Texas Ranks: 10 Most Dangerous Cities Revealed

The Lone Star State is famous for its booming economy, vibrant culture, and sprawling cities. But for the millions who call it home, safety is a top priority. While Texas as a whole has crime rates comparable to other large states, certain cities grapple with disproportionately high levels of violent and property crime.

This guide provides a definitive, data-driven ranking of the 10 most dangerous cities in Texas for 2025. We'll move beyond vague statements to give you the hard numbers, explore the specific safety challenges each city faces, and offer practical solutions to protect your home and family.

How We Ranked the Cities: Our Methodology

To ensure accuracy and objectivity, this ranking is based on the most recent data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. Our primary ranking metric is the rate of violent crime per 1,000 residents. This includes murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. We also include property crime rates to provide a complete picture of public safety in each city.

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The Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Texas for 2025

Here is the statistical breakdown of the Texas cities with the highest rates of violent crime.

1. Beaumont

• Violent Crime Rate: 12.9 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 45.1 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 77

Beaumont leads the list with a violent crime rate that is over three times the national average. The city faces significant challenges with aggravated assaults and robberies. High unemployment and poverty in certain areas are major contributing factors to its position as the most dangerous city in Texas.

Kangaroo Safety Spotlight: In a city with high rates of both violent and property crime, comprehensive coverage is essential. The Kangaroo Complete Protect Plan with 24/7 professional monitoring ensures that police can be dispatched even if you're unable to call for help yourself.

2. Lubbock

• Violent Crime Rate: 11.1 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 38.6 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 90

Often called the "Hub City," Lubbock unfortunately has a violent crime rate that is among the highest in the nation for a city of its size. The primary drivers are high instances of aggravated assault and robbery.

Kangaroo Safety Spotlight: When personal safety is a top concern, knowing who is at your front door is critical. A Kangaroo Video Doorbell allows you to see and speak to anyone on your porch from your phone, helping you vet visitors before opening the door.

3. Houston

• Violent Crime Rate: 10.8 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 42.5 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 92

As Texas's largest city, Houston's high crime numbers are partly due to its massive population. However, its rate of violent crime, particularly murder and robbery, is alarmingly high. Motor vehicle theft is also a major issue, with tens of thousands of vehicles stolen annually.

Kangaroo Safety Spotlight: With vehicle theft being a major problem in Houston, an Outdoor Security Camera aimed at your driveway is a powerful deterrent and can provide crucial evidence to law enforcement if a theft occurs.

4. Dallas

• Violent Crime Rate: 9.2 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 37.0 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 108

Dallas struggles with a violent crime rate that is more than double the national average. Aggravated assaults make up the bulk of these incidents. While the city has made efforts to reduce crime, certain neighborhoods continue to experience high levels of violence.

Kangaroo Safety Spotlight: To secure your home's perimeter, especially in a dense city like Dallas, Kangaroo Entry Sensors on doors and windows provide an immediate alert if a point of entry is breached, giving you vital time to react.

5. Amarillo

• Violent Crime Rate: 8.5 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 39.9 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 117

Located in the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo's crime rates are surprisingly high for its location. Both violent and property crime rates are well above the state average, with theft and assault being common concerns for residents.

Kangaroo Safety Spotlight: For an extra layer of indoor security without invading privacy, Kangaroo Motion Sensors can be placed in key areas like living rooms or hallways. They detect movement and can trigger an alarm to scare off an intruder who has managed to get inside.

6. Corpus Christi

• Violent Crime Rate: 8.1 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 35.5 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 123

This coastal city faces challenges with both violent crime and high rates of property crime, particularly larceny and theft. Its popularity as a tourist destination can sometimes make it a target for opportunistic criminals.

7. San Antonio

• Violent Crime Rate: 7.5 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 40.1 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 133

While beloved for the River Walk, San Antonio has one of the highest property crime rates in the nation. Its violent crime rate, while lower than Houston's or Dallas's, is still significantly elevated compared to the U.S. average.

8. Waco

• Violent Crime Rate: 6.9 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 36.2 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 144

Waco has worked hard to revitalize its image, but it still contends with crime rates that are considerably higher than the state average. Property crime remains a persistent issue for the city.

9. Texarkana

• Violent Crime Rate: 6.5 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 44.8 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 153

Straddling the border with Arkansas, Texarkana has notable issues with crime, especially property crime. Its transient population, due to its location on major interstates, can contribute to these challenges.

10. Odessa

• Violent Crime Rate: 6.2 per 1,000 residents

• Property Crime Rate: 33.4 per 1,000 residents

• Chance of being a victim of violent crime: 1 in 161

This West Texas city, central to the state's oil industry, experiences fluctuations in crime tied to economic booms and busts. However, its violent crime rate has remained stubbornly high.

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A Look at Texas's Safest Cities

For perspective, it's important to highlight the Texas cities renowned for their safety. These communities typically have strong schools, thriving economies, and very low crime rates:

• Frisco

• Plano

• Allen

• McKinney

• Sugar Land

How Texans Protect Themselves: Kangaroo Home Security

For Texans looking to enhance their home protection, Kangaroo Home Security offers an effective and user-friendly solution.

For Texans looking to enhance their home protection, Kangaroo Home Security offers an effective and user-friendly solution. With a range of smart, affordable products, Kangaroo can help safeguard your home against various threats. Here’s how integrating Kangaroo Home Security into your safety strategy can make a difference:

1. Kangaroo Video Doorbell

The Kangaroo Video Doorbell provides a high-definition video feed and two-way audio communication, allowing you to see and speak with visitors at your door from anywhere. This feature is particularly useful for monitoring deliveries and deterring potential thieves, such as porch pirates. With motion detection and night vision capabilities, the video doorbell ensures you can keep an eye on your doorstep around the clock.

2. Indoor and Outdoor Cameras

Kangaroo’s Indoor and Outdoor Cameras offer comprehensive surveillance for both the inside and outside of your home. Equipped with motion detection and night vision features, these cameras provide effective monitoring in various lighting conditions. With 24/7 surveillance, you can stay vigilant and respond swiftly to any suspicious activity.

3. Motion Sensors

Kangaroo’s Motion Sensors are crucial for detecting any movement within your home. Placed strategically, these sensors can alert you to any unusual activity, enhancing your home’s security by providing real-time notifications of potential intrusions.

4. Entry Sensors

The Entry Sensors are designed to monitor doors and windows, alerting you if they are opened unexpectedly. These sensors are essential for detecting unauthorized entry and ensuring that all access points to your home are secure.

Kangaroo Complete and Protect Plan: Ultimate Home Security For Texans

• If you install and subscribe to Kangaroo's Camera Protect Plan or Complete Protect Plan, you'll receive comprehensive coverage for your home security needs. The Camera Protect Plan includes features such as 30-day cloud storage for recorded video footage, enabling you to review and save important events. This includes the $250 Theft + Damage Reimbursement.

• The Complete Protect Plan expands on these benefits by providing additional services like professional monitoring, which connects you to a 24/7 security team that can alert authorities in case of an emergency. This includes a $1000 Theft + Damage Reimbursement.

• We also help with your insurance discounts, making it a valuable investment for your overall home protection. See Dory for more details.

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Kangaroo Home Security: Affordable Solutions That Deliver

Customers love the simplicity, affordability, and peace of mind that Kangaroo brings to their homes. Here's what they have to say:

Exceeded My Expectations "Kangaroo Doorbell Camera works great! Added a motion sensor in my mailbox, and it notifies me when the mail arrives, even beyond the advertised distance. Simple setup. Might upgrade to monitoring service soon."
— StarH, Amazon Verified Purchase

Love My Kangaroo "Living alone, Kangaroo is perfect for knowing who’s at the door. Sends messages to my phone when someone shows up, even if I’m not home. Totally worth it."
— Kim Wilson, Amazon Verified Purchase

Great Value for the Money "Chose Kangaroo over Ring for its price and in-home doorbell sound. Easy to install and set up. Works perfectly for my unique house layout."
— Kimberly C., Amazon Verified Purchase

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Q&A: Understanding Crime Rates in Texas Cities 

• Which city in Texas has the highest violent crime rate?

  According to 2025 data, Beaumont has the highest violent crime rate in Texas, at approximately 12.9 incidents per 1,000 residents

• Which Texas city is considered the murder capital of the state?

  While this can fluctuate annually, cities like Houston and Beaumont frequently report the highest number of homicides per capita, often placing them in the conversation for this unfortunate title.

• What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Houston?

  Areas often cited by local law enforcement and crime statistics as having higher crime rates in Houston include Sunnyside, MacGregor, and parts of the Third and Fifth Wards. It's always best to check up-to-date crime maps for specific addresses.

• Which Texas cities have high poverty rates that contribute to crime?

  Cities in the Rio Grande Valley, such as Brownsville and McAllen, along with areas in Beaumont and southern Dallas, have higher poverty rates which are often correlated with higher crime rates.

• Are smaller towns in Texas safer?

  Generally, yes. Most small towns and suburban cities in Texas are significantly safer than the large urban centers. However, as shown by cities like Beaumont and Lubbock, size is not the only factor; economic conditions play a huge role.

• What are the crime rates in Corpus Christi and San Antonio?

  Corpus Christi has a violent crime rate of 8.1 per 1,000, while San Antonio's is 7.5 per 1,000. Both cities have very high property crime rates, exceeding 35 incidents per 1,000 residents.

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