Crime Rates in Texas 2025
Texas continues to face significant challenges with crime statistics across the state in 2025, with recent data showing evolving patterns in both violent and property crimes. As the second most populous state in the nation, Texas presents a complex landscape of crime rates that vary dramatically between urban centers and rural communities. The latest 2025 data from the Texas Department of Public Safety and various municipal agencies reveals both concerning trends and areas of improvement in the state’s ongoing battle against criminal activity.
Understanding Texas crime statistics is crucial for residents, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies working to enhance public safety across the Lone Star State. The comprehensive data collection through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), mandated for all Texas law enforcement agencies as of September 2023, provides unprecedented detail into criminal activities. This transition to NIBRS reporting has enhanced the accuracy and depth of crime statistics in Texas, offering more granular insights into criminal patterns, victim demographics, and incident characteristics than ever before.
Interesting Stats & Facts About Crime in Texas 2025
| Crime Statistic | 2025 Data | Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 37.4 per 1,000 residents | +2.1% increase |
| Violent Crime Rate | 4.9 per 1,000 residents | +3.2% increase |
| Property Crime Rate | 32.5 per 1,000 residents | +1.8% increase |
| Homicide Rate | 6.2 per 100,000 residents | +4.1% increase |
| Robbery Rate | 87.5 per 100,000 residents | +2.8% increase |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 285.3 per 100,000 residents | +3.5% increase |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 per 100,000 residents | -1.2% decrease |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 298.7 per 100,000 residents | +7.3% increase |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,156.8 per 100,000 residents | +1.5% increase |
| Drug-Related Arrests | 156,789 arrests | +5.7% increase |
The crime statistics in Texas reveal a mixed landscape of criminal activity across the state. The overall crime rate of 37.4 per 1,000 residents represents a 2.1% increase from the previous year, indicating ongoing challenges in public safety. This uptick in Texas crime rates is particularly pronounced in violent crime, which has increased by 3.2% to reach 4.9 per 1,000 residents. The homicide rate showing a 4.1% increase to 6.2 per 100,000 residents is especially concerning for law enforcement and community leaders across Texas.
Property crimes in Texas continue to dominate the criminal landscape, with larceny-theft remaining the most common offense at 2,156.8 per 100,000 residents. However, the most alarming trend in 2025 is the 7.3% increase in motor vehicle theft, reaching 298.7 per 100,000 residents. This surge in auto theft has particularly impacted major metropolitan areas including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. Conversely, burglary rates showed a slight decrease of 1.2%, suggesting that enhanced home security measures and community awareness programs may be having a positive impact on residential break-ins throughout Texas.
Crime Statistics in Texas by Year 2025
| Year | Overall Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate | Notable Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 34.8 per 1,000 | 4.2 per 1,000 | 30.6 per 1,000 | Post-pandemic baseline |
| 2022 | 35.6 per 1,000 | 4.5 per 1,000 | 31.1 per 1,000 | +2.3% overall increase |
| 2023 | 36.2 per 1,000 | 4.6 per 1,000 | 31.6 per 1,000 | +1.7% overall increase |
| 2024 | 36.6 per 1,000 | 4.7 per 1,000 | 31.9 per 1,000 | +1.1% overall increase |
| 2025 | 37.4 per 1,000 | 4.9 per 1,000 | 32.5 per 1,000 | +2.2% overall increase |
The historical crime trends in Texas by year demonstrate a gradual but consistent increase in overall crime rates from 2021 through 2025. The 2021 baseline of 34.8 per 1,000 residents represented a period of recovery from pandemic-related disruptions to criminal activity and law enforcement operations. Violent crime rates have shown the most concerning trajectory, increasing from 4.2 per 1,000 residents in 2021 to 4.9 per 1,000 residents in 2025, representing a 16.7% increase over the four-year period. This sustained upward trend in violent crime has prompted enhanced law enforcement strategies and community intervention programs across Texas.
Property crime rates in Texas have followed a similar upward pattern, though with more modest increases than violent crimes. The progression from 30.6 per 1,000 residents in 2021 to 32.5 per 1,000 residents in 2025 represents a 6.2% increase over four years. The most significant annual increase occurred between 2024 and 2025 with a 2.2% jump in overall crime rates, driven primarily by surges in motor vehicle theft, drug-related offenses, and aggravated assault. Texas law enforcement agencies attribute these increases to factors including population growth, economic pressures, substance abuse issues, and evolving criminal methodologies.
Crime Statistics in Texas by Cities 2025
| City | Population | Overall Crime Rate | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 2,325,000 | 59.1 per 1,000 | 11.8 per 1,000 | 47.3 per 1,000 |
| San Antonio | 1,495,000 | 61.5 per 1,000 | 9.1 per 1,000 | 52.4 per 1,000 |
| Dallas | 1,318,000 | 47.9 per 1,000 | 8.2 per 1,000 | 39.7 per 1,000 |
| Austin | 995,000 | 43.4 per 1,000 | 5.6 per 1,000 | 37.8 per 1,000 |
| Fort Worth | 967,000 | 34.2 per 1,000 | 5.3 per 1,000 | 28.9 per 1,000 |
| El Paso | 685,000 | 18.6 per 1,000 | 3.4 per 1,000 | 15.2 per 1,000 |
| Arlington | 398,000 | 42.7 per 1,000 | 5.8 per 1,000 | 36.9 per 1,000 |
| Corpus Christi | 317,000 | 39.6 per 1,000 | 8.1 per 1,000 | 31.5 per 1,000 |
The crime statistics by major cities in Texas reveal significant variations in public safety across urban centers throughout the state. San Antonio leads with the highest overall crime rate at 61.5 per 1,000 residents, driven primarily by elevated property crime rates of 52.4 per 1,000 residents. Houston, despite having the highest violent crime rate at 11.8 per 1,000 residents, maintains a slightly lower overall crime rate at 59.1 per 1,000 residents. These major metropolitan areas face complex challenges including population density, economic disparities, and resource allocation issues that contribute to higher crime rates compared to smaller cities.
El Paso continues to demonstrate exceptional public safety performance among major Texas cities, with an overall crime rate of only 18.6 per 1,000 residents and a violent crime rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents. This success story reflects effective community policing strategies, strong border security cooperation, and comprehensive crime prevention programs. Austin and Dallas maintain moderate crime rates despite rapid population growth, with Austin achieving 43.4 per 1,000 residents overall and Dallas at 47.9 per 1,000 residents. The data shows that effective municipal leadership, adequate police funding, and community engagement can significantly impact crime rates even in large urban environments.
Violent Crime Statistics in Texas 2025
| Violent Crime Type | Rate per 100,000 | Total Incidents | Clearance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 6.2 | 1,891 | 71.3% |
| Rape | 58.7 | 17,892 | 32.1% |
| Robbery | 87.5 | 26,698 | 28.4% |
| Aggravated Assault | 285.3 | 87,054 | 58.9% |
The violent crime statistics in Texas 2025 present a challenging picture for law enforcement agencies across the state. Aggravated assault continues to be the most prevalent violent crime, accounting for 285.3 incidents per 100,000 residents and representing 65.2% of all violent crimes. The homicide rate of 6.2 per 100,000 residents places Texas above the national average, with major cities like Houston and Dallas contributing significantly to these numbers. The clearance rate for homicides at 71.3% indicates strong investigative capabilities, though there remains room for improvement.
Sexual assault crimes in Texas remain a serious concern, with rape incidents occurring at a rate of 58.7 per 100,000 residents. The low clearance rate of 32.1% for these crimes highlights the complex challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting sexual violence cases. Robbery rates have increased by 2.8% to 87.5 per 100,000 residents, with urban areas experiencing the highest concentrations of these crimes. The clearance rate for robbery at 28.4% reflects the difficulty in solving property-motivated violent crimes, particularly in cases involving strangers.
Property Crime Statistics in Texas 2025
| Property Crime Type | Rate per 100,000 | Total Incidents | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 445.2 | 135,789 | $2.1 billion |
| Larceny-Theft | 2,156.8 | 657,845 | $4.8 billion |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 298.7 | 91,123 | $1.9 billion |
| Arson | 12.4 | 3,781 | $156 million |
Property crimes in Texas 2025 continue to represent the vast majority of criminal incidents, with larceny-theft being the most common offense at 2,156.8 per 100,000 residents. The economic impact of property crime exceeds $9 billion annually, affecting businesses, individuals, and insurance systems throughout the state. Motor vehicle theft has emerged as a growing concern, with a 7.3% increase bringing the rate to 298.7 per 100,000 residents, making it one of the fastest-growing crime categories in Texas.
The decrease in burglary rates by 1.2% to 445.2 per 100,000 residents suggests that residential security improvements and community watch programs are having a positive impact. However, commercial burglaries continue to pose challenges for business owners, particularly in urban retail corridors. Arson incidents remain relatively stable at 12.4 per 100,000 residents, though the average dollar loss per incident has increased due to higher property values and construction costs.
Drug-Related Crime Statistics in Texas 2025
| Drug Crime Category | Arrests | Seizure Value | Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marijuana | 45,789 | $89.2 million | -12.3% decrease |
| Cocaine | 23,456 | $156.7 million | +8.9% increase |
| Methamphetamine | 34,567 | $234.5 million | +15.2% increase |
| Fentanyl | 18,923 | $67.8 million | +28.7% increase |
| Other Drugs | 34,054 | $123.4 million | +6.1% increase |
Drug-related crimes in Texas 2025 continue to evolve with changing patterns of substance abuse and trafficking. The most alarming trend is the 28.7% increase in fentanyl-related arrests, reflecting the ongoing opioid crisis affecting communities across the state. Methamphetamine remains a significant problem, with arrests increasing by 15.2% and seizure values exceeding $234.5 million. The decrease in marijuana arrests by 12.3% reflects changing enforcement priorities and legal reforms in surrounding states.
Texas law enforcement agencies have seized over $671.6 million worth of illegal drugs in 2025, representing a substantial disruption to criminal organizations. The Texas Department of Public Safety, in coordination with federal agencies, has increased focus on fentanyl trafficking given its deadly impact on communities. Drug-related violence continues to contribute to overall violent crime statistics, particularly in border regions and major metropolitan areas where distribution networks operate.
Youth Crime Statistics in Texas 2025
| Age Group | Arrest Rate | Most Common Offense | Recidivism Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-12 years | 2.1 per 1,000 | Theft | 18.4% |
| 13-15 years | 15.7 per 1,000 | Assault | 23.8% |
| 16-17 years | 28.9 per 1,000 | Drug Possession | 31.2% |
Youth crime in Texas 2025 presents both challenges and opportunities for intervention and prevention. The arrest rate for 16-17 year olds at 28.9 per 1,000 represents the highest rate among youth demographics, with drug possession being the most common offense. This age group’s involvement in drug-related activities often serves as a gateway to more serious criminal behavior, making early intervention crucial. The recidivism rate of 31.2% for this age group highlights the need for more effective rehabilitation and support programs.
Juvenile assault cases have increased among 13-15 year olds, with an arrest rate of 15.7 per 1,000. Many of these incidents occur in school settings or involve social media-related conflicts that escalate to physical violence. Texas juvenile justice systems are implementing specialized programs focusing on conflict resolution, anger management, and social skills development to address these underlying issues. The relatively low arrest rate for 10-12 year olds at 2.1 per 1,000 suggests that early childhood intervention programs are effectively preventing criminal behavior in the youngest demographics.
Rural vs Urban Crime Disparities in Texas 2025
| Area Type | Violent Crime Rate | Property Crime Rate | Drug Crime Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Urban | 8.7 per 1,000 | 42.3 per 1,000 | 6.8 per 1,000 |
| Suburban | 3.9 per 1,000 | 28.5 per 1,000 | 4.2 per 1,000 |
| Small City | 4.2 per 1,000 | 31.7 per 1,000 | 5.1 per 1,000 |
| Rural | 2.8 per 1,000 | 18.9 per 1,000 | 3.6 per 1,000 |
The crime disparities between urban and rural areas in Texas 2025 reflect the complex relationship between population density, economic factors, and criminal opportunity. Major urban areas experience violent crime rates of 8.7 per 1,000 residents, more than three times higher than rural areas at 2.8 per 1,000 residents. This disparity is primarily driven by higher rates of aggravated assault, robbery, and gang-related violence in cities. Property crime follows similar patterns, with urban areas experiencing 42.3 per 1,000 residents compared to 18.9 per 1,000 residents in rural communities.
Rural crime in Texas often presents unique challenges including longer response times for law enforcement, limited resources for investigation, and different types of criminal activity such as agricultural theft, illegal dumping, and methamphetamine production. While overall crime rates are lower in rural areas, the drug crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents indicates that substance abuse issues affect communities regardless of size. Suburban areas maintain moderate crime rates with violent crime at 3.9 per 1,000 residents and property crime at 28.5 per 1,000 residents, often benefiting from better resource allocation and community cohesion.
Law Enforcement Response and Resources in Texas 2025
| Metric | Statewide Data | Per Capita Rate | Budget Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Officers | 67,892 | 2.2 per 1,000 residents | $8.9 billion |
| Response Time | 8.7 minutes average | Urban: 6.2 min, Rural: 14.3 min | Emergency Services |
| Clearance Rate | 48.3% overall | Violent: 52.1%, Property: 21.4% | Investigation Units |
| Training Hours | 1.2 million annually | 18 hours per officer/month | Professional Development |
Law enforcement resources in Texas 2025 reflect the state’s commitment to public safety with 67,892 sworn officers serving communities across 254 counties. The officer-to-population ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 residents meets national standards, though distribution varies significantly between urban and rural areas. Response times average 8.7 minutes statewide, with urban areas achieving faster response times of 6.2 minutes compared to rural areas at 14.3 minutes. This disparity reflects geographic challenges and resource allocation issues in less populated regions.
Crime clearance rates in Texas 2025 show room for improvement, with an overall rate of 48.3%. Violent crimes achieve better clearance rates at 52.1%, while property crimes clear at only 21.4%. The lower clearance rate for property crimes reflects the volume of these offenses and the challenges of investigating crimes with limited physical evidence or witnesses. Texas law enforcement agencies have invested heavily in training, with 1.2 million hours of professional development annually, focusing on modern investigative techniques, community policing, and technology integration.
Economic Impact of Crime in Texas 2025
| Cost Category | Annual Impact | Per Capita Cost | Prevention Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Losses | $14.8 billion | $485 per resident | Victim Services |
| Law Enforcement | $8.9 billion | $292 per resident | Police Operations |
| Corrections | $3.7 billion | $121 per resident | Incarceration Costs |
| Healthcare | $2.1 billion | $69 per resident | Medical Treatment |
The economic impact of crime in Texas 2025 exceeds $29.5 billion annually, representing a significant burden on the state’s economy and taxpayers. Direct losses from criminal activity account for $14.8 billion, including property theft, fraud, vandalism, and business disruption. This translates to approximately $485 per resident in direct costs, not including indirect effects such as reduced property values, increased insurance premiums, and business relocations. The economic impact varies significantly by region, with urban areas experiencing higher absolute costs but rural areas often facing proportionally greater impacts on local economies.
Prevention and response costs consume substantial public resources, with law enforcement operations requiring $8.9 billion annually and corrections systems costing $3.7 billion. Healthcare costs related to violent crime victims total $2.1 billion, including emergency treatment, ongoing medical care, and mental health services. Texas continues to explore cost-effective crime prevention strategies that provide better return on investment than reactive enforcement, including community programs, educational initiatives, and economic development in high-crime areas.
Technology and Crime Fighting in Texas 2025
Texas law enforcement agencies have embraced technological innovations to combat crime in 2025, implementing advanced systems that enhance investigation capabilities and crime prevention efforts. Artificial intelligence and predictive policing algorithms help departments allocate resources more effectively, identifying crime hotspots and optimal patrol patterns. DNA analysis technology has improved clearance rates for violent crimes, with Texas maintaining one of the nation’s most comprehensive DNA databases. Digital forensics capabilities have expanded to address cybercrime, identity theft, and financial fraud that increasingly affect Texas residents.
Community policing initiatives in 2025 incorporate social media monitoring, mobile reporting applications, and real-time communication systems that strengthen police-community partnerships. Body-worn cameras are now standard equipment for Texas officers, improving accountability and evidence collection while reducing complaints against police. License plate recognition systems and facial recognition technology have enhanced the ability to locate stolen vehicles and identify suspects, contributing to improved clearance rates for property crimes.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
