Garland, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Garland, TX

The Garland crime rates are 20.8% 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 593 violent crimes in Garland (246 per 100,000 people), which is 33.5% lower than the national average and there were a total of 6178 property crimes (2562 per 100,000 residents) which is 31.1% higher than average.

Vehicle thefts across all of America are on the rise and Garland has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. In the most recent crime report, Garland reported 1057 vehicle thefts, which equates to 438 stolen vehicles per 100,000 people. This falls in the bottom 10% of all cities, meaning that 90% of cities have better vehicle theft rates. The chance of having your vehicle stolen in Garland is 1 in 229.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Garland?

What do the local residents think about crime in Garland? Well, based on a recent survey of 76 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 41% of Garland residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 59% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Garland a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Garland a safe place to live?” Although the answer might not be that simple, as some areas are safer than others, getting a good feel for the overall rate of crime can definitely be helpful. Overall, the Garland crime rate is 21% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 18.55 crimes per day - 1.62 violent crimes and 16.93 property crimes.

Has Crime in Garland Increased Since Last Year?

Examining year-over-year crime data provides insights into short-term trends with regards to the crime activity in Garland. 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 Garland has increased by 7.9%. Specifically, violent crime has decreased by 3.1%, while property crime has increased by 9.1%. This data empowers individuals with a clearer understanding of the evolving safety landscape in Garland.

Garland Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Garland region comprises an array of over 67 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Garland are exemplars such as Hills Of Firewheel, Creek Bend and Greens, whereas Bellaire Heights, Charleston Commons and Brentwood Village grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Garland

The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Garland crime rates. In Garland, the poverty rate stands at 12.1%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.

Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Garland, the cost of living is 4.19% higher than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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 Garland, there are 1.84 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.

Garland crime map