Wichita Falls, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Wichita Falls, TX

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Wichita Falls crime rate is higher than the national average by 43.6%. Specifically, there were 486 violent crimes in Wichita Falls, equivalent to 470 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 27.2%. Furthermore, Wichita Falls recorded 2964 property crimes, amounting to 2868 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 46.8%.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Wichita Falls stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Wichita Falls, there were a total of 14 murders, translating to 14 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Wichita Falls?

AreaVibes surveyed 49 local residents in Wichita Falls to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 37% of people answered that there was very little crime in Wichita Falls and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 63% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.

Is Wichita Falls a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Wichita Falls is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Wichita Falls has an overall crime rate that is 44% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 9.45 daily occurrences, comprising 1.33 violent crimes and 8.12 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Wichita Falls as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Wichita Falls Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Wichita Falls has decreased by 10%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Wichita Falls, 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 18.9%, while property crime has decreased by 8.3%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Wichita Falls is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Wichita Falls

The economic well-being of a city's residents plays a significant role in crime rates. High poverty rates and income inequality can lead to increased crime stats as individuals may resort to illegal activities to meet their basic needs. While lower rates could lead to a lower Wichita Falls crime rate. The poverty level in Wichita Falls is 19.7%, while the national average is 15.1%.

The educational level within a community can have an influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of education are associated with reduced crime rates, as they offer individuals improved employment prospects and alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment tends to correspond with higher crime rates. In Wichita Falls, 77.1% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which differs from the national average of 83%.

The median home price in Wichita Falls is $104,800, compared to the national average of $184,700. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.

Wichita Falls crime map