Texas, the second-largest state in the United States, is known for its rich heritage, development, education, and technology. However, it is also known for its crime rates, which can be particularly high in some cities. In this article, we will explore the most dangerous cities in Texas, including Amarillo, and the crime rate trends in the state.
Crime Rate Trends in Texas
Texas has a higher crime rate than the national average, but it is safer than neighboring states Arkansas and Louisiana. The Texas Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program collects crime statistics from over 1000 agencies, which are available on the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer (CDE). Despite the higher crime rates, Texas has the second-to-lowest crime rates in the West South Central region of the United States.
The most recent publication of The Texas Crime Report provides crime rate data by category. In 2022, there were 1,242,661 total crimes reported in Texas, with 136,316 of them being violent crimes and 1,106,345 being property crimes. The violent crime rate was 520.4 per 100,000 population, while the property crime rate was 4,491.1 per 100,000 population.
Amarillo: A City with a High Crime Rate
Amarillo, a city in the Texas Panhandle, has a population of around 200,000 people. It is ranked as the second most dangerous city in Texas, with a violent crime rate of 1.2 times the national average. The main crimes committed in Amarillo to get on this list are burglary and arson.
Despite the high crime rate, not all crime in Amarillo is violent. A lot of crime that seems to happen here is more along the lines of theft and drug busts, which are less dangerous.
What Are the Crime Rates in Amarillo, Texas
The crime rates in Amarillo, Texas are significantly higher than the national average. Here is a breakdown of the crime statistics in Amarillo:
The overall crime rate in Amarillo is 82% higher than the national average, with 23.38 crimes reported per day.
In terms of violent crimes, Amarillo had a total of 1,537 violent crimes reported, translating to a rate of 763 per 100,000 people, which is 106.2% higher than the national average.
Property crimes in Amarillo totaled 6,997, with a rate of 3,471 per 100,000 residents.
The city has seen an increase in total crime by 3.2% year over year, with violent crime increasing by 2.4% and property crime increasing by 3.3%.
Amarillo’s poverty rate stands at 15.4%, slightly higher than the national average of 15.1%, and there is a historical correlation between poverty rates and crime rates.
The cost of living in Amarillo is 16.76% lower than the national average, with a median home price of $138,900 compared to the national average of $184,700.
Efforts to address the high crime rates in Amarillo are crucial for improving safety and the overall desirability of the city. Factors such as poverty rates and cost of living can influence criminal activity, highlighting the importance of community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives to create a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.
What Are the Most Common Types of Crime in Nearby Cities
The most common types of crime in nearby cities, including Amarillo, vary depending on the specific location. However, some of the most common types of crime in Texas include:
1. Violent crimes: These include homicides, aggravated assaults, and gun assaults. According to the FBI, homicides are receding from their peak in 2021 but are still 15% higher than the 2014 rate, which is the lowest level since World War II.
2. Property crimes: These include thefts from motor vehicles, shoplifting, robberies, burglaries, and larcenies. According to the FBI, motor vehicle theft is another offense that exceeds pre-2020 levels, with much of the increase likely due to thefts of Kia and Hyundai models.
3. Drug offenses: The number of drug offenses increased by 1% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
4. Domestic violence incidents: These increased by 0.3% in 11 cities during the first half of 2023 compared to the first half of 2022.
5. Crimes at apartment complexes: Apartment complexes are the number one most common location for violent crimes, with a high turnover rate and little control over who comes in and out, leading to a dangerous mix.
6. Crimes at convenience stores and gas stations: Over 5% of violent crimes in 2020 can be attributed to convenience stores and gas stations, which are common places for loitering, harassment, carjackings, robberies, and shootings.
7. Crimes at budget motels: Budget motels have higher crime rates than other overnight accommodations, with problems such as disturbances, domestic violence, theft, public drinking, vandalism, prostitution, trafficking, drug dealing and use, fights, drug labs, sexual assault, and robbery.
Conclusion
Texas is a state with a high crime rate, particularly in some cities. Amarillo is one of the most dangerous cities in the state, with a violent crime rate of 1.2 times the national average. While crime is a concern in Amarillo, it is important to remember that not all crime is violent and that safety measures can be taken to protect oneself and one’s property. Understanding the crime rate trends and the most dangerous cities in Texas can help individuals make informed decisions about where to work, travel, or live in the state.
