded 0.07%.

Why would anybody want to move to Houston? Well for starters, it has incredible weather. And who doesn’t love sunshine?

Secondly, its cost-of-living index is 94%. Meaning, in comparison to other cities in the States, it will cost you 6% less to live in Houston. Additionally, the job market has been booming for a couple of years now, and the average household income is $84,179.

If you’re interested in properties, you should know the median house value is $171,800, and that of rental costs is 1,041 per month.

Crime is a big, big problem in Houston, Texas. The number of property crimes reported as of december 2021 is 98,043, while that of violent crime is. That equates to the crime rate being 4,179 and 1,256 per 100,000 people, respectively.

The murder rate was reported to be 17 per 100,000 people, and experts believe this high number could be influenced by the high poverty rate which stands at 20.06%.

3. Beaumont,TX

Even though Lubbock isn’t as famous as Houston, it’s still ranked as one of the best cities in the United States. But those statistics have only been based on their education systems, health care, and more importantly, economics.

If you want to start a business, you’re always encouraged to explore options in Lubbock. Why? Because one; it’s easier to work with local authorities; two, the commercial rental spaces are a lot cheaper; and three, the city is strategically located.

The population is 263,648 and the growth rate is estimated to be 0.92% annually. Unlike other cities, its growth rate has been consistent, and now you know why.

Lubbock’s cost of living index is 13% below that of the national average. The average household income is $71,237, and the median rental and house value costs are $955 and $140,800 per month. Sadly though, the poverty rate is 20.14%, probably due to crime.

The number of violent and property crimes reported as of December 2021 were disproportionately higher than those in other cities. The property crime rate stood at 4,108 per 100,000, while that of violent crimes was 1,088 per 100,000. Murder was at 10.7 per 100,000.

5. Bellmead,TX

If you’re visiting Bellmead for the first time, you’ll think it’s just some sleepy little suburb, with average looking people who’re only interested in going about their businesses. But that’s the thing about cities and towns that look like paradise. There’s always something weird going on behind those curtains.

The recently released FBI report painted a grim picture of what it’s like to live in Bellmead. This small city with a population of 10,814, was listed as one of the most dangerous in Texas. And from what we’ve gathered, this has been the status quo for the past 5 years.

The violent crime rate is 1,052 per 100,000 persons, indicating it’s 63% above the national average. The property crime rate is 5,159 per 100,000 persons, and murder (an offense considered a capital crime) has a rate of 18.5 per 100,000 persons.

From these statistics alone, you can understand why the housing index of Bellmead is only at 49%. Finding a nice home is pretty easy, but that’s only because residents are relocating to other cities.

The poverty rate is 19.44%, and the income earned per household on average is $46,310.

6. Humble,TX

Before 1904, Humble was practically a ghost town—not much was going on there. But then oil was discovered that year, and this small city became the largest oil producing city in Texas.

It experienced a drastic growth in business and population within a short period, and as anticipated, the economy improved tremendously. Regrettably, that growth also came with its fair share of challenges. Increased crime rates being one of them.

If you go back 10, 20, or even 30 years, you’ll realize Humble has always made the list of cities grappling with high crime rates. As of last year, they had a property crime rate of 8,352 per 100,000 people, and a violent crime rate of 1,025 per 100,000 people. Murder stood at 18.9 per 100,000 people.

Transportation, health care, housing, and utilities are so affordable, and the reason why the cost-of-living index stands at 90%. However, this shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the rate of murder alone will make you think the city is one of the cities in “Purge the Movie.”

7. Amarillo,TX

You cannot get to the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, before passing through Amarillo city. It’s like the gateway to the park, and the 16th most populous city in Texas.

The current population is 199,747, with a density estimated to be 1,963 people per square mile. You’ll also be interested to learn that its growth rate has gone up over the years, by 4.75%.

You’re likely to spend less while living in Amarillo, compared to other cities. This is because the cost-of-living index is 83%, 17% lower than the national average. The poverty rate is at 15.08%, even though over 20% of adults are believed to have graduated from college.

Crime in Amarillo has drastically increased over the years. And this fact has been supported by the just released FBI report. There was a spike in the murder rate, and current figure stand at 7.5 per 100,000 people.

Rape, robbery, and assault were all clustered together as violent crimes, and they rose to 829.3 per 100,000 people. 3,679 residents out of 100,000 reported their goods stolen.

8. Livingston, TX

Livingston has a population of 5,440 and is listed as the 4538^th largest city in the US. The property crime rate as of December last year, was 4,809 per 100,000 people. That of violent crime slightly dropped to 420 per 100,000 people, but don’t be fooled by these numbers. The only reason why they are lower than previous years is because of the pandemic. Covid is the reason why Livingston managed to report zero murder incidences in the last 12 months.

The poverty rate is still high at 17.14%, and the annual income earned per household averages $53,271.

How To Reduce The Risk Of Becoming A Victim

First off, we feel it’s important to let you know that anyone can become a victim in Texas. It doesn’t matter if you’re old, young, or a martial artist. Secondly, if you’ve found yourself in such a situation before, you don’t have to beat yourself up. These things happen even if we’re vigilant.

And lastly, if that experience has affected your life to a point where you no longer feel productive, you should seek professional help. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help.

You May Also Like:

• 10 Safest Cities in Kentucky (With Pictures)
• 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Pennsylvania

Conclusion

While compiling this list, we made a small discovery. Clearly, there’s a strong correlation between wealth and safety. You’ll find that the most dangerous cities and neighborhoods and the ones that face issues such as high unemployment, low average household income, poor healthcare, etc.

Featured Image Credit:  Downtown Amarillo Texas (Image Credit: The Erica Chang, Wikimedia Commons CC BY 3.0)