Baytown, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Baytown, TX

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Baytown is 86.9% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Baytown, there were 358 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 439 per 100,000 individuals, 18.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 3182 property crimes, amounting to 3905 per 100,000 residents, 99.8% higher than the U.S. average.

Having a crime rate of 4345 per 100,000 residents, Baytown experiences a crime rate that is 86.94% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Baytown contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

With a property crime rate of 3905 crimes per 100,000 people, Baytown unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Baytown is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 26, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Baytown faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 519 vehicle thefts, translating to 637 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Baytown in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 157.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Baytown?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Baytown residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 31 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 39% of Baytown residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 61% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Baytown a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Baytown is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Baytown has an overall crime rate that is 87% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 9.7 daily occurrences, comprising 0.98 violent crimes and 8.72 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Baytown as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Baytown 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 Baytown 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 Baytown has increased by 17.8% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 24.3% and property crime has increased by 17.2%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Baytown

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 Baytown crime rates. In Baytown, the poverty rate stands at 17.3%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Baytown, 72.9% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Baytown, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.59, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

Baytown crime map