| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Mercedes/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 610 | n/a (estimate) | 3,611 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 16 | n/a | 94.7 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 5 | n/a | 29.6 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 47 | n/a | 278.2 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 68 | n/a (estimate) | 403 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 30 | n/a | 177.6 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 460 | n/a | 2,723.0 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 52 | n/a | 307.8 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 542 | n/a (estimate) | 3,208 | 2,041 | 1,760 |
Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Mercedes is 70.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 68 violent crimes reported in Mercedes, equivalent to 403 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 12.1%. Additionally, Mercedes recorded 542 property crimes, amounting to 3208 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 82.3%.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, Mercedes has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 403 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
In the latest reported crime year, Mercedes recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
AreaVibes surveyed 11 local residents in Mercedes to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 55% of people answered that there was very little crime in Mercedes and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 45% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Mercedes is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Mercedes has a total crime rate that is 70% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 1.67 daily crimes (0.19 violent daily crimes and 1.48 daily property crimes) in Mercedes.
Year-over-year crime rates in Mercedes has increased by 27.4% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Mercedes 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 increased by 1.5%, while property crime has increased by 31.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Mercedes.
Mercedes has a poverty rate of 25.5, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In Mercedes, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Mercedes crime rates.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Mercedes are $843, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Mercedes | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 36 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.2 | 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 |
| Palm Valley, TX | 1,960 | 60 | 314 | 374 |
| Edcouch, TX | 3,432 | 188 | 226 | 414 |
| Progreso Lakes, TX | 340 | 157 | 824 | 981 |
| La Villa, TX | 2,861 | 190 | 1,108 | 1,297 |
| La Blanca, TX | 2,564 | 212 | 1,111 | 1,323 |
| Sebastian, TX | 1,553 | 214 | 1,122 | 1,337 |
| Heidelberg, TX | 1,769 | 218 | 1,145 | 1,364 |
| Mercedes, TX | 16,898 | 403 | 3,208 | 3,611 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Storrs, CT | 16,897 | 198 | 1,984 | 2,182 |
| Heber, UT | 16,894 | 215 | 907 | 1,121 |
| Washington, IL | 16,894 | 95 | 1,129 | 1,225 |
| Hillcrest Heights, MD | 16,890 | 482 | 2,354 | 2,837 |
| Menomonie, WI | 16,888 | 133 | 1,211 | 1,344 |
| Mercedes, TX | 16,898 | 403 | 3,208 | 3,611 |
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