| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Waco/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 5,456 | n/a (estimate) | 3,872 | 2,732 | 2,324 |
| Murder | 14 | n/a | 9.9 | 6.7 | 6.3 |
| Rape | 117 | n/a | 83.0 | 50.0 | 40.0 |
| Robbery | 106 | n/a | 75.2 | 70.5 | 66.1 |
| Assault | 669 | n/a | 474.8 | 304.7 | 268.2 |
| Violent crime | 906 | n/a (estimate) | 643 | 432 | 370 |
| Burglary | 750 | n/a | 532.3 | 334.3 | 269.8 |
| Theft | 3,420 | n/a | 2,427.1 | 1,634.4 | 1,401.9 |
| Vehicle theft | 380 | n/a | 269.7 | 331.2 | 282.7 |
| Property crime | 4,550 | n/a (estimate) | 3,229 | 2,300 | 1,954 |
The Waco crime rates are 66.6% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 906 violent crimes in Waco (643 per 100,000 people), which is 73.9% higher than the national average and there were a total of 4550 property crimes (3229 per 100,000 residents) which is 65.2% higher than average.
What is the prevailing sentiment among Waco residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 137 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 35% of Waco residents expressed a notable sense of security, asserting that crime was virtually non-existent in their community, and they felt at ease strolling the streets after dark. While, 65% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about 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 67% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 14.95 daily crimes (2.48 violent daily crimes and 12.47 daily property crimes) in Waco.
In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Waco has decreased by 6%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Waco, aiding residents in assessing whether it is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. These crime rates are categorized into two primary groups: violent and property crimes. Year-over-year, violent crime has decreased by 12.1%, while property crime has decreased by 4.7%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Waco is a safe place to live.
Highly populated regions typically encompass expansive urban hubs teeming with diverse economic prospects. Within these areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, giving rise to enclaves of poverty amid affluence. Communities marked by economic disparities may contend with heightened property crimes, and in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, regions characterized by low population density often exhibit lower Waco crime rates. For instance, in Waco, the population density stands at 1552.7 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.
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 Waco, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.53 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.
In areas where housing affordability is an issue, crime can become a significant concern. Some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions, which can increase stress and potentially contribute to domestic disputes and related crimes. The median home price in Waco is $133,500, compared to a national average of $184,700.
| 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 |
| Hewitt, TX | 14,705 | 166 | 896 | 1,062 |
| Woodway, TX | 8,936 | 53 | 1,062 | 1,114 |
| China Spring, TX | 1,264 | 199 | 1,058 | 1,257 |
| Lorena, TX | 1,822 | 168 | 1,175 | 1,343 |
| Robinson, TX | 11,806 | 247 | 1,096 | 1,343 |
| Hallsburg, TX | 405 | 407 | 2,166 | 2,573 |
| Lacy-Lakeview, TX | 6,698 | 406 | 2,562 | 2,968 |
| Waco, TX | 137,779 | 643 | 3,229 | 3,872 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Carrollton, TX | 137,319 | 207 | 1,661 | 1,867 |
| Metairie, LA | 138,511 | 429 | 1,874 | 2,303 |
| Charleston, SC | 137,041 | 375 | 1,889 | 2,264 |
| Roseville, CA | 138,860 | 163 | 1,885 | 2,048 |
| Surprise, AZ | 139,007 | 118 | 1,403 | 1,521 |
| Waco, TX | 137,779 | 643 | 3,229 | 3,872 |
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