Port Lavaca, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Port Lavaca, 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 Port Lavaca is 10.8% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 22 violent crimes reported in Port Lavaca, equivalent to 199 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 46.2%. Additionally, Port Lavaca recorded 207 property crimes, amounting to 1874 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 4.1%.

When assessing the overall crime rate in Port Lavaca 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, underscores the close alignment of reported Port Lavaca crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

In the latest reported crime year, Port Lavaca recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.

Port Lavaca exhibits a property crime rate closely aligned with the national average. There were 1874 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 Port Lavaca maintains a consistent approach to property crime prevention in line with the broader national landscape.

Is Port Lavaca a Safe Place to Live?

Is Port Lavaca a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Port Lavaca has a crime rate that is lower than the national average by 11%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.63 daily incidents, encompassing 0.06 violent crimes and 0.57 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Port Lavaca as a potential place to call home.

Has Crime in Port Lavaca Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Port Lavaca has increased by 64.8%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Port Lavaca, 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 29%, while property crime has increased by 91.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Port Lavaca is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Port Lavaca

Port Lavaca reports an unemployment rate of 2.2%, 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 Port Lavaca crime rates.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Port Lavaca, 71.7% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, 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 Port Lavaca, the cost of living is 17.41% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Port Lavaca crime map