| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | San Marcos/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,256 | n/a (estimate) | 3,247 | 2,732 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 6.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 106 | n/a | 152.6 | 50.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 47 | n/a | 67.7 | 70.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 292 | n/a | 420.3 | 304.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 445 | n/a (estimate) | 641 | 432 | 370 |
| Burglary | 211 | n/a | 303.7 | 334.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 1,380 | n/a | 1,986.5 | 1,634.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 220 | n/a | 316.7 | 331.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 1,811 | n/a (estimate) | 2,607 | 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 San Marcos crime rate is higher than the national average by 39.7%. Specifically, there were 445 violent crimes in San Marcos, equivalent to 641 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 73.2%. Furthermore, San Marcos recorded 1811 property crimes, amounting to 2607 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 33.4%.
During the most recently reported crime year, San Marcos 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.
AreaVibes surveyed 34 local residents in San Marcos to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 21% of people answered that there was very little crime in San Marcos and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 79% 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 get a feel for the safety of living in San Marcos, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. San Marcos presents a total crime rate that is 40% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, San Marcos experiences an average of 6.18 daily crimes, comprising 1.22 violent incidents and 4.96 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in San Marcos. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in San Marcos has increased by 11.7%. Violent crimes have increased by 21.3%, while property crimes have increased by 9.6%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
In San Marcos, the poverty rate currently stands at 28.9%, which contrasts with the national average of 15.1%. It's essential to recognize that the economic status of a city's inhabitants could be a pivotal factor influencing crime stats. Communities grappling with high poverty rates and income inequality are often susceptible to elevated crime levels, as some individuals may turn to unlawful activities to fulfill their essential needs. While lower poverty rates could lead to a reduction in San Marcos crime rates.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In San Marcos, 80.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In San Marcos, there are 2.68 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage with the community.
| Item | San Marcos | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 127 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Wimberley, TX | 3,168 | 68 | 361 | 429 |
| Woodcreek, TX | 1,922 | 89 | 475 | 565 |
| Lockhart, TX | 13,782 | 126 | 810 | 936 |
| Martindale, TX | 1,059 | 157 | 833 | 990 |
| Mountain City, TX | 536 | 175 | 929 | 1,104 |
| Geronimo, TX | 793 | 194 | 1,030 | 1,224 |
| Lake Dunlap, TX | 1,546 | 194 | 1,032 | 1,225 |
| San Marcos, TX | 64,053 | 641 | 2,607 | 3,247 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cheyenne, WY | 64,099 | 279 | 3,636 | 3,914 |
| South Hill, WA | 64,104 | 475 | 4,235 | 4,710 |
| Bellevue, NE | 63,970 | 182 | 1,398 | 1,580 |
| Youngstown, OH | 64,152 | 686 | 2,871 | 3,557 |
| Lake Elsinore, CA | 64,201 | 191 | 2,482 | 2,673 |
| San Marcos, TX | 64,053 | 641 | 2,607 | 3,247 |
Here are the best places to live in Texas
Top 10 best public schools in San Marcos
Check out the 10 safest cities in Texas
These are the 10 most affordable cities in Texas