| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Temple/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 2,595 | n/a (estimate) | 2,679 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 11 | n/a | 11.4 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 71 | n/a | 73.3 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 36 | n/a | 37.2 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 189 | n/a | 195.1 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 307 | n/a (estimate) | 317 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 353 | n/a | 364.4 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,594 | n/a | 1,645.6 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 341 | n/a | 352.0 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 2,288 | n/a (estimate) | 2,362 | 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 Temple is 26.4% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 307 violent crimes reported in Temple, equivalent to 317 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average by 11.7%. Additionally, Temple recorded 2288 property crimes, amounting to 2362 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 34.2%.
The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Temple is very close to the national average of all cities that reported crime. Temple reported 317 violent crimes, while the average of all cities was 359.
While murder rates in the United States have generally declined since 1990, recent years have seen an unfortunate uptick. Temple stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates among cities reporting crime data. In Temple, a total of 11 murders were reported, equating to 11 murders per 100,000 residents. This statistic underscores the challenges facing the area in terms of severe violent crime and the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security within the community.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Temple residents. Out of the respondents (76 in total), 58% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Temple were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 42% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
To determine if Temple 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. Temple has a total crime rate that is 26% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 7.11 daily crimes (0.84 violent daily crimes and 6.27 daily property crimes) in Temple.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Temple. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Temple has increased by 32.9%. Violent crimes have increased by 27.4%, while property crimes have increased by 33.7%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.
Temple has a poverty rate of 18.3, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.
In Temple, the cost of living is 10.81% lower than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.
The effectiveness of law enforcement and community policing initiatives can influence crime rates. A strong and collaborative relationship between the police and the community can deter criminal activity and improve safety. In Temple, there are 2.32 police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 3.25. The effectiveness of law enforcement often depends on community policing strategies that emphasize building trust and cooperation between the police and the community. It's not just about the number of officers but also how they engage 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 | Temple | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 158 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.3 | 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 |
| Salado, TX | 2,955 | 0 | 84 | 84 |
| Holland, TX | 1,614 | 0 | 264 | 264 |
| Morgan's Point Resort, TX | 4,733 | 21 | 541 | 561 |
| Troy, TX | 3,109 | 144 | 547 | 690 |
| Bruceville-Eddy, TX | 1,736 | 342 | 479 | 821 |
| Little River-Academy, TX | 2,208 | 169 | 884 | 1,053 |
| Moody, TX | 1,560 | 182 | 952 | 1,133 |
| Temple, TX | 79,316 | 317 | 2,362 | 2,679 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Bloomington, IL | 79,438 | 314 | 1,862 | 2,176 |
| Gastonia, NC | 79,485 | 849 | 3,514 | 4,364 |
| Upland, CA | 79,505 | 370 | 1,793 | 2,163 |
| Cedar Park, TX | 79,540 | 96 | 1,198 | 1,294 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 79,542 | 613 | 2,470 | 3,083 |
| Temple, TX | 79,316 | 317 | 2,362 | 2,679 |
Here are the best places to live in Texas
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
These are the 10 cheapest cities in Texas
Safest Cities In The US