Killeen, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Killeen, TX

The Killeen crime rates are 1.5% lower 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 864 violent crimes in Killeen (542 per 100,000 people), which is 46.4% higher than the national average and there were a total of 2787 property crimes (1747 per 100,000 residents) which is 10.6% lower than average.

When assessing the total crime rate in Killeen per 100,000 people, it stands in the median range among all cities with reported crime data. Our analysis of total incidents, encompassing both violent and property crimes within Killeen, underscores the close alignment of reported crime rates with the national average as reported by other areas.

Despite a steady decline in murder rates in the United States since 1990, recent years have witnessed an unfortunate uptick. Killeen stands out with one of the nation's highest murder rates, surpassing other cities that reported crime. In Killeen, there were a total of 19 murders, translating to 12 murders per 100,000 people, underscoring the pressing need for continued efforts to address and reduce severe violent crime in the area.

The property crime rate per 100,000 people in Killeen is very similar to the national average. Killeen had a property crime rate of 1747, while the national average was 1954. Based on these numbers, you could expect an average amount of property crime in this area.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Killeen?

AreaVibes has conducted polls asking local residents if they feel safe living in Killeen. Based on the results of the surveys (241 responses), 21% of people felt that there was very little crime in Killeen and felt safe walking alone at night. While 79% of people felt that it was not a safe place to live and did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Killeen a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Killeen 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 Killeen crime rate is 2% lower than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 10 crimes per day - 2.37 violent crimes and 7.64 property crimes.

Has Crime in Killeen Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Killeen has increased by 0.5% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Killeen is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 10.3%, while property crime has increased by 4.4%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Killeen.

Potential Causes for Crime in Killeen

In Killeen, the current unemployment rate stands at 6.2%, diverging from the national average of 4.7%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall Killeen crime rates.

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 Killeen crime rates. For instance, in Killeen, the population density stands at 2709.3 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

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 Killeen, the cost of living is 12.25% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

Killeen crime map