| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Brownsville/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 4,608 | n/a (estimate) | 2,418 | 2,644 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 4.2 | 6.0 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 45 | n/a | 23.6 | 49.5 | 38.0 |
| Robbery | 111 | n/a | 58.2 | 68.8 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 583 | n/a | 305.9 | 281.7 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 747 | n/a (estimate) | 392 | 406 | 364 |
| Burglary | 425 | n/a | 223.0 | 303.9 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 3,032 | n/a | 1,590.8 | 1,524.5 | 1,347.2 |
| Vehicle theft | 404 | n/a | 212.0 | 409.9 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 3,861 | n/a (estimate) | 2,026 | 2,238 | 1,917 |
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 Brownsville is 2.4% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 817 violent crimes reported in Brownsville, equivalent to 432 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 17%. Additionally, Brownsville recorded 3467 property crimes, amounting to 1835 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 6.1%.
In terms of the total Brownsville crime rate per 100,000 people, it falls within the midrange when compared to other cities across the United States. Our analysis of total crimes, encompassing both violent and property offenses in Brownsville, revealed that the reported crime rates closely align with the nationwide average reported by other areas.
The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Brownsville is very similar to the national average. Brownsville had a property crime rate of 1835, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Brownsville residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 33 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 45% of Brownsville residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 55% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Brownsville 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 Brownsville crime rate is 2% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 11.74 crimes per day - 2.24 violent crimes and 9.5 property crimes.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Brownsville. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Brownsville has increased by 5.2%. Violent crimes have increased by 12.4%, while property crimes have increased by 3.7%. 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 Brownsville, the poverty rate currently stands at 27.5%, 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 Brownsville crime rates.
In areas where employment options are limited or where a significant proportion of jobs offer meager wages, the likelihood of heightened unemployment and homelessness increases. Regions facing challenges related to unemployment or inadequate income may become more vulnerable to a surge in crime stemming from economic instability. While low unemployment rates tend to lead to reduced crime in most areas. Brownsville currently has an unemployment rate of 3.4%, contrasting with the national average of 4.7%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Brownsville has a ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents that differs from the national norm, with 1.8 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.
| Item | Brownsville | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 326 | 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 |
| Rancho Viejo, TX | 2,998 | 105 | 384 | 489 |
| Laguna Vista, TX | 3,172 | 80 | 852 | 932 |
| Olmito, TX | 1,255 | 192 | 1,058 | 1,250 |
| South Point, TX | 1,197 | 198 | 1,090 | 1,288 |
| Encantada-Ranchito-El Calaboz, TX | 1,832 | 209 | 1,154 | 1,364 |
| Laguna Heights, TX | 1,778 | 228 | 1,256 | 1,484 |
| Los Fresnos, TX | 7,767 | 787 | 1,404 | 2,191 |
| Brownsville, TX | 182,230 | 392 | 2,026 | 2,418 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | 181,818 | 157 | 819 | 975 |
| Vancouver, WA | 182,792 | 650 | 4,490 | 5,141 |
| Chattanooga, TN | 181,370 | 1,091 | 4,857 | 5,949 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 180,927 | 435 | 2,429 | 2,864 |
| Newport News, VA | 179,582 | 876 | 2,517 | 3,393 |
| Brownsville, TX | 182,230 | 392 | 2,026 | 2,418 |
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