| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Weslaco/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 1,719 | n/a (estimate) | 3,916 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 31 | n/a | 70.6 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 42 | n/a | 95.7 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 132 | n/a | 300.7 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 205 | n/a (estimate) | 467 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 92 | n/a | 209.6 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 1,321 | n/a | 3,009.3 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 101 | n/a | 230.1 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 1,514 | n/a (estimate) | 3,449 | 2,041 | 1,760 |

Crime is typically categorized into two main types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. Based on the most recent report, the Weslaco crime rate is higher than the national average by 84.8%. Specifically, there were 205 violent crimes in Weslaco, equivalent to 467 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 30.1%. Furthermore, Weslaco recorded 1514 property crimes, amounting to 3449 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 96%.
In a remarkable testament to the city's commitment to safety, Weslaco 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 surveyed 10 local residents in Weslaco to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 40% of people answered that there was very little crime in Weslaco and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 60% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
Is Weslaco a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, Weslaco has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 85%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 4.71 daily incidents, encompassing 0.56 violent crimes and 4.15 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of Weslaco as a potential place to call home.
Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Weslaco. 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 Weslaco has increased by 28.8%. Specifically, violent crime has increased by 6.2%, while property crime has increased by 32.6%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Weslaco.
The impact of law enforcement and community policing efforts plays a crucial role in shaping crime rates in any city. A robust and cooperative bond between law enforcement and the community can serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, enhancing overall safety. In Weslaco, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.01, differing from the national average of 3.25. Effective law enforcement hinges not solely on officer numbers but also on the manner in which they interact and collaborate with the community. Building trust and cooperation are central tenets of community policing, amplifying its influence on crime prevention.
The median home price in Weslaco is $167,119, compared to the national average of $326,622. High housing costs can lead to financial stress for residents. When individuals struggle to make ends meet due to expensive housing, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities to address their financial difficulties, such as theft or fraud. Communities with stable housing environments tend to foster stronger social bonds and community engagement. This can lead to increased vigilance and cooperation among residents, which can deter criminal behavior.
In Weslaco, the average rental rates are $1,120 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444. Rapid increases in rental costs can lead to neighborhood instability as residents are forced to move frequently in search of more affordable housing. This transience can weaken community bonds and hinder the establishment of social support networks, which can indirectly contribute to crime. While affordable rent and areas with higher income per capita, allow for long term renters and community bonds to the formed, therefore reducing crime rates on the long term.
| Item | Weslaco | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 75 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 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 |
| Palm Valley, TX | 1,960 | 60 | 314 | 374 |
| Edcouch, TX | 3,432 | 188 | 226 | 414 |
| Progreso Lakes, TX | 340 | 157 | 824 | 981 |
| La Villa, TX | 2,861 | 190 | 1,108 | 1,297 |
| La Blanca, TX | 2,564 | 212 | 1,111 | 1,323 |
| Sebastian, TX | 1,553 | 214 | 1,122 | 1,337 |
| Pharr, TX | 80,998 | 222 | 1,136 | 1,358 |
| Weslaco, TX | 42,136 | 467 | 3,449 | 3,916 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cedar Falls, IA | 42,150 | 159 | 847 | 1,006 |
| Bartlett, IL | 42,167 | 28 | 391 | 419 |
| Hutchinson, KS | 42,073 | 367 | 2,230 | 2,597 |
| Hickory, NC | 42,059 | 407 | 2,824 | 3,232 |
| Shelton, CT | 42,033 | 42 | 709 | 751 |
| Weslaco, TX | 42,136 | 467 | 3,449 | 3,916 |