| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Galveston/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,549 | n/a (estimate) | 2,917 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 3 | n/a | 5.6 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 80 | n/a | 150.7 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 57 | n/a | 107.3 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 145 | n/a | 273.1 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 285 | n/a (estimate) | 537 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 139 | n/a | 261.8 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 984 | n/a | 1,853.1 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 141 | n/a | 265.5 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,264 | n/a (estimate) | 2,380 | 2,041 | 1,760 |
The Galveston crime rates are 37.7% higher 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 285 violent crimes in Galveston (537 per 100,000 people), which is 49.5% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1264 property crimes (2380 per 100,000 residents) which is 35.2% higher than average.
AreaVibes surveyed 69 local residents in Galveston to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 30% of people answered that there was very little crime in Galveston and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 70% 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.
Is Galveston a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Galveston has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 38%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 4.24 daily incidents, encompassing 0.78 violent crimes and 3.46 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Galveston as a potential place to call home.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Galveston has decreased by 5.1%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Galveston, 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 decreased by 5.6%, while property crime has decreased by 5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Galveston is a safe place to live.
If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Galveston crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Galveston has an unemployment rate of 5.9%, compared to a national average of 4.9%.
In Galveston, the cost of living is 1.44% higher 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.
In Galveston, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 3.42 per 1,000 residents, contrasting with the national average of 3.25. This discrepancy highlights the potential impact of law enforcement and community policing on crime rates. The strength of their collaboration can serve as a deterrent to criminal behavior, fostering a safer environment. Effective law enforcement leans heavily on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and cooperation between police and residents. It's essential to recognize that the effectiveness of these efforts isn't solely tied to the quantity of officers but also hinges on the quality of their engagement with the community.
| Item | Galveston | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 168 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.4 | 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 |
| Tiki Island, TX | 1,130 | 55 | 286 | 341 |
| Bolivar Peninsula, TX | 2,692 | 81 | 427 | 508 |
| Bayou Vista, TX | 2,016 | 57 | 453 | 510 |
| Jamaica Beach, TX | 1,341 | 0 | 558 | 558 |
| San Leon, TX | 5,626 | 299 | 1,568 | 1,866 |
| Hitchcock, TX | 8,085 | 331 | 1,771 | 2,103 |
| Bacliff, TX | 11,876 | 398 | 2,086 | 2,484 |
| Galveston, TX | 52,052 | 537 | 2,380 | 2,917 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Hoffman Estates, IL | 52,201 | 150 | 993 | 1,142 |
| Catalina Foothills, AZ | 52,225 | 194 | 824 | 1,018 |
| Joplin, MO | 51,877 | 560 | 4,121 | 4,681 |
| Battle Creek, MI | 52,232 | 1,122 | 2,523 | 3,644 |
| Aliso Viejo, CA | 51,870 | 135 | 868 | 1,003 |
| Galveston, TX | 52,052 | 537 | 2,380 | 2,917 |
Here are the best places to live in Texas
See the best places to live in Galveston
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Safest States In The US