A-
56%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
33%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
60%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleMerkel/100k peopleTexas/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime25n/a (estimate)1,0282,7322,324
Murder0n/a0.06.76.3
Rape1n/a41.150.040.0
Robbery0n/a0.070.566.1
Assault5n/a205.7304.7268.2
Violent crime6n/a (estimate)247432370
Burglary6n/a246.8334.3269.8
Theft7n/a287.91,634.41,401.9
Vehicle theft6n/a246.8331.2282.7
Property crime19n/a (estimate)7822,3001,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Merkel, TX

The Merkel crime rates are 55.8% lower than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 6 violent crimes in Merkel (247 per 100,000 people), which is 33.3% lower than the national average and there were a total of 19 property crimes (782 per 100,000 residents) which is 60% lower than average.

During the most recently reported crime year, Merkel experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

Is Merkel a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Merkel a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Merkel crime rate is 56% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 0.07 crimes per day - 0.02 violent crimes and 0.05 property crimes.

Has Crime in Merkel Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Merkel has increased by 92.3%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Merkel, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has increased by 200%, while property crime has increased by 72.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Merkel is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Merkel

In Merkel, the current unemployment rate stands at 0.6%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. 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 Merkel crime rates.

The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Merkel, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 1.51, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Merkel stands at $65,600, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Merkel crime map



The Merkel crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Merkel as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Merkel crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Merkel crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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Compare Merkel, TX Crime

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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Merkel crime rates are 56% lower than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Merkel are 33% lower than the national average
      • In Merkel you have a 1 in 98 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Merkel is safer than 53% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Merkel has increased by 108%

      Merkel, TX Crime Quiz

         

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        Daily Crime In Merkel (per 100,000 people)

        How Safe is Merkel (higher is better)

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Merkel

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Merkel is 1 in 406
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Merkel is 1 in 128
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Merkel is 1 in 98

        Year Over Year Crime In Merkel (per 100,000 people)

        Merkel police department

        Item Merkel Texas National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)446,020558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents1.53.03.3
        There are a total of 4 Merkel police officers. This results in 1.5 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 49.8% less than the Texas average and 53.6% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Texas

        State Total offenders Texas /100K National /100K
        Texas95,281443266
        There are a total of 95,281 sex offenders in Texas. This yields a total of 443 sex offenders in Texas per 100,000 residents which is 67% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Hawley, TX447000
        Tye, TX1,090168336503
        Buffalo Gap, TX6095693,0323,601
        Trent, TX1895973,1783,775
        Merkel, TX2,6182477821,028

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Indian Springs Village, AL2,61864273337
        Pearl River, LA2,6184481,3061,754
        Ruleville, MS2,6171339451,077
        Rose Hills, CA2,619113527640
        Homestead Valley, CA2,6193811,7852,166
        Merkel, TX2,6182477821,028
        Source: The Merkel, TX crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.