There is a great deal of variety, history, and culture in the Lone Star State. Big Bend National Park, the Alamo, and the Space Center are all located there, making it one of the most visited states in the nation. Having said that, not everywhere in Texas is hospitable and secure.
The high rates of violent and property crimes in certain Texas towns and localities have given them a reputation for being dangerous. Several sources and assessments have placed the following four Texas locations among the most dangerous in the United States.
Bastrop County
With a population of approximately 9,500, Bastrop is the county seat of Bastrop. Situated close to Bastrop State Park, it boasts a historic downtown and is well-known for its proximity to Austin. On the other hand, Bastrop’s high crime rates make it an unsafe location to live or visit.
The FBI reported 67.77 property crimes per 1,000 residents in Bastrop in 2019, with a violent crime incidence of 10.64 per 1,000 residents. The odds of becoming a victim of a crime in Bastrop are 1 in 21. Robbery, violence, and theft rank high among Bastrop’s most common criminal offenses.
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Bellmead
With a population of approximately 10,000, Bellmead is a small city located in McLennan County. Recognized for its picturesque setting in the “Beautiful Autumn Valley,” it is a member of the Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area. In addition to being one of the 30 most dangerous cities in the United States, the questionable honor of being the most deadly city in Texas also belongs to Bellmead.
Bellmead had a property crime rate of 66.37 per 1,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 12.79 per 1,000 residents, according to the 2019 crime report from the FBI. This works out to a victimization rate of 1 in 22 for Bellmead residents. Bellmead has a high crime rate for severe assault, theft, and burglary.
Lubbock
With a population of around 260,000, Lubbock is a city located in Lubbock County. Texas Tech University is located in this city, which ranks eleventh in the Lone Star State. Buddy Holly was born in Lubbock, and the city has hosted numerous art events and theaters, adding to its renown for cultural history. But it’s also one of the riskiest cities in Texas, ranking fifteenth in the nation for urban violence.
The FBI reported a violent crime rate of 10.94 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 54.16 per 1,000 residents for Lubbock in their 2019 crime report. This suggests that the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime for an individual residing in Lubbock is 1 in 19. Aggravated assault, burglary, and theft rank high among Lubbock’s most common crimes.
Humble
With a population of approximately 15,500, Humble is a city located in Harris County. Near Houston, this city hosts the annual Good Oil Days Festival and is well-known for its oil sector. On the other hand, theft and other forms of property crime are rampant in Humble. The property crime rate in Humble is 100.37 per 1,000 residents, and the theft rate is 77 per 1,000 residents.
As a result, property crimes like burglary, car theft, or larceny affect 1 out of 10 Humble residents. At 9.42 per 1,000 people, Humble’s violent crime rate is over above the U.S. average. Robbery, assault, and rape rank high among Humble’s violent crime statistics.
In summary
There are numerous dangers and obstacles in Texas, but the Lone Star State also has many chances. The high rates of violent and property crimes in certain Texas towns and localities have earned them a reputation as some of the most dangerous in the US. Places like Bastrop, Lubbock, Bellmead, and Humble are on this list.
Although these locations do have some good qualities, they also endanger the well-being of both locals and tourists. As a result, people should be extra careful and vigilant when going to or living in these places so they don’t have to deal with crime and violence.