| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Big Spring/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 754 | n/a (estimate) | 3,548 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 14.1 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 61.2 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 10 | n/a | 47.1 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 136 | n/a | 640.0 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 162 | n/a (estimate) | 762 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 129 | n/a | 607.1 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 399 | n/a | 1,877.7 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 64 | n/a | 301.2 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 592 | n/a (estimate) | 2,786 | 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 Big Spring is 67.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 162 violent crimes reported in Big Spring, equivalent to 762 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 112.3%. Additionally, Big Spring recorded 592 property crimes, amounting to 2786 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 58.3%.
Big Spring ranks among the most perilous cities in the United States, bearing a violent crime rate of 762 per 100,000 people, positioning it within the lowest 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime statistics. The odds of falling victim to violent crime in Big Spring stand at 1 in every 132 residents, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced safety measures and community engagement to address this significant concern.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Big Spring is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 3 murders in Big Spring, which equates to 14 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Big Spring being a very dangerous place to live.
AreaVibes surveyed 28 local residents in Big Spring to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 18% of people answered that there was very little crime in Big Spring and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 82% 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 Big Spring 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, Big Spring has an overall crime rate that is 67% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 2.07 daily occurrences, comprising 0.44 violent crimes and 1.62 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Big Spring as a potential place to establish residency.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Big Spring crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Big Spring has decreased by 10.6% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 16.9% and property crime has decreased by 8.6%.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Big Spring crime rates. For instance, in Big Spring, the population density stands at 1491.5 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
In Big Spring, 65% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.
High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Big Spring, the cost of living is 9.33% lower than the national average.
| Item | Big Spring | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 49 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 1.8 | 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 |
| Coahoma, TX | 811 | 436 | 2,286 | 2,722 |
| Forsan, TX | 465 | 484 | 2,536 | 3,019 |
| Big Spring, TX | 28,488 | 762 | 2,786 | 3,548 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Huntley, IL | 28,474 | 28 | 429 | 457 |
| Wasco, CA | 28,473 | 818 | 3,498 | 4,316 |
| Oxford, MS | 28,503 | 127 | 1,853 | 1,980 |
| Perry Hall, MD | 28,466 | 453 | 2,209 | 2,662 |
| Kirkwood, MO | 28,511 | 213 | 1,396 | 1,609 |
| Big Spring, TX | 28,488 | 762 | 2,786 | 3,548 |