Texas is a thriving state with a varied populace and lots of interesting cultural things to do. It does, however, have its share of dangerous places and crime, just like any other state. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) lists Beaumont, Houston, and Lubbock as the three most hazardous cities in Texas. The reasons Houston, Texas, is regarded as one of the state’s most dangerous cities will be the main topic of this article.
Violent Crime in Houston
Texas’s largest city and the fourth-biggest in the US is Houston. With a population of more than 2.3 million, it is a busy metropolis. It is a city with a high crime rate, though, especially in some neighborhoods. Houston is the third most hazardous city in Texas, with a violent crime rate of 7.87 per 1,000 people, according to the FBI.
Houston has a violent crime rate that is far higher than the 3.7 violent crimes per 1,000 population that is the national average. The number of homicides in the city increased from 215 in 2019 to 414 in 2021, indicating a significant spike in violent crime. This is an increase of 92% in just two years.
Property Crime in Houston
Houston has a high percentage of property crime in addition to violent crime. Theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary are examples of property crimes. Houston has the sixth-highest property crime rate in Texas, with 40.29 per 1,000 residents, according to the FBI.
At 19.6 property offenses per 1,000 residents, Houston’s rate of property crime is likewise far higher than the national average. Motor vehicle thefts increased from 6,769 in 2019 to 8,285 in 2021, indicating a rise in property crimes in the city in recent years. This is a rise of 22% in just two years.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Houston
Although violence is an issue in all of Houston, some communities experience more crime than others. The Fifth Ward, Third Ward, and South Park are Houston’s most violent areas, according to the Houston Police Department. There is a lot of poverty, unemployment, and crime in these neighborhoods.
The most hazardous neighborhood in the city is the Fifth Ward, which is northeast of downtown Houston and has a violent crime rate of 15.6 per 1,000 residents. The Third Ward, which is situated south of Houston’s downtown, is the city’s second-most dangerous area with a violent crime rate of 13.5 per 1,000 inhabitants.
South Park is the third most hazardous neighborhood in the city, with a violent crime rate of 12.6 per 1,000 residents, southwest of downtown Houston.
Conclusion
Houston, Texas, is a thriving metropolis with a wide range of attractions. It is a city with a high crime rate, though, especially in some neighborhoods. Houston is the third most hazardous city in Texas, with a violent crime rate of 7.87 per 1,000 people, according to the FBI. At 40.29 per 1,000 population, the city also has a high rate of property crime.
Although violence is an issue in all of Houston, some communities experience more crime than others. The city’s most dangerous neighborhoods are South Park, Third Ward, and Fifth Ward because of their high rates of unemployment, poverty, and violence.
Houston has launched several measures, such as youth programs, gun buyback plans, and community policing, to fight crime. To address the underlying issues that contribute to crime in the city, such as unemployment, poverty, and illiteracy, more work must be done.
In conclusion, even though Houston is a fantastic city with a lot to offer, you should be aware of the crime rate and take safety measures to keep your belongings and yourself safe. Together, we can improve Houston’s quality of life and safety for all of its citizens.
