Gonzales, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Gonzales, TX

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Gonzales is 39% 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 Gonzales, there were 105 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1481 per 100,000 individuals, 300.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 124 property crimes, amounting to 1749 per 100,000 residents, 10.5% lower than the U.S. average.

With a violent crime rate of 1481 crimes per 100,000 residents, Gonzales is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, Gonzales ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 68 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.

While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Gonzales stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Gonzales, a total of 1 murders were reported, equating to 14 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.

Gonzales maintains a property crime rate that closely resembles the national norm. In Gonzales, 1749 property crimes were reported, aligning with the national average of 1954 per 100,000 individuals. Consequently, the area's safety profile stands on par with the average city, neither significantly safer nor more dangerous. This consistency underscores a balanced commitment to community safety and security, providing residents with a stable and reassuring living environment.

Is Gonzales a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Gonzales is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Gonzales has a total crime rate that is 39% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.63 daily crimes (0.29 violent daily crimes and 0.34 daily property crimes) in Gonzales.

Has Crime in Gonzales 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 Gonzales 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 Gonzales has increased by 5.5% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 13.9% and property crime has increased by 30.5%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Gonzales

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 Gonzales, 62.5% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Gonzales, the cost of living is 14.6% lower than the national average.

Gonzales has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 3.39 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.

Gonzales crime map