| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | San Marcos/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,903 | n/a (estimate) | 2,617 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 70 | n/a | 96.3 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 27 | n/a | 37.1 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 164 | n/a | 225.5 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 261 | n/a (estimate) | 359 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 194 | n/a | 266.8 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,164 | n/a | 1,600.6 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 284 | n/a | 390.5 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,642 | n/a (estimate) | 2,258 | 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 San Marcos is 23.5% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 261 violent crimes reported in San Marcos, equivalent to 359 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 0.1%. Additionally, San Marcos recorded 1642 property crimes, amounting to 2258 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 28.3%.
For violent crimes per 100,000 people, San Marcos has a rate of violent crime that is very close to the national average. There were a total of 359 violent crimes, while the national average reported 359. This is an indication that the level of crime is essentially on par with all other cities.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, San Marcos reported a murder rate of 0. This could indicate that it is a very safe place to live, but also serves as an inspiration to other urban areas striving for safer communities. Examining the full crime report will provide a complete overview of all crimes - violent and property.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in San Marcos. Based on the results of the surveys (37 responses), 22% of people felt that there was very little crime in San Marcos and felt safe walking alone at night. While 78% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is San Marcos a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the San Marcos crime rate is 23% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 5.21 crimes per day - 0.72 violent crimes and 4.5 property crimes.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in San Marcos. 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 San Marcos has decreased by 5.8%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 28.9%, while property crime has decreased by 0.7%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in San Marcos.
In San Marcos, the poverty rate currently stands at 28.9%, 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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos, the cost of living is 5.79% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
In San Marcos, the ratio of police officers and civilians stands at 2.68 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.
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 | San Marcos | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 127 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.7 | 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 |
| Martindale, TX | 1,093 | 0 | 159 | 159 |
| Woodcreek, TX | 1,992 | 55 | 286 | 341 |
| Wimberley, TX | 3,271 | 74 | 389 | 463 |
| Lake Dunlap, TX | 1,592 | 113 | 595 | 708 |
| Mustang Ridge, TX | 1,265 | 137 | 721 | 858 |
| Mountain City, TX | 555 | 157 | 824 | 981 |
| Kyle, TX | 47,247 | 198 | 824 | 1,022 |
| San Marcos, TX | 65,711 | 359 | 2,258 | 2,617 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Pflugerville, TX | 65,733 | 195 | 1,614 | 1,809 |
| Youngstown, OH | 65,739 | 688 | 2,753 | 3,441 |
| The Hammocks, FL | 65,641 | 158 | 840 | 997 |
| Bellevue, NE | 65,626 | 99 | 1,132 | 1,231 |
| Cheyenne, WY | 65,554 | 329 | 2,989 | 3,317 |
| San Marcos, TX | 65,711 | 359 | 2,258 | 2,617 |
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