20 Most Dangerous Cities in Texas: Complete Guide 2025
Texas is one of the largest and most diverse states in the United States, known for its booming economy, cultural mix, and rapid growth. While Texas offers opportunities and vibrant communities, it also faces challenges with public safety. Some areas record a higher crime rate than others, making them appear on the list of the most dangerous cities in Texas. Understanding where these cities are and why they rank high is essential for families, travelers, and businesses considering relocation or investment in the state.
This complete guide for 2025 explores the top 20 most dangerous cities in Texas. It highlights patterns of violent crime, property crime, and overall risks that influence safety rankings across the Lone Star State.
Understanding Crime Data in Texas
Before exploring the top 20 most dangerous cities in Texas, it is important to understand how these rankings are determined. Analysts look at violent crime rates, property crime statistics, and trends over time. Violent crimes include robbery, aggravated assault, and homicide, while property crimes involve burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.
When reviewing the highest crime rate in Texas, certain cities consistently rank higher due to population density, economic conditions, and law enforcement resources. These factors create a clearer picture of what is the most dangerous city in Texas each year
Top 20 Most Dangerous Cities in Texas
The following list of cities in Texas highlights areas where residents and businesses face greater safety risks.
1. Houston
Houston, the largest city in Texas, consistently records the highest number of crimes. The city’s size and density contribute to frequent violent incidents, including robbery and aggravated assault. Property crimes like burglary and car theft are also common, making Houston one of the worst cities in Texas when it comes to overall safety.
2. Dallas
Dallas is a business hub with thriving neighborhoods, but its crime challenges are concentrated in certain districts. Drug-related offenses, burglary, and assaults contribute to its ranking among the top 10 most dangerous cities in Texas. While parts of Dallas are safe and prosperous, others struggle with consistent crime.
3. San Antonio
Known for the Alamo and its tourism appeal, San Antonio still faces high levels of violent crime, particularly aggravated assaults. Property theft is also a problem in downtown areas and tourist-heavy zones, keeping San Antonio on the Texas most dangerous cities list.
4. Beaumont
Beaumont is a smaller city compared to Houston or Dallas, but its per-capita crime rates are among the highest in Texas. Residents often report concerns about violent assaults and robberies, and this reputation keeps Beaumont on the list of worst places to live in Texas.
5. Lubbock
Lubbock, home to Texas Tech University, records a crime rate higher than the state average. Property crime, including car thefts and burglaries, is a consistent problem, and its violent crime numbers place it on the most dangerous city in Texas list.
6. Corpus Christi
Despite its beautiful Gulf Coast views, Corpus Christi faces serious crime issues. Property crimes, especially burglary and theft, occur at a high rate. Violent crime levels also remain above the Texas average, making it one of the top 20 most dangerous cities in Texas.
7. Amarillo
Amarillo, located in the Texas Panhandle, shows consistently high violent crime rates. Aggravated assaults and robberies are common, alongside rising property crimes. Amarillo’s combination of economic challenges and population density adds to its safety concerns.
8. Waco
Waco has grown in popularity thanks to tourism and its central location, but crime is a growing issue. The city’s violent crime rates, including robbery and assaults, are higher than average. This makes Waco one of the worst cities in Texas for safety.
9. Odessa
As an energy-driven city, Odessa benefits from oil and gas but struggles with crime. Violent crime is significantly higher than the national average, with robbery and assaults reported regularly. Odessa ranks high among the most dangerous cities in Texas.
10. Midland
Neighboring Odessa, Midland faces similar crime issues. Violent incidents are higher than in other mid-sized cities, while property crimes continue to affect local businesses and residents. This keeps Midland among the top 10 most dangerous cities in Texas.
11. Texarkana
Texarkana, straddling the Texas-Arkansas border, sees higher crime rates than many Texas cities of its size. Property crimes, including burglary and car theft, are common. Violent crime also places Texarkana firmly on the Texas most dangerous cities list.
12. Galveston
Galveston’s reputation as a tourist city comes with risks. While the beaches attract thousands, theft, burglary, and violent crime in certain areas remain a problem. This dual identity makes it one of the worst places to live in Texas if safety is the priority.
13. Killeen
Killeen, home to Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), has a high population of military families but also faces crime challenges. Violent crimes and property theft keep it on the top 20 most dangerous cities in Texas ranking.
14. Arlington
Arlington is known for its sports stadiums and entertainment venues. However, it also faces higher-than-average crime, including robberies and assaults in crowded areas. These statistics place Arlington on the Texas most dangerous cities list.
15. El Paso
El Paso has historically been considered one of the safest large cities in Texas, but recent years show increases in violent crime. Assaults and property crimes have grown, raising safety concerns and placing El Paso in the top 20 most dangerous cities in Texas for 2025.
16. Fort Worth
Fort Worth is rapidly expanding, but crime is growing with it. Certain neighborhoods face high violent crime rates, while property theft affects both residents and businesses. This keeps Fort Worth on the worst cities in Texas rankings for crime.
17. Victoria
Victoria is smaller than many on this list, but it has one of the highest per-capita crime rates in Texas. Violent incidents and property crimes put it among the worst places to live in Texas from a safety perspective.
18. Longview
Longview faces ongoing crime challenges, particularly burglary and robbery. Violent crime numbers are also higher than the state average, positioning it as one of the most dangerous cities in Texas.
19. Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls maintains a small-town appeal, but its crime levels tell another story. Violent incidents and thefts occur at higher-than-average rates, keeping Wichita Falls on the list of the top 20 most dangerous cities in Texas.
20. San Angelo
San Angelo completes this ranking due to high property crime. While violent crime levels are moderate, burglary and theft rates remain high, putting it on the Texas most dangerous cities list for 2025.
What Is the Safest City in Texas
While this guide highlights dangerous locations, many communities across the state remain safe and family-friendly. Cities like Frisco, Plano, and Allen are often considered some of the safest due to their low crime rates and strong community policing. For anyone asking what is the safest city in Texas, these names consistently appear near the top.
Why Choose Us
At Nexlar, we understand that safety is more than just statistics. Whether you are a homeowner, a business owner, or part of a growing community, protecting people and property is a top priority. Our expertise in designing and installing advanced security systems ensures peace of mind even in areas listed among the worst cities in Texas for crime. With solutions tailored to reduce risks, prevent theft, and monitor access, Nexlar helps clients stay ahead of challenges that many of Texas most dangerous cities face.
FAQs
Q. What is the most dangerous city in Texas in 2025?
A. Houston continues to hold the title due to its high rates of violent and property crime, making it the most dangerous city in Texas.
Q. What are the top 10 most dangerous cities in Texas?
A. The top 10 include Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Beaumont, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, Amarillo, Waco, Odessa, and Midland.
Q. Which areas have the highest crime rate in Texas?
A. Large metropolitan cities such as Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio generally report the highest crime rate in Texas.
Q. What is the safest city in Texas?
A. Cities like Frisco and Plano are often ranked as the safest due to low crime rates and high quality of life.
Q. Are the worst places to live in Texas always the most dangerous?
A. Not necessarily. Some cities may struggle with crime, while others face economic or infrastructure challenges that make them less desirable.
Conclusion
Crime remains a concern across many communities, but awareness helps people and businesses make better decisions. By understanding which areas have the highest crime rate in Texas, residents and companies can take steps to protect themselves. Security technology, community awareness, and reliable solutions from trusted partners like Nexlar make a difference in reducing risks.
Contact us today to discuss the best security solution for your home or business.