Galveston, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Galveston, 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 Galveston is 46% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 248 violent crimes reported in Galveston, equivalent to 469 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 26.7%. Additionally, Galveston recorded 1548 property crimes, amounting to 2925 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 49.7%.

Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Galveston 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 6 murders in Galveston, which is 11 murders per 100,000 people.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Galveston?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Galveston residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 68 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 31% of Galveston 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, 69% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Galveston a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Galveston 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 Galveston crime rate is 46% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.92 crimes per day - 0.68 violent crimes and 4.24 property crimes.

Has Crime in Galveston Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Galveston. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Galveston has increased by 10%. Violent crimes have decreased by 17.9%, while property crimes have increased by 16.3%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Galveston

Galveston reports an unemployment rate of 4.6%, 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 Galveston crime rates.

Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Galveston crime rates. For instance, in Galveston, the population density stands at 1225.4 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Escalating cost of living expenses, encompassing exorbitant housing costs, grocery and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards criminal activities, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Galveston, the cost of living is 7% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Galveston crime map