Weslaco, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Weslaco, TX

The Weslaco crime rates are 44.6% 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 147 violent crimes in Weslaco (354 per 100,000 people), which is 4.2% lower than the national average and there were a total of 1247 property crimes (3006 per 100,000 residents) which is 53.8% higher than average.

When it comes to violent crimes per 100,000 people, Weslaco maintains a rate that is very similar to the national average. With 354 reported violent crimes, it falls in line with the national average of 370. This alignment suggests that Weslaco shares a similar crime profile with other cities, highlighting its comparable level of safety within the broader urban landscape.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Weslaco?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Weslaco residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 10 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 40% of Weslaco 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, 60% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Weslaco a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Weslaco 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. Weslaco has a total crime rate that is 45% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.82 daily crimes (0.4 violent daily crimes and 3.42 daily property crimes) in Weslaco.

Has Crime in Weslaco 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 Weslaco 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 Weslaco has increased by 4.4% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 23.8% and property crime has increased by 9.2%.

Potential Causes for Crime in Weslaco

In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Weslaco currently has an unemployment rate of 2.3%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.

In Weslaco, the cost of living is 22.62% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

In Weslaco, the median home price stands at $91,500, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

Weslaco crime map