| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Lamesa/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 254 | n/a (estimate) | 2,911 | 2,732 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 11.5 | 6.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 6 | n/a | 68.8 | 50.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 22.9 | 70.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 34 | n/a | 389.6 | 304.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 43 | n/a (estimate) | 493 | 432 | 370 |
| Burglary | 44 | n/a | 504.2 | 334.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 150 | n/a | 1,719.0 | 1,634.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 17 | n/a | 194.8 | 331.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 211 | n/a (estimate) | 2,418 | 2,300 | 1,954 |
Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Lamesa crime rate is higher than the national average by 25.2%. Specifically, there were 43 violent crimes in Lamesa, equivalent to 493 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 33.3%. Furthermore, Lamesa recorded 211 property crimes, amounting to 2418 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 23.7%.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Lamesa has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 1 murders in Lamesa, which is 11 murders per 100,000 people.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Lamesa residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 8 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 25% of Lamesa residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 75% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Determining whether Lamesa is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Lamesa has an overall crime rate that is 25% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.7 daily occurrences, comprising 0.12 violent crimes and 0.58 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Lamesa as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime rates in Lamesa has decreased by 40% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Lamesa is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 23.2%, while property crime has decreased by 42.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Lamesa.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Lamesa currently has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Lamesa crime rates. The population density in Lamesa is 1797.2 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Lamesa, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.32 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Lamesa | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 22 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Texas /100K | National /100K |
| Texas | 95,281 | 443 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Welch, TX | 202 | 596 | 3,174 | 3,771 |
| Ackerly, TX | 383 | 698 | 3,717 | 4,415 |
| Lamesa, TX | 9,179 | 493 | 2,418 | 2,911 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Washington Terrace, UT | 9,181 | 269 | 2,107 | 2,376 |
| Belgrade, MT | 9,184 | 511 | 1,708 | 2,219 |
| Citrus Springs, FL | 9,173 | 282 | 1,708 | 1,990 |
| Fruitland Park, FL | 9,185 | 224 | 1,354 | 1,578 |
| Lancaster, SC | 9,187 | 533 | 2,506 | 3,039 |
| Lamesa, TX | 9,179 | 493 | 2,418 | 2,911 |
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