Amarillo, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Amarillo, TX

The Amarillo crime rates are 82.2% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 1537 violent crimes in Amarillo (763 per 100,000 people), which is 106.2% higher than the national average and there were a total of 6997 property crimes (3471 per 100,000 residents) which is 77.6% higher than average.

Amarillo has a crime rate of 4234 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 82.16%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of Amarillo. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

Amarillo ranks among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting violent crime, earning its reputation as one of the nation's most dangerous areas. With a violent crime rate of 763 per 100,000 people, Amarillo is considered one of the most unsafe cities in America. This statistic translates to a 1 in 132 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Amarillo, underscoring the need for increased safety measures and community engagement to improve the city's security.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Amarillo stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Amarillo, there were a total of 23 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Amarillo is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Amarillo reported a total of 932 vehicle thefts, resulting in 462 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 217, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Amarillo?

AreaVibes surveyed 197 local residents in Amarillo to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 27% of people answered that there was very little crime in Amarillo and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 73% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Amarillo a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Amarillo a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Amarillo crime rate is 82% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 23.38 crimes per day - 4.21 violent crimes and 19.17 property crimes.

Has Crime in Amarillo Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Amarillo crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Amarillo has increased by 3.2% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 2.4% and property crime has increased by 3.3%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Amarillo

Amarillo has a poverty rate that stands at 15.4, in contrast to the national average of 15.1. Historically, a direct correlation has been observed between poverty rates and crime stats. Higher poverty rates have led to higher crime rates, while lower poverty rates have led to a reduction in Amarillo crime rates. Income disparities and heightened poverty levels can serve as catalysts for elevated or reduced criminal activity, as individuals may or may not turn to illicit means to fulfill their basic needs. This could be one of many factors that may influence crime.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Amarillo, the cost of living is 16.76% lower than the national average.

The median home price in Amarillo is $138,900, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Amarillo crime map