| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Balch Springs/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 867 | n/a (estimate) | 3,233 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 41.0 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 29 | n/a | 108.1 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 72 | n/a | 268.5 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 112 | n/a (estimate) | 418 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 89 | n/a | 331.9 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 491 | n/a | 1,830.8 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 175 | n/a | 652.5 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 755 | n/a (estimate) | 2,815 | 2,041 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Balch Springs is 52.6% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Balch Springs, there were 112 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 418 per 100,000 individuals, 16.3% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 755 property crimes, amounting to 2815 per 100,000 residents, 59.9% higher than the U.S. average.
In the latest reported crime year, Balch Springs 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.
The surge in vehicle thefts is a concerning trend across the United States, and Balch Springs is no exception, experiencing one of the nation's highest vehicle theft rates. Last year, Balch Springs reported a total of 175 vehicle thefts, resulting in 653 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This places the city in the lowest 10% tier among all cities, indicating that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The probability of a vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 154, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and security measures.
AreaVibes surveyed 27 local residents in Balch Springs to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 15% of people answered that there was very little crime in Balch Springs and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 85% 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.
Determining whether Balch Springs 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, Balch Springs has an overall crime rate that is 53% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.38 daily occurrences, comprising 0.31 violent crimes and 2.07 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Balch Springs as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Balch Springs. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Balch Springs has decreased by 10.2%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 30.4%, while property crime has decreased by 6.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Balch Springs.
In Balch Springs, the cost of living is 5.16% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
Balch Springs has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 2.16 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to 3.25 nationwide. Crime rates are profoundly influenced by the effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing endeavors. A resilient and cooperative partnership between law enforcement agencies and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, ultimately enhancing safety. The efficacy of law enforcement extends beyond mere numbers and extends into the realm of community policing strategies, emphasizing the cultivation of trust and collaboration between officers and the community. It is not merely a matter of quantity but the quality of engagement with the community that matters most.
In Balch Springs, the median home price stands at $212,327, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Balch Springs | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 53 | 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 |
| Oak Leaf, TX | 1,854 | 55 | 286 | 341 |
| Talty, TX | 2,686 | 61 | 320 | 381 |
| McLendon-Chisholm, TX | 3,631 | 74 | 389 | 463 |
| Heath, TX | 9,311 | 102 | 441 | 543 |
| Combine, TX | 2,635 | 125 | 655 | 780 |
| Forney, TX | 24,467 | 156 | 652 | 808 |
| Glenn Heights, TX | 13,529 | 235 | 844 | 1,079 |
| Balch Springs, TX | 25,952 | 418 | 2,815 | 3,233 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| El Cerrito, CA | 25,955 | 480 | 3,044 | 3,524 |
| Bloomingdale, FL | 25,961 | 156 | 828 | 984 |
| Athens, OH | 25,971 | 96 | 964 | 1,060 |
| Kingsville, TX | 25,932 | 255 | 1,767 | 2,022 |
| Ossining, NY | 25,924 | 301 | 1,364 | 1,666 |
| Balch Springs, TX | 25,952 | 418 | 2,815 | 3,233 |
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