Fort Worth, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Fort Worth, TX

The Fort Worth crime rates are 39.5% 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 4765 violent crimes in Fort Worth (502 per 100,000 people), which is 35.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 25989 property crimes (2740 per 100,000 residents) which is 40.2% higher than average.

While murder rates in the United States have shown a consistent decline since 1990, recent years have witnessed an increase. Unfortunately, Fort Worth ranks among the cities with the highest murder rates in the nation, when compared to all reporting cities in the U.S. In Fort Worth, there were a total of 100 murders, translating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This alarming statistic underscores the need for heightened attention to community safety and crime prevention efforts in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Fort Worth?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Fort Worth residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 204 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 43% of Fort Worth 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, 57% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Fort Worth a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Fort Worth, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Fort Worth presents a total crime rate that is 39% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Fort Worth experiences an average of 84.26 daily crimes, comprising 13.05 violent incidents and 71.2 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 Fort Worth Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Fort Worth. 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 Fort Worth has increased by 2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 10%, while property crime has increased by 4.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Fort Worth.

Fort Worth Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Fort Worth region comprises an array of over 16 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Fort Worth are exemplars such as Far Southwest, Downtown and Tcu-West Cliff, whereas Southside, South East and Western Hills-Ridglea grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Fort Worth

Fort Worth reports an unemployment rate of 3.9%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. Constrained employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-paying positions can contribute to elevated rates of unemployment and underemployment. Areas where individuals contend with joblessness or insufficient wages may display heightened susceptibility to an increase in criminal activities attributed to economic insecurity. Conversely, regions characterized by robust employment rates often witness a decrease in overall Fort Worth crime rates.

Fort Worth has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.52 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.

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 Fort Worth, the average rental rates are $1,115 per month, compared to the national average of $949.

Fort Worth crime map