| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Kilgore/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 344 | n/a (estimate) | 2,535 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 7.4 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 51.6 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 22.1 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 35 | n/a | 257.9 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 46 | n/a (estimate) | 339 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 37 | n/a | 272.6 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 237 | n/a | 1,746.2 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 24 | n/a | 176.8 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 298 | n/a (estimate) | 2,196 | 2,041 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Kilgore is 19.6% 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 Kilgore, there were 46 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 339 per 100,000 individuals, 5.6% lower than the national average. Additionally, there were 298 property crimes, amounting to 2196 per 100,000 residents, 24.8% higher than the U.S. average.
The violent crime rate in Kilgore closely mirrors the national average among all cities that reported crime, with 339 incidents per 100,000 people. The national average for violent crime per 100,000 people was 359. This consistency highlights Kilgore as a community where safety standards are in line with the broader national landscape, providing residents with a reliable sense of security.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Kilgore. Based on the results of the surveys (9 responses), 44% of people felt that there was very little crime in Kilgore and felt safe walking alone at night. While 56% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Is Kilgore 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, Kilgore has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 20%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 0.94 daily incidents, encompassing 0.13 violent crimes and 0.82 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Kilgore as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime rates in Kilgore has increased by 3.3% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Kilgore is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has increased by 2.2%, while property crime has increased by 3.5%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Kilgore.
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 Kilgore, 76.3% of people have completed high school, while 83% of people have completed high school nationally.
In Kilgore, the cost of living is 11.29% 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.
High rent costs can create economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When a significant portion of one's income is spent on housing, there may be less money available for other essential needs such as food, healthcare and education. Economic stress can contribute to desperation and potentially lead individuals to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Average rent rates in Kilgore are $1,276, compared to a national average of $1,444 per month.
| Item | Kilgore | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 47 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 3.5 | 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 |
| East Mountain, TX | 1,242 | 0 | 103 | 103 |
| Lakeport, TX | 1,297 | 0 | 201 | 201 |
| Lake Cherokee, TX | 3,394 | 74 | 389 | 463 |
| Arp, TX | 1,445 | 301 | 501 | 802 |
| Liberty City, TX | 2,173 | 132 | 694 | 826 |
| White Oak, TX | 6,504 | 80 | 804 | 884 |
| Overton, TX | 3,156 | 172 | 773 | 945 |
| Kilgore, TX | 15,388 | 339 | 2,196 | 2,535 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Vandalia, OH | 15,393 | 168 | 1,771 | 1,939 |
| Highland Springs, VA | 15,404 | 283 | 2,039 | 2,322 |
| Williamsburg, VA | 15,371 | 199 | 1,205 | 1,404 |
| Lemon Hill, CA | 15,406 | 734 | 3,137 | 3,871 |
| Alpine, CA | 15,370 | 259 | 1,106 | 1,364 |
| Kilgore, TX | 15,388 | 339 | 2,196 | 2,535 |