San Antonio is a beautiful city in Texas. Officially named The City of San Antonio, this lively and unique city is located in Bexar County, Texas. As the seventh most populated city in the US, maintaining safe streets and a low crime rate is a top priority to the leaders of San Antonio. As the population of San Antonio rapidly increases, the crime rate in San Antonio, Texas, has remained low compared to most US cities of its size, and most violent crimes are isolated to specific areas/neighborhoods. For example, San Antonio has many extremely safe suburbs like Helotes, Selma, and Alamos Park.
Before moving to San Antonio, ensuring the neighborhoods are safe and the low crime rate should be a top priority. You’ll find our guide highlights the San Antonio crime statistics, as well as the safest neighborhoods in San Antonio.
Understanding the San Antonio Crime Rate – How Crime Rates Are Calculated
Crime rate stats are formulated by the FBI from crime rate information collected by state and local law enforcement. This includes all crimes, including property and violent crimes.
Property crime compared to violent crime
Crime rate stats are either compared to the overall crime rate or divided into various categories. Two main categories are property and violence.
Crimes considered property crimes are burglary, larceny, grand theft, theft, grand theft auto, arson, shoplifting, and vandalism. The definition of property crime is a crime with the means of obtaining money, property, or other benefits.
Violent crimes include murder, manslaughter, rape, arson, or assault. For a crime to be considered violent, it must have the intent to or result of harming someone; an offender or perpetrator threatens or harms a victim.
City crime rates are a good way to get a good understanding of a particular city’s crime. While the FBI does provide good information, there are a few unique factors they don’t consider, which can affect the accuracy of their statistics. For example, the FBI doesn’t consider the agency's reporting method (they may not be super accurate) or crime reporting practices in the city (which, again, could affect the overall numbers.) For example, 40% of US police departments didn’t submit crime data for 2021.
While overall city crime rates are helpful, they don’t compare neighborhoods, which can be very telling. Some cities have extremely dangerous areas, while others are very safe; just because a city has an overall high crime rate, that’s not to say there aren’t plenty of safe neighborhoods to choose from.
Certain crime rates can look daunting when in actuality, the overall crime rate has seen a decrease. For example, while the crime rate in the US increased drastically in 2020, the homicide rate was still 40% lower compared to what it was in the 1980s and 1990s.
Lastly, the violent crime rate is unreliable for many cities, as domestic violence makes up for many violent crimes. Domestic violence is different than other violent crimes where a criminal commits on a random person. In domestic offenses, the victim and offender have a history, are in a relationship, or know each other personally, which is entirely different from an attacker committing performing a violent crime on an innocent bystander.
In short, crime rate statistics are a great resource and provide insight into a city’s overall crime rate; but that’s not to say a high crime rate should deter you from moving to a new city. San Antonio's overall crime rate is higher compared to the US average, but that doesn’t account for all the very safe, low-crime rate neighborhoods.
What Is the San Antonio Crime Rate?
The overall crime rate in San Antonio is 4,362 per 100k people, the San Antonio violent crime is 735 per 100k people (64.6% higher than the state and 89.5% higher than the County), and the property crime in San Antonio is 3,627 per 100k people (61.6% higher than the state and 85.2% higher than the country.)
There is a 1 in 23 chance of becoming a victim of crime in San Antonio, TX.
San Antonio's crime rate is slightly higher than the state and national crime rates.
California violent crime rate per 100k people: 447
California property crime rate per 100k people: 2,245
California crime rate per 100k people: 2,691
US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
The San Antonio crime rate is 62.1% higher than the crime rate in California and 85.9% higher than the county.
San Antonio Crime Map & Crime Reports
A surefire way to determine if San Antonio is a safe place to live or which area you should migrate to is by examining a San Antonio crime map is a great way to gain insight on things like bad areas in San Antonio, the best neighborhoods, and where the safest places to live in San Antonio are.
San Antonio's murder rate is 8 per 100k people. Compared to California's homicide rate of 6.6 and the national homicide rate of 6.6.
San Antonio homicide rate: 130 homicides each year.
San Antonio's violent crime rate: is 735 per 100k people, compared to the violent crime rate in California: 447 per 100k people, and the US violent crime rate of 388 per 100k people.
The property crime rate in San Antonio is 3,627 per 100k people, compared to the state property crime rate of 2,245 per 100k people and the US property crime rate of 1,958 per 100k people.
Burgurly: 7,919
Larceny-Theft: 42,158
Motor Vehicle Theft: 6,980
Arson: 236
Total Property Crimes: 57,057
There is a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim of property crime in San Antonio.
High Crime Areas in San Antonio TX
Even though San Antonio has high crime areas, many safe neighborhoods exist. Here are a few bad areas (that make up most of the crime.) Generally, steering clear of the west side of San Antonio is likely a good idea, as that’s where the crime rate is the highest. Here is a guide to San Antonio crime by neighborhood.
Wheatley Heights
With a population of 1,400, this populous San Antonio neighborhood is one of the most dangerous in the city. While the amenities and cost of living are low, the violent crime rate is 13,629 per 100k people, which is 373% higher than San Antonio''s violent crime.
Villa De Antonio has a violent crime rate of 3,428 per 100k people, which is 366% higher than San Antonio. Villa De Antonio is located on the city's west side, traditionally a high-crime area in San Antonio. Villa De Antonio is a smaller neighborhood with only 127 residents.
Nevada Street
While Nevada Street is small, with a population of 2,265, the violent crime rate is 695% above the national average. Again, the cost of living is very affordable, but it is not a safe neighborhood to live in or raise a family.
East Terrell Hills
Another dangerous neighborhood in San Antonio, while not as dangerous as Nevada Street, it’s still not an ideal place to stake your claim. The 1,934 residents have a 1 in 3,065 people for a violent crime to be committed against them.
Mission San Jose
With a large population of 4,561, Mission San Jose also has a crime rate of 2,937 per 100k people, which is 299% more crime than San Antonio.
The violent crime rate in Alamo Heights is 82% lower than the national average, with a total crime rate of 3% less than the national average. While the median household is a pricier $662,000, you’re paying for a beautiful home in a safe neighborhood in a great school district. Not to mention, Alamo Heights is home to numerous 5-star restaurants like Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine.
Alamo Heights is considered an excellent area for young families, professionals, and retirees.Â
Torbin Hill
This up-and-coming San Antonio neighborhood is excellent if you're looking for a safe and affordable place to live. Torbin Hill has a crime rate of 2,904 per 100K, significantly lower than San Antonios. Torbin Hill is close to some of the city's hottest bars, restaurants, and entertainment areas and is located near many great work opportunities.
If you’re a young couple, a working professional, or a student, Torbin Hill is the place to be.
Cibolo
This upscale San Antonio neighborhoods embody luxury suburbia. The average home price is only $366,000 and it’s one of the safest neighborhoods in San Antonio.Â
San Antonio Safety Tip | How to Avoid Crime in San Antonio
There are dangerous areas in any city, and while San Antonio has numerous safe neighborhoods, there are some areas to avoid in San Antonio.Â
The west side of San Antonio is considered the high crime area of the city, so steering clear of purchasing real estate is that area is a good idea.
Crime runs rampant in many cities across the US, and while San Antonio isn’t as bad as some cities of its size, you can never be too careful. Here are a few tips to avoid lost or damaged property or becoming a victim of violent crime.
Always carry pepper spray with you. An attacker can be around any corner; it’s best to be prepared.
Increase lighting around your home.
Install security systems (alarms) – put a sign on your lawn stating your home is secured.
Close blinds and curtains so criminals can’t see your valuable items. A thief will likely stake out the property before committing a crime.
Always travel in groups.
San Antonio Police Department
The San Antonio Police Department has 2,379 sworn officers, which equals two officers per 100k civilians. The San Antonio Police Department is one of the largest municipal police departments in the state of Texas. SAPD was founded on January 12, 1846. The headquarters are located in the South Santa Rosa district.
The almost 2,500 officers are managed by police chief William McManus; he’s been police chief since 2006.
Is San Antonio Safe?: Yes, compared to other Texas cities, such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston. San Antonio is #86 for crime.
What is the crime rate in San Antonio, Texas?: The crime rate in San Antonio is 4,362 per 100k people.
What is the San Antonio murder rate?: 8 per 100k people.
While San Antonio has its questionable areas, all cities do. San Antonio is one of the safest major Texas cities! If you’re planning on moving to one of the many safe San Antonio neighborhoods, call the best San Antonio Movers at 210-764-6683 for a free estimate!
Erik Scheetz is founder of Texas Best Moving and Storage. Erik has over 15 years of experience in the moving business and has built Texas Best Moving and Storage with pride and integrity in San Antonio, Texas. He is also a Licensed Real Estate Broker with many years of experience. Texas Best Moving and Storage has strived to offer the best customer service and moving experience for every customer on every move.
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