Galveston, TX Crime Rate and Statistics [2024 Updated]

According to multiple sources, including AreaVibes and City-Data, Galveston, Texas, has a crime rate significantly higher than most major U.S. cities. You may be wondering what the Galveston, TX crime rate is, and how it compares to other Texas cities. The crime rate in Galveston is apparently 46% higher than the national average, though specific crime statistics are nuanced, and not every type of crime is above the national average. An experienced lawyer could help unravel this nuance.

The Crime Statistics of Galveston, Texas

Galveston is a coastal city on the Southeast Texas coast with a population of around 53,000, as per the 2020 census. Its crime rate is surprisingly high, but when compared to other major Texas cities, it does not make it into the top ten of the state’s most dangerous places to live. Despite that, Galveston has some alarmingly high numbers when it comes to the city’s crime statistics, according to numbers gathered by AreaVibes and Niche:

• Murder: The national average murder rate per 100,000 people hovers between 6.1 and 6.3, depending on the reporting source. The average murder rate in Galveston, as of late 2023, is 11.3, a significant difference from the national average and the state average of Texas, which is 6.7.
• Assault: The national average of reported assaults hovers around 282 per 100,000 people, while the Galveston average sits near 264, which is a slight decrease. The reported average of assaults in Texas is around 304, which is a bit higher than the national average and significantly higher than the average in Galveston.
• Rape: The national average for reported instances of rape is roughly 40 per 100,000 people. The average in Galveston is an alarmingly high 120, an 80-point increase from the national average and a 70-point increase from the Texas average, which is 50.
• Violent Crime: The total violent crime rate in the United States is around 370 per 100,000 people from numbers that were gathered in late 2023. The violent crime rate in Galveston is around 469, a significant increase from the national average and slightly higher than the Texas average of 432.
• Auto Theft: The national average of reported vehicle thefts ranges from around 282 to 284 per 100,000 people. The auto theft average in Galveston is around 394, which is over 100 points higher than the national average and only slightly higher than the Texas average, which is 331.
• Property Crime: The national average for reported property crimes is roughly 1,954 per 100,000 people. That number skyrockets in Galveston to 2,925, an increase of nearly 1,000 points and another slight increase from the Texas average of 2,300.
• Robbery: According to several different sources, the national average of reported robberies per 100,000 people ranges from 66 to 135. The average of reported robberies in Galveston is around 71.8, a slight increase from the Texas average of 70.

Comparing the estimated crime statistics in Galveston to those of the United States and, to a lesser extent, the state of Texas is important to show just how much the numbers, and thus the crime rates, differ. If you are accused of a crime in the Galveston area, you may want to reach out to an experienced Galveston criminal defense lawyer.

FAQs

Q: Is Galveston, Texas a Good Place to Live?

A: Galveston can be a good place to live despite its high crime rate. Every major city has its ups and downs when it comes to crime, and the more populated a city is, the more crime will be reported. Galveston has a unique style that makes it a popular tourist town with a vibrant spirit of community, though it does have areas dealing with severe economic disparities. Overall, it comes down to individual experience when deciding where to live.

Q: Where Should You Not Live in Galveston?

A: There are certain neighborhoods that you should not visit or move to in Galveston. Every major city has dangerous neighborhoods that are more prone to crime. Some areas to avoid in Galveston due to economic disparity and a greater risk of violent crime are in the northern part of the city, where the chances of being involved in a violent crime increase to 1 in 9, according to information gathered by CrimeGrade.

Q: Is It Safe to Walk Around Galveston at Night?

A: Galveston is not the most safe city to walk around in at night. In a poll done by AreaVibes, 68 citizens were polled about the city’s safety. 69% of those who responded to the poll said that Galveston as a city made them feel unsafe and somewhat apprehensive about walking around the city alone at night. However, it largely comes down to individual experience and whether you are willing to take extra precautions while alone in a major city at night.

Q: Is Downtown Galveston Safe?

A: Yes, downtown Galveston is fairly safe. Galveston’s historic downtown area is home to a historic tourist attraction called The Strand, which anchors the city’s tourism. Much of the original 19th-century architecture still stands, allowing you to go on a vibrant walking tour of old Galveston, complete with shops, restaurants, museums, bars, and entertainment. It’s a fun, memorable destination for the whole family.

Reach Out to a Galveston Criminal Lawyer Today

Galveston may have a high crime rate that outpaces some other Texas cities, but its numbers are fairly comparable to most other major American cities. Living in the city means having to deal with an uptick in some crime, with Galveston having a higher murder rate and a higher property crime rate than many other places. It has its issues, but they are not much different from other Texas cities.

Even with its exciting downtown scene, Galveston is not perfect. It has its problems with crime. If you are ever accused of committing a crime in the Galveston area, reach out to The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, today. We are prepared to help you work through your case and weigh your options for what to do next. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.