| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Harlingen/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,125 | n/a (estimate) | 2,977 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 1.4 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 11 | n/a | 15.4 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 29 | n/a | 40.6 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 143 | n/a | 200.3 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 184 | n/a (estimate) | 258 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 246 | n/a | 344.6 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,475 | n/a | 2,066.2 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 220 | n/a | 308.2 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,941 | n/a (estimate) | 2,719 | 2,041 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the Harlingen crime rate is 40.5% higher than the national average. These incidents are classified into two primary categories: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, rape and murder. Whereas property crimes encompass theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In the case of Harlingen, there were 184 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 258 per 100,000 individuals, 28.2% lower than the national average. Additionally, Harlingen recorded 1941 property crimes, amounting to 2719 per 100,000 residents, 54.5% higher than the U.S. average.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Harlingen residents. Out of the respondents (35 in total), 40% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Harlingen were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 60% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Harlingen, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Harlingen presents a total crime rate that is 40% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Harlingen experiences an average of 5.82 daily crimes, comprising 0.5 violent incidents and 5.32 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 Harlingen. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Harlingen has decreased by 13.3%. Violent crimes have decreased by 29.8%, while property crimes have decreased by 11.3%. 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 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. Harlingen currently has an unemployment rate of 4.5%, contrasting with the national average of 4.9%. This could be one of many factors that could contribute to a higher or lower crime rate.
Harlingen has a population density of 1666.8 people per square mile, while with the national average is 90.6 people per square mile. Cities characterized by high population density are frequently larger urban centers offering diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality may be accentuated, resulting in the coexistence of poverty and affluence. Such economic disparities can contribute to elevated property crimes and on occasion, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density generally record lower Harlingen crime rates.
The level of education within a community can impact crime rates. Higher educational attainment often correlates with lower crime rates, as it provides individuals with better job opportunities and alternatives to criminal behavior. While lower educational achievement rates tend to lead to higher crime rates. In Harlingen, 69.5% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Harlingen | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 174 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.6 | 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 |
| Indian Lake, TX | 987 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Palm Valley, TX | 1,960 | 60 | 314 | 374 |
| Rancho Viejo, TX | 3,084 | 105 | 456 | 561 |
| Olmito, TX | 1,283 | 184 | 965 | 1,149 |
| Encantada-Ranchito-El Calaboz, TX | 1,898 | 201 | 1,052 | 1,253 |
| La Villa, TX | 2,861 | 190 | 1,108 | 1,297 |
| Sebastian, TX | 1,553 | 214 | 1,122 | 1,337 |
| Harlingen, TX | 66,722 | 258 | 2,719 | 2,977 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Schenectady, NY | 66,726 | 646 | 3,129 | 3,775 |
| Jupiter, FL | 66,688 | 123 | 653 | 776 |
| San Clemente, CA | 66,681 | 183 | 1,268 | 1,451 |
| East Orange, NJ | 66,655 | 486 | 1,953 | 2,439 |
| Blaine, MN | 66,645 | 89 | 1,411 | 1,500 |
| Harlingen, TX | 66,722 | 258 | 2,719 | 2,977 |
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