| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waco/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 3,733 | n/a (estimate) | 2,552 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 8 | n/a | 5.5 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 133 | n/a | 90.9 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 84 | n/a | 57.4 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 398 | n/a | 272.1 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 623 | n/a (estimate) | 426 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 431 | n/a | 294.7 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 2,379 | n/a | 1,626.4 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 300 | n/a | 205.1 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 3,110 | n/a (estimate) | 2,126 | 2,041 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Waco is 20.4% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Waco, there were 623 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 426 per 100,000 individuals, 18.6% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 3110 property crimes, amounting to 2126 per 100,000 residents, 20.8% higher than the U.S. average.
AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Waco. Based on the results of the surveys (140 responses), 36% of people felt that there was very little crime in Waco and felt safe walking alone at night. While 64% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.
To determine if Waco 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. Waco has a total crime rate that is 20% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 10.23 daily crimes (1.71 violent daily crimes and 8.52 daily property crimes) in Waco.
Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Waco. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Waco has decreased by 35.7%. Violent crimes have decreased by 39.6%, while property crimes have decreased by 34.9%. 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.
In Waco, the poverty rate currently stands at 25.3%, 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 Waco crime rates.
In Waco, the cost of living is 10.52% lower 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.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In Waco, the average rental rates are $1,308 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.
| Item | Waco | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 325 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.5 | 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 |
| Robinson, TX | 12,219 | 122 | 501 | 623 |
| China Spring, TX | 1,313 | 130 | 681 | 811 |
| Gholson, TX | 1,193 | 149 | 784 | 933 |
| Riesel, TX | 1,378 | 159 | 836 | 996 |
| Woodway, TX | 9,189 | 123 | 942 | 1,065 |
| Hewitt, TX | 15,021 | 154 | 1,112 | 1,266 |
| Lorena, TX | 1,878 | 276 | 1,271 | 1,547 |
| Waco, TX | 142,208 | 426 | 2,126 | 2,552 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Charleston, SC | 142,427 | 358 | 2,022 | 2,379 |
| Carrollton, TX | 142,475 | 137 | 1,316 | 1,453 |
| Metairie, LA | 141,877 | 253 | 1,117 | 1,370 |
| Surprise, AZ | 142,589 | 109 | 876 | 985 |
| Roseville, CA | 143,208 | 219 | 1,420 | 1,640 |
| Waco, TX | 142,208 | 426 | 2,126 | 2,552 |
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