Belton, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Belton, TX

The Belton crime rates are 3.1% lower 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 39 violent crimes in Belton (161 per 100,000 people), which is 56.4% lower than the national average and there were a total of 506 property crimes (2092 per 100,000 residents) which is 7% higher than average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Belton per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Belton, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Belton ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Belton, there were a total of 3 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Belton exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 2092 reported property crimes, which closely matches the national average of 1954 per 100,000 people. Consequently, the area's safety profile mirrors that of an average city, neither notably safer nor more dangerous than the norm. This balance suggests that Belton maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Belton?

What do the local residents think about crime in Belton? Well, based on a recent survey of 9 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 44% of Belton residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 56% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Belton a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Belton 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 Belton crime rate is 3% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 1.49 crimes per day - 0.11 violent crimes and 1.39 property crimes.

Has Crime in Belton Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Belton has increased by 3.6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Belton, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 9.3%, while property crime has increased by 4.8%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Belton is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Belton

Belton has a population density of 1096.1 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Belton crime rates.

The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Belton, 76.1% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

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 Belton, the average rental rates are $967 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Belton crime map