Elgin, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Elgin, TX

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Elgin crime rate is lower than the national average by 39.2%. Specifically, there were 18 violent crimes in Elgin, equivalent to 160 per 100,000 individuals, lower than the national average by 56.7%. Furthermore, Elgin recorded 141 property crimes, amounting to 1254 per 100,000 residents, which was lower than the average by 35.8%.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Elgin ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Elgin, there were a total of 3 murders, translating to 27 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

Is Elgin a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Elgin, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Elgin presents a total crime rate that is 39% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Elgin experiences an average of 0.44 daily crimes, comprising 0.05 violent incidents and 0.39 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Elgin Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Elgin. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Elgin has increased by 3.3%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 38.5%, while property crime has increased by 0%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Elgin.

Potential Causes for Crime in Elgin

Elgin has a poverty rate that stands at 14.9, 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 Elgin 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.

Elgin has a population density of 1545.3 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 Elgin crime rates.

In Elgin, the average rental rates are $1,008 per month, compared to the national average of $949. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.

Elgin crime map