Texas is a state with a rich history, culture, and diversity. It is also home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, such as the Alamo, the Space Center, and the Big Bend National Park. However, not all places in Texas are safe and welcoming for visitors and residents alike.
Some towns and cities in the Lone Star State have earned a reputation for being dangerous, due to their high rates of violent and property crimes. Here are four Texas destinations that have been named among the most dangerous towns in the US, based on various sources and rankings.
Bellmead
Bellmead is a small city in McLennan County, with a population of about 10,000 people. It is part of the Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area, and is known for its scenic location in the “Beautiful Autumn Valley”. However, Bellmead also has the dubious distinction of being the most dangerous city in Texas, and one of the 30 most dangerous cities in the US.
According to the FBI’s 2019 crime report, Bellmead had a violent crime rate of 12.79 per 1,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 66.37 per 1,000 residents. This means that individuals in Bellmead have a 1 in 22 chance of becoming a crime victim. The most common crimes in Bellmead are aggravated assault, burglary, and theft.
Humble
Humble is a city in Harris County, with a population of about 15,500 people. It is located near Houston, and is known for its oil industry and its annual Good Oil Days Festival. However, Humble is also a hotspot for property crime, especially theft. In Humble, the theft rate is 77 for every 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate is 100.37 per 1,000 residents.
This means that individuals in Humble have a 1 in 10 chance of experiencing property crime, such as burglary, vehicle theft, or larceny. Humble also has a high violent crime rate of 9.42 per 1,000 residents, which is more than twice the national average. The most common violent crimes in Humble are robbery, assault, and rape.
Lubbock
Lubbock is a city in Lubbock County, with a population of about 260,000 people. It is the 11th largest city in Texas, and the home of Texas Tech University. Lubbock is famous for its cultural heritage, as the birthplace of Buddy Holly, and the host of various art shows and theatres. However, Lubbock is also one of the most dangerous cities in Texas, and the 15th most dangerous city in the US.
According to the FBI’s 2019 crime report, Lubbock had a violent crime rate of 10.94 per 1,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 54.16 per 1,000 residents. This means that individuals in Lubbock have a 1 in 19 chance of becoming a crime victim. The most common crimes in Lubbock are aggravated assault, burglary, and theft.
Bastrop
Bastrop is a city in Bastrop County, with a population of about 9,500 people. It is located near Austin, and is known for its historic downtown and its proximity to the Bastrop State Park. However, Bastrop is also a dangerous place to live or visit, due to its high crime rates.
According to the FBI’s 2019 crime report, Bastrop had a violent crime rate of 10.64 per 1,000 residents, and a property crime rate of 67.77 per 1,000 residents. This means that individuals in Bastrop have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a crime victim. The most common crimes in Bastrop are robbery, assault, and theft.
Conclusion
Texas is a state with many attractions and opportunities, but also with many risks and challenges. Some of the towns and cities in Texas have been named among the most dangerous in the US, due to their high rates of violent and property crimes. These destinations are Bellmead, Humble, Lubbock, and Bastrop.
While these places may have some positive aspects, they also pose a threat to the safety and security of visitors and residents alike. Therefore, travelers and locals should exercise caution and awareness when visiting or living in these areas, and avoid unnecessary exposure to crime and violence.