What part of Texas is the safest?

Is Texas Safe To Live? (Crime, Weather + Animals)

You’re considering moving to Texas, but is it safe to live there? You love BBQ, fried food, football, and rodeos. But moving is a massive decision, so let’s research before you sell your home to buy a ranch.

Texas has some incredible attractions but isn’t the safest place to live. It’s on the list of the most violent states. The state is prone to severe weather and has many deadly snakes, spiders, and other dangerous animals. However, it is a popular living place as people adjust to the lifestyle.

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Is Texas A Safe Place To Live?

When looking for a safe place to live, factors like the crime rate, severe weather, and deadly creatures in the vicinity could play a part in the choice of location. Texas is the second-largest state in the US, with over 1200 cities and towns of various sizes. The crime rates will vary depending on each area’s location, size, and poverty rates.

If severe weather is a concern when deciding where to live, it’s worth finding out which areas experience the fewest hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Remember that Texas forms part of the Tornado Alley and the Flash Flood Alley.

When it comes to dangerous animals, every city or town has its scary critters, and Texas is no exception with its selection of snakes, spiders, scorpions, and deadly sea life, to name a few.

So let’s examine these factors more closely to see which can be overlooked to classify Texas as safe enough to live in and which are non-negotiable (e.g., some of us are not prepared to live with snakes).

Texas Crime Rates

A business news website called 24/7 Wall Street listed the 15 most violent states using information from the FBI’s 2021 Uniform Crime Report. The website classified offenses into homicide, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery. Each state on the list topped the national rate of 334 violent crimes for every 100 000 people.

Texas had the most violent crimes, with more than 115 000, and ranked the highest in the homicide category, reaching almost 2000. Texas was eleventh on the top 15 most dangerous states, with 391.1 crimes for every 100 000 people.

Poverty Is A Cause Of Crime In Texas

The Lone Star State also ranked ninth on the poverty rate list at 14.2%. According to the 24/7 Wall Street site, violent crime rates and poverty always correlate, and this report confirms the tendency.

Statistically, crime is also linked to unemployment, which causes poverty, and the poorer the area, the higher the crime rate tends to be.

Most Dangerous Cities In Texas

According to Home Security Shield, the ten most dangerous cities in Texas are:

• Bellmead
• Texarkana
• Lufkin
• Amarillo
• San Antonio
• Lubbock
• Houston
• Beaumont
• Humble
• Corpus Christi

Is The Crime Rate Due To Weak Border Control In Texas?

The crime rate has some deeper issues, though. The Texas Department of Public Safety released a report pointing at legal and illegal aliens committing a significant proportion of the state’s crimes.

READ Do Texas Chickens Qualify for Ag Exemption in Texas?

The report shows that between June 2011 and June 2021, more than 344 000 foreign nationals spent time in Texan jails, and at least 235 000 of those were illegal aliens.

Do The Gun Laws Make Texas Unsafe?

That is a loaded question that could cause a violent debate. A 2015 study using FBI data showed that firearm assaults occurred 6.8 times more often in states with more guns.

Does The Crime Rate Make Texas Unsafe To Live?

Yes, the Texan crime rate ranks above the national average, but it’s not reasonable to tar all towns and cities in the state with the same brush. Bigger cities often have higher crime rates, with the most crime occurring in the poorer suburbs where unemployment is high. This is a universal concept.

If you have a choice in where to live, do your research and find the best area you can afford with the lowest crime rate. Crime is a fact of life in modern times, but if you learn to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions, you stand a better chance of living safely in Texas.

Is It Safe To Live In Texas With The Severe Weather?

Texas weather can be severe, with the Lone Star state experiencing tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, and extreme heat, which can all cause damage.

Tornadoes In Texas

Tornadoes hit Texas from April to June yearly, with Houston experiencing the most in the state. While they vary in severity and the amount of destruction they cause, most towns experience them at some stage. Texas averages 132 tornadoes per year.

Between 1950 and 2021, Houston endured 242 tornadoes. Plainview had the second most tornadoes during that period, numbering 132. The deadliest tornado that ever hit Texas was in Waco in 1953, which destroyed over 600 homes and killed 144 people. The leading cause of death in a tornado is flying debris.

While Texas experiences the most tornadoes in the US annually, most are weak and run out of energy after about 10 minutes.

Hurricanes In Texas

Hurricanes are another feature of the state’s unpleasant weather features. They don’t occur as often as tornadoes, approximately every three years. Since 1851, Texas has experienced 66 hurricanes, with 26 ranking category three or higher. See below for the categories of all 66 Texan hurricanes:

• Category 1: 27
• Category 2: 13
• Category 3: 16
• Category 4: 10
• Category 5: 0

Some extreme hurricanes are listed in the table below:

Is It Safe To Live In Texas With Dangerous Creatures?

Texas is the second-largest US state, measuring 268 597 square miles. The vegetation and geography vary greatly, including deserts, mountains, grasslands, farms, ranches, and the long coastal section of the Gulf of Mexico. The world’s largest barrier island also belongs to Texas.

Texas has its share of creepy crawlies and other monsters that might be deal-breakers for some people wanting to move there. Let’s look at the critters that could threaten lives or sanity.

Venomous snakes

Texas has four types of venomous snakes. The first is the infamous rattlesnake, which comes in about seven varieties in Texas. The others are the cottonmouth (water moccasin), pit viper (copperhead), and coral snake.

Around half the bites of venomous snakes are “dry”; the venom doesn’t get injected into the victim. The annual death rate due to snake bites in Texas is 1-2 people. While we feel bad for them, it means that the chance of dying via a snake bit is extremely low in Texas.

Poisonous Spiders

Texas is home to 2 types of poisonous spiders: the black widow spider and the brown recluse. A bite from the black widow can lead to severe systemic reactions and, rarely, even death. Its venom is a neurotoxin 15 times as toxic as a prairie rattlesnake.

But only a tiny amount gets injected into its victim, lowering the damage risk. Those more at risk are the elderly and small children.

The brown recluse’s bite can cause systemic or local reactions because of the necrotizing enzymes in the venom. Though the victim can feel quite ill, death is highly improbable.

Sharks

The Texas coastline is home to bull sharks and great white sharks that patrol the ocean. While shark attacks are rare, you can’t be too careful when relaxing in the waves on a hot sunny day.

Other Dangerous Animals in Texas

Other dangerous Texan critters are alligators, deer, mountain lions, and coyotes. Coyotes sometimes attack house cats and other small animals, and alligators may also see your pets as a tasty snack if you walk them too close to the water.

The gators may get aggressive towards you if you provoke them, in which case you could lose the battle. How could deer possibly be dangerous? They cause many auto accidents by unexpectedly jumping in front of vehicles, especially around sunset. Texas has many dangerous deer!

Although there are many potentially harmful animals in Texas, the wildlife is hardly likely to cause your death, so from that perspective, you can consider Texas a safe place to live.

FAQs About Texas’ Safety

Which City Is The Safest In Texas?

Trophy Club has the lowest crime rate in Texas. Its violent crime rate is nearly non-existent, and the property crime rate is about 80% lower than the USA average. The poverty rate is very low at 2.9%, and the average household income is $147 477 per year.

Have There Been Alligator Fatalities In Texas?

Yes, in 2015, in Orange, TX, Tommy Woodford went swimming with a woman at 2.30 am. They saw an alligator, and Tommy did not get out but taunted the gator, who grabbed him and pulled him under the water. Alligator attacks on humans are rare and seldom fatal.

References:

• Texas has the most violent crimes: httyps://spectrumlocalnews.com
• 235 000 illegal aliens in Texan jails: https://www.heritage.org
• Deer cause auto accidents: www.youtube.com
• Flash floods are the primary cause of weather-related fatalities: www.txdot.gov
• No place is safe from flooding quote: fema.gov
• Extreme hurricanes: https://www.kxan.com

Safest Cities in Texas

Texas State is popular for moderate cost of living in 2023, vibrant job market, low taxes, affordable housing and warm weather. People are attracted to cities for many reasons, But safety is the key concern if we plan to settle or moving for job purpose. Safety is a predominant factor in considering where to live, The benefit of living in larger cities is access to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, but some of the low crime rate cities are adjoin to larger cities where one can feel free crime considering both violent and property crime. The rise in violent crime underscores the importance of finding a safe place

Texas has plenty of small towns with wide open spaces to choose from, but you will not get more choices like entertainment, shopping and the other amenities you want like urban areas like Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth. Here are the top safest cities in Texas in 2023! While these cities may not be biggest or hundred percent foolproof, the statistics show the lower risk of being targeted.

Below list is the Texas Safest cities as on 2023:

List updated 2022 — 2023

© 2019-2023 populationU, Research papers on Population dynamics and Social affairs

Safest Cities in Texas

With its affordable cost of living and many job opportunities, Texas is becoming an increasingly popular destination. But Texas is also one of the lowest-ranked states for safety, so picking the right location for your move is no small decision, especially if you have a family with young kids. Read on to discover the 8 safest cities in Texas.

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8 Safest Cities in Texas

1. Trophy Club
2. Highland Village
3. Colleyville
4. Friendswood
5. Flower Mound
6. Keller
7. Hutto
8. West University Place

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The safest city in Texas is Trophy Club, which has a crime rate that is 87% below the state average. Though this small town was originally developed as a rural getaway for Dallas residents, Trophy Club has become well-known for its livability over recent years. It features over 1,000 acres of parks and golfing communities, each offering unique amenities such as athletic fields, basketball courts, dog parks, nature trails, geocaching, children’s playgrounds, and more. As a result, this area experiences very little crime, and the cases that do occur tend to be property-based as opposed to violent crimes. The local crime rate remains roughly one-sixth of the national average. The ideal area to raise a family, Trophy Club, is also perfect for health-conscious individuals who prefer an active, tight-knit community with very little crime.

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2. Highland Village

Highland Village is another suburb of Dallas and sits on the south side of Lewisville Lake. Boasting a crime rate 81% below the Texas average, this quiet area has consistently been ranked as one of the safest cities in North Texas. The city’s main attractions include a variety of local parks, such as Wichita Forest and Doubletree Ranch Park. Additionally, its proximity to downtown Dallas means it’s near a host of shopping centers, restaurants, and local bars. Property crimes, such as burglary and theft, are more common here than in other parts of the state. Violent crimes, however, rarely occur in this area. With both highly-acclaimed school systems and an active local community, Highland Village is a top choice for young couples interested in raising a family.

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Colleyville is part of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and is located only minutes from both the DFW Airport and the Las Colinas business center. Its central location and low crime rate (78% below the Texas average) make it one of the safest places to live in Texas for young professionals. While property crimes do occasionally happen in this area, both the local community and the Colleyville Police Department work diligently alongside one another to keep these occurrences to a minimum. With some of the most prestigious neighborhoods, schools, youth sports associations, restaurants, and country clubs in the state, Colleyville is both a well-rounded community and a Texas staple for business opportunities.

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Located directly between Houston and Gavelston, Friendswood is a progressive, urban city with some of the safest streets in all of Texas. Known for its accessibility, Friendswood is central to several major airports, deep water ports, main roads, and railways. Additionally, Friendswood offers both expansion assistance and several economic development incentives, making it an excellent choice for business professionals. Its demographics include a wealthy, well-educated resident base, which helps keep the local overall crime rate well below both state and national averages. While cases of petty theft and other property crimes do occur in this area, violent crimes are extremely rare. Overall, Friendswood is one of the safest areas for young professionals looking for easy access to excellent business opportunities.

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Named after the 12.5-acre flower mound in the center of town, Flower Mound is another one of the safest cities in Texas. Ideally situated between Grapevine Lake and Lake Lewisville, this city possesses an abundance of green spaces, walking trails, biking paths, and equestrian centers. The community here is active, well-organized, and generally white-collar – all of which helps to keep the local crime rate 73% below the state average. Local neighborhood watch programs and a dedicated police force also help discourage violent and property crimes. With various concerts, arts festivals, 5k races, and more, it’s no wonder Money magazine recently ranked Flower Mound as the nation’s fourth “Best Place to Live” for 2021-2022.

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Another of the safest cities in Texas for young families, Keller is well-known for its unique combination of big-city energy and small-town roots. It is roughly 15 miles north of Fort Worth and possesses a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has helped it land on several “Best Small Cities in America” lists. Its variety of local amenities includes access to Big Bear Creek, The Keller Pointe Aquatic and Fitness Center, local farmer’s markets, golf clubs, craft breweries, restaurants, and more. While property crime can be problematic within this community, the city’s overall crime rate sits 71% lower than the Texas average, making it one of the overall safest cities in the state.

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Hutto is a small town located on the northeastern edge of Austin and has a great reputation for being one of the safest cities in Texas. A charming, peaceful area, Hutto attracts those who are looking for a laid-back country lifestyle while remaining close to big-city amenities. The area’s main features include parks, golf clubs, live music festivals, local hole-in-the-wall style eateries, the Hutto Memorial Football Stadium, and the infamous Hippo Tour. In terms of crime, Hutto experiences very little and has an overall crime rate 72% lower than the Texas average. This, combined with the easygoing nature of local residents, makes Hutto the perfect place for retirees or anyone looking to settle somewhere long-term.

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8. West University Place

West University Place is considered one of the safest places to live in Texas for both students and young professionals. This highly sought-after town is located inside the Houston metropolitan area and within walking distance of the highly acclaimed Rice University. By day, West University Place is an epicenter for shoppers, foodies, and coffee lovers alike. At night, the city comes alive with some of the best nightlife Houston has to offer. This entertainment buzz tends to draw a younger crowd than other areas on this list. But, even so, the local crime rate is still only 46% of the Texas average. While identity theft and vehicle burglaries pose significant issues to local residents, local police efforts and neighborhood watch programs have these issues well under control.

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Safest Cities in Texas Comparison