Balch Springs, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Balch Springs, TX

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Balch Springs is 49.8% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 129 violent crimes reported in Balch Springs, equivalent to 478 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 29.3%. Additionally, Balch Springs recorded 810 property crimes, amounting to 3003 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 53.7%.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Balch Springs has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 3 murders in Balch Springs, which is 11 murders per 100,000 people.

The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Balch Springs is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Balch Springs reported a total of 246 vehicle thefts, resulting in 912 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 110, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Balch Springs?

AreaVibes surveyed 26 local residents in Balch Springs to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 15% of people answered that there was very little crime in Balch Springs and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 85% 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 Balch Springs a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Balch Springs 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 Balch Springs crime rate is 50% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 2.57 crimes per day - 0.35 violent crimes and 2.22 property crimes.

Has Crime in Balch Springs Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Balch Springs has decreased by 2.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Balch Springs is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 19.9%, while property crime has decreased by 0.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Balch Springs.

Potential Causes for Crime in Balch Springs

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Balch Springs crime rates. In Balch Springs, the poverty rate stands at 14.1%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

In Balch Springs, the current unemployment rate stands at 6.5%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Balch Springs crime rates.

High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Balch Springs, the average rental rates are $1,024 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Balch Springs crime map