11 Most Dangerous Cities In Texas To Avoid In 2023

With the hope of good opportunities and a better standard of living, people are moving to Texas. However, the question is, Is Texas capable of offering “good opportunities” to the sudden growth of the growing population? 

Unfortunately, with good opportunities, and a rich and varied lifestyle, Texas also comes with the most dangerous city to reside in.  

If you are moving to Texas and do not know which places to avoid then the list of the most dangerous cities in Texas with all information will help you to decide.

What are the Most Dangerous Cities in Texas? 

1. Humble

• Population: 17,127
• Violent Crime Rate: 9.82
• Property Crime Rate: 81.63
• Poverty Rate: 16.5%
• Unemployment Rate: 8.0%

In the suburbs of Houston sits a small quiet oil booming city named Humble, Texas. In the 1990s, oil was discovered and that resulted in an increase in population and wealth consumption in the city.

However, the increase in the number of crimes in Humble, made it the most dangerous city in Texas. According to CrimeGrade.org, Humble scores grade “F” in terms of crime. 

Moreover, in 2017, Humble was ranked 12th by SafeWise as the most dangerous city in the United States. Furthermore, Humble scored “F” in violent crime and “C-“for miscellaneous crime. 

The cost of living as well as housing costs in Humble is less compared to other cities in Texas. The medium home value is around $190,900. However, the high crime rate and low average education quality resulted in not being an ideal place to settle down. 

On the other hand, residents reported very low-income levels to survive a good standard of living. Bordersville and the City Center of Humble have been marked as the most dangerous places.

2. Bellmead

• Population: 10,612
• Violent Crime Rate: 10.86
• Property Crime Rate: 53.27
• Poverty Rate: 21.5%
• Unemployment Rate: 6%

In the suburbs of Waco in McLennan County sits Bellmead, a sparse suburban city in Texas. Traffic is low compared to other cities in Texas, hence the environment is peaceful.  

Bellmead has been ranked as the 30th most dangerous city in the United States with 110.5 property crimes at a time. In 2017 Bellmead was ranked 10th by SafeWise in terms of danger and violence.

However, the city records less crime at night through Uber drivers, alone women traveling, or thefts of amounts of cash. In terms of education, Nice has graded Bellmead as “B”. Only a handful of good-quality schools are available. 

The median household income of a resident in Bellmead is around $41,696, which is comparatively low to other cities in Texas. The sales tax rate is 6.8% and the property tax is 1.8 %. The high crime rate and property tax rate resulted in more susceptible crime.

On the other hand, a lot of allergens in the air in that hot and humid climate make it a very uncomfortable place to live in. If you are allergic to grasses, pollen, and trees then it’s better to stay away from Bellmead.

3. Houston

• Population: 2,345,606
• Violent Crime Rate: 12.82
• Property Crime Rate: 43.06 (crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Poverty Rate: 21.2%
• Unemployment Rate: 4.1 %

Houston sits on the southeast corner of the Texas Triangle with more than 2.3 million people residing on 637 square miles. Moreover, vibrant and booming urban culture cannot display the real truth about its crime rates. 

Houston is the most dangerous place in Texas, reporting 24,330 violent crimes, 95,926 property crimes, 55% reported assault and more. A person in an interview stated that crime in Houston happens 81% more frequently compared to other parts of Texas.  

Houston, Texas has been named as “five surprisingly dangerous big cities in America” by Saftey.com. Houston recorded vehicle and assault theft as relatively high. The average 1 and 2-bedroom apartment medium rental price is around $ 12500 to $1625 respectively. 

On the other hand, the sales tax in Houston is 8.25%. As per the research laid down by the SmartAsset, residents of Houston pay the highest property taxes. If you are still planning to shift to Houston then preferably avoid Far North (crime rate is 95% higher than the national average), Dowling and McGowen Streets. 

4. Amarillo 

• Population: 202, 33
• Violent Crime Rate: 8.36 (crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Property Crime Rate: 36.82 (crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Poverty Rate: 15.4%
• Unemployment Rate: 2.7 %

Amarillo is a big city located in the Panhandle region of Texas, famous for its cattle ranching and meat supply. It is also called the Yellow City because of the soil color. 

Although Amarillo is one of the of most liberal cities in Texas, according to FBI crime statistics, Amarillo is considered the fifth most dangerous city in Texas in 2014. Sadly, the report also states that Amarillo falls 14th lowest in terms of a police investigations regarding crime in the city. 

In 2019, available data shows that police recorded a total of 1447 violent crimes. The reason behind such a high crime rate is lower income and high poverty rates. The average price of homes is around $ 190,000, which is relatively low compared to other cities. 

On the other hand, Amarillo is considered the hub of medical facilities and has good quality cardiology centers. However, if you are settling in Amarillo, avoid Maverick St Area, Mockingbird Ln, E. Hastings Ave. area, and Front Blvd area as they are the most dangerous neighborhoods.

5. Dallas

• Population: 1,325,691
• Violent Crime Rate: 8.84 (crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Property Crime Rate: 36.51 (crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Poverty Rate: 21.8%
• Unemployment Rate: 3.3 %

Dallas is the growing northeastern city in Texas, with medium risk due to the increasing crime rate and homicide rate. 

As per the report, violent crime started to rise in 2015, because of population growth and a lack of job opportunities. In 2019, SafeWise ranked Dallas as the thirteenth most dangerous city in the United States.

However, Dallas is recorded as the highest crime rate city in Texas but change is possibly expected due to a new “29-page Violent Crime Reduction Plan”. In 2022, hundreds of purse snatching cases were reported.

Furthermore, in a city where the President can be killed, it’s a huge concern for the normal people of their security. On the higher hand, the sexual assault cases in Dallas in also high, hence, guard and protect yourself from any mishap. 

According to Zillow, the medium cost of home value in Dallas is $370,000. A neighborhood like Plano and Frisco are desirable and safe compared to areas in Wolf Creek, and Cedar Crest. 

6. Texarkana

• Population: 36,149
• Violent Crime Rate: 4.48 (crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Property Crime Rate: 43.74 (crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Poverty Rate: 21.9%
• Unemployment Rate: 4.1 %

Approximately 180 miles from Dallas sits Texarkana, a city of Bowie County, Texas. Texarkana is gifted with an Instagrammable ambiance and booming textile manufacturing companies. 

There has been a huge debate on Texarkana’s safety concerns, as per Police Chief Kevin Schutte, Texarkana is “really very safe”. In contrast to that SafeWise graded Texarkana in 2019 as the most dangerous city in Texas. 

The crime rates are 78% higher compared to other cities in Texas. 24/7 Wall St. analysis also examines Texarkana as one of the dangerous cities with a high violent crime rate. On the other hand, the presence of Red River Army Depot on the west side of Texas City also poses a huge threat to your safety.

Moreover, as the FBI reports since 2017, the rate of property crime and serious violent crimes are decreasing by 12-19%. You can plan to shift to Texarkana as crime cannot be the only factor to move into a new city. 

The average cost of a single-family in Texarkana is $137,405 which is low in other states in the United States. However, the average property tax rate is 1.5%. Moreover, the south side of the town is not safe as the crime rates are high. 

7. Beaumont 

• Population: 114,680
• Violent Crime Rate: 12.41 (crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Property Crime Rate: 33.86 (crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Poverty Rate: 18.9%
• Unemployment Rate: 6.5 %

Beaumont is a medium size city in the state of Texas of Jefferson County. Beaumont has been able to combine diversity and culture making it a primary reason for people to settle down. 

However, “a great city to live in” is very subjective as it differs from person to person. Per FBI crime report released in 2018 states that there were 13 murders and 99 rapes which are higher compared to Houston’s crime rate. 

Furthermore, as per the report, Beaumont is the top dangerous city in Texas as it ranked third in all violent crimes per capita regardless of the police presence. Remember, late-night movement around the city is also a concern. 

CrimeGrade.org listed Beaumont in the 1st percentile for safety and crime. However, for a safe and affordable place to live in Texas, choose Calder Terrace, Calwood Acres, and Lamar U. Remember to avoid the bad areas, Martin Luther King St, and West Oakland.

The housing expense in Beaumont is more affordable as the medium home cost is $ 135,200. Also, it is one of the leading cities for secondary education. Students dreaming to study liberal arts, business and nursing are most welcome. 

8. Odessa

• Population: 117,326
• Violent Crime Rate: 9.11(crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Property Crime Rate: 27. 87(crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Poverty Rate: 13.0%
• Unemployment Rate: 4.8%

Odessa is the glorious city of Llano Estacado in Western Texas. It was the home to many oil fields that made US president, George H.W. Bush comment, “at Odessa, we became Texans and proud of it”. 

However, as per FBI Uniform Crime Report, in 1980’s Odessa was marked as the most unsafe city in Texas. CrimeGrade.org graded Odessa as “-C” in terms of crime rate and 32nd percentile for safety.

Nonetheless, Odessa might not be appealing in all sectors but the city has good walkability and is safe for women compared to other cities. However, do not forget to maintain the safety measures because as per the report crimes like rape, and robbery and homicide increased by 5% in 2020. 

A recent report released by local police in 2021 confirms that the crime rate is decreasing in Odessa. On the other hand, the education and school structure has received a “B-“rating considered good on state and national levels.

You can choose the neighborhood of John Ben Shepperd Pkwy as their home value is around $199,000 and offers proximity to Memorial park, restaurants, and the University Of Texas Permian Basin.

9. Lubbock 

• Population: 262,655
• Violent Crime Rate: 42.79(crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Property Crime Rate: 11.11(crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Poverty Rate: 19.8 %
• Unemployment Rate: 2.8%

Lubbock, which is also called Hub City sits in the Greater Plains of Texas with a low overall risk ratio. Lubbock is comparatively less dangerous than Humble or Bellmead.

However, Crimegrade.org graded “D” in terms of crime rate and ranked 21st percentile for safety. The common crimes that occur here are vandalism and car theft. 

10. Alamo

• Population: 19,721
• Violent Crime Rate: 5.69 (crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Property Crime Rate: 37.91(crime rate per 1,000 residents)
• Poverty Rate: 29.3 %
• Unemployment Rate: 6.0%

Alamo is a small city in Hidalgo County also named “Land of Two Summers”. The temperature is around 50 Degree Fahrenheit with a pleasantly cool evening.

But, the Dwellics analytics team assigned an Alamo score of 78.3 out of 100 in terms of the safest places to live in America. Crimegrad.org ranked 10th percentile in terms of safety and graded “-D” in terms of crime rate. 

In terms of education, Alamo has average quality with low enrollment for high school. The average salary of a school teacher is around $37,600 annually. The median household income is $39,858 with a 2% average property tax rate. 

As reported by the local police station there is no worry and reason to feel unsafe, moreover, people should follow the safety measures while traveling in public transport or moving around the street at night.

11. Diboll

• Population: 4,393
• Violent Crime Rate: 85% lower than the national average
• Property Crime Rate: 59% lower than the national average
• Poverty Rate: 29.18 %
• Unemployment Rate: 8.1%

Diboll sits east of Texas, amid a natural world filled with beauty and glimmering mists in the air. However, because of its high crime rate, unemployment rate, median income of $ 39,750 and low education quality, Diboll is considered the worst city in Texas.

Conclusion

Summing up everything, these 12 are the most violent cities in Texas and it is better to avoid them for your safety. There are many peaceful communities like Fulshear, Corpus Christi, El Paso or Saint Anthony in Texas that are relatively safe and quiet and ideal for retirees. 

However, I cannot ignore the fact that moving to a new city or settling down in a new city is a big deal in a person’s life. Hereafter, crime plays an important role in whether you will settle down there or not. Therefore, I hope this article on “most dangerous cities in Texas” gave you a clear picture.

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FAQ – Most Dangerous Cities in Texas