| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Rockdale/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 102 | n/a (estimate) | 1,797 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 17.6 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 8 | n/a | 140.9 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 37 | n/a | 651.9 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 46 | n/a (estimate) | 810 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 9 | n/a | 158.6 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 41 | n/a | 722.3 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 6 | n/a | 105.7 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 56 | n/a (estimate) | 987 | 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 Rockdale is 15.2% lower than the national average. Specifically, there were 46 violent crimes reported in Rockdale, equivalent to 810 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 125.7%. Additionally, Rockdale recorded 56 property crimes, amounting to 987 per 100,000 people, lower than the national average by 44%.
Rockdale has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 810 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Rockdale falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 124 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.
Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Rockdale is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 1 murders in Rockdale, which equates to 18 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Rockdale being a very dangerous place to live.
AreaVibes surveyed 10 local residents in Rockdale to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 20% of people answered that there was very little crime in Rockdale and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 80% 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.
To get a feel for the safety of living in Rockdale, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Rockdale presents a total crime rate that is 15% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Rockdale experiences an average of 0.28 daily crimes, comprising 0.13 violent incidents and 0.15 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 us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Rockdale crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Rockdale has decreased by 53.2% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 109.1% and property crime has decreased by 71.4%.
In Rockdale, the poverty rate currently stands at 22.9%, 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 Rockdale crime rates.
Rockdale has a population density of 1426.2 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 Rockdale 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 Rockdale, the cost of living is 18.74% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
| Item | Rockdale | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 16 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.8 | 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 |
| Thorndale, TX | 1,350 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cameron, TX | 5,589 | 233 | 914 | 1,147 |
| Milano, TX | 658 | 467 | 2,450 | 2,917 |
| Rockdale, TX | 5,714 | 810 | 987 | 1,797 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Dumfries, VA | 5,715 | 134 | 1,103 | 1,236 |
| Cheraw, SC | 5,715 | 1,164 | 7,283 | 8,447 |
| Nashville, NC | 5,715 | 304 | 1,589 | 1,892 |
| New Carlisle, OH | 5,716 | 314 | 1,654 | 1,968 |
| Waterville, OH | 5,717 | 133 | 584 | 717 |
| Rockdale, TX | 5,714 | 810 | 987 | 1,797 |