| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Padre Island/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 269 | n/a (estimate) | 13,251 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 13 | n/a | 640.4 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 2 | n/a | 98.5 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 14 | n/a | 689.7 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 29 | n/a (estimate) | 1,429 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 33 | n/a | 1,625.6 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 176 | n/a | 8,670.0 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 31 | n/a | 1,527.1 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 240 | n/a (estimate) | 11,823 | 2,041 | 1,760 |
When we analyze the latest crime report, the South Padre Island crime rate is 525.3% 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 South Padre Island, there were 29 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1429 per 100,000 individuals, 297.8% higher than the national average. Additionally, South Padre Island recorded 240 property crimes, amounting to 11823 per 100,000 residents, 571.7% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 13251 per 100,000 residents, South Padre Island has a crime rate that is 525.3% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in South Padre Island that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
With a violent crime rate of 1429 crimes per 100,000 residents, South Padre Island is known as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States. In fact, South Padre Island ranks in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported violent crime last year. This translates into a 1 in 71 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime. Keep in mind that some areas will be safer than others and this doesn't necessarily mean that the entire city suffers from a high violent crime rate.
In the most recently reported crime year, South Padre Island registered zero reported homicides. This statistic not only designates the area as an exemplar of security but also emanates a profound sense of safety within its community. A minimal incidence of severe violent crime not only fosters a strong sense of well-being among residents but also sets a commendable standard for other regions aiming to cultivate similarly safe surroundings.
South Padre Island faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 11823 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in South Padre Island stands at 1 in 9, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
With a total of 31 vehicle thefts last year, South Padre Island has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 1527 per 100,000 people. This lands South Padre Island in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 66.
What do the local residents think about crime in South Padre Island? Well, based on a recent survey of 41 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 59% of South Padre Island residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 41% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if South Padre Island is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. South Padre Island has a total crime rate that is 525% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.74 daily crimes (0.08 violent daily crimes and 0.66 daily property crimes) in South Padre Island.
Year-over-year crime rates in South Padre Island has decreased by 26.7% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not South Padre Island 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 decreased by 48.2%, while property crime has decreased by 22.8%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in South Padre Island.
In South Padre Island, the cost of living is 19.7% higher 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.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In South Padre Island, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 13.04 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
South Padre Island has an average rental rate of $1,736 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.
| Item | South Padre Island | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 38 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 13.0 | 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 |
| Laguna Vista, TX | 3,270 | 53 | 631 | 683 |
| Bayview, TX | 688 | 157 | 824 | 981 |
| Laguna Heights, TX | 1,821 | 218 | 1,145 | 1,364 |
| Port Isabel, TX | 6,509 | 369 | 3,825 | 4,194 |
| South Padre Island, TX | 2,899 | 1,429 | 11,823 | 13,251 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Towanda, PA | 2,899 | 145 | 1,338 | 1,482 |
| Woodbury, TN | 2,899 | 69 | 899 | 968 |
| Delta, OH | 2,900 | 91 | 576 | 667 |
| Bushnell, IL | 2,898 | 163 | 970 | 1,133 |
| Moose Lake, MN | 2,900 | 153 | 956 | 1,109 |
| South Padre Island, TX | 2,899 | 1,429 | 11,823 | 13,251 |
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