| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Port Lavaca/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 173 | n/a (estimate) | 1,557 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 2 | n/a | 18.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 7 | n/a | 63.0 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 3 | n/a | 27.0 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 21 | n/a | 189.0 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 33 | n/a (estimate) | 297 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 23 | n/a | 207.0 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 104 | n/a | 935.9 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 13 | n/a | 117.0 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 140 | n/a (estimate) | 1,260 | 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 Port Lavaca is 26.5% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 33 violent crimes reported in Port Lavaca, equivalent to 297 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 17.3%. Additionally, Port Lavaca recorded 140 property crimes, amounting to 1260 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 28.4%.
Although the murder rates in America have decreased steadily since 1990, over the last few years there has been an uptick. Port Lavaca has one of the highest murder rates in the country when compared to all other cities that reported crime in the U.S. There were a total of 2 murders in Port Lavaca, which is 18 murders per 100,000 people.
Determining whether Port Lavaca 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, Port Lavaca has an overall crime rate that is 27% lower than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 0.47 daily occurrences, comprising 0.09 violent crimes and 0.38 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Port Lavaca as a potential place to establish residency.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Port Lavaca. This analysis involves comparing crime rates from one year to the next, enabling the identification of patterns and fluctuations in crime. Such information proves invaluable to residents seeking to make well-informed decisions about their choice of residence. In the most recent year, compared to the previous one, total crime in Port Lavaca has increased by 24.5%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 6.5%, while property crime has increased by 29.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Port Lavaca.
In Port Lavaca, the current unemployment rate stands at 2.3%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Port Lavaca crime rates.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Port Lavaca, the cost of living is 17.42% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In Port Lavaca, the average rental rates are $977 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Port Lavaca | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 25 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Point Comfort, TX | 597 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seadrift, TX | 1,642 | 0 | 296 | 296 |
| Port O'Connor, TX | 1,182 | 121 | 637 | 758 |
| Placedo, TX | 505 | 591 | 3,102 | 3,693 |
| Port Lavaca, TX | 12,295 | 297 | 1,260 | 1,557 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Port Washington, WI | 12,294 | 39 | 566 | 605 |
| Pennsville, NJ | 12,293 | 272 | 1,783 | 2,056 |
| Brown Deer, WI | 12,298 | 348 | 2,612 | 2,960 |
| Healdsburg, CA | 12,288 | 352 | 1,391 | 1,744 |
| Gold Canyon, AZ | 12,284 | 161 | 683 | 843 |
| Port Lavaca, TX | 12,295 | 297 | 1,260 | 1,557 |
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