Lancaster, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lancaster, TX

The Lancaster crime rates are 59.6% 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 255 violent crimes in Lancaster (628 per 100,000 people), which is 69.8% higher than the national average and there were a total of 1252 property crimes (3083 per 100,000 residents) which is 57.7% higher than average.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Lancaster faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 214 vehicle thefts, translating to 527 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Lancaster in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 190.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lancaster?

What is the prevailing sentiment among Lancaster residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 66 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 79% of Lancaster 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, 21% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is Lancaster a Safe Place to Live?

Before you decide to relocate, it’s always good to ask yourself “Is Lancaster 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 Lancaster crime rate is 60% higher than the national average. If we break that down daily, that translates into 4.13 crimes per day - 0.7 violent crimes and 3.43 property crimes.

Has Crime in Lancaster Increased Since Last Year?

In the most recent crime report, year-over-year crime rates in Lancaster has increased by 19.4%. Examining the change in crime rates from one year to the next provides valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape of Lancaster, 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 increased by 14.4%, while property crime has increased by 20.5%. This comprehensive analysis offers potential residents essential information for making informed decisions about whether or not Lancaster is a safe place to live.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lancaster

In Lancaster, 82.8% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, whereas the national average stands at 83%. The educational makeup of any city can exert a significant influence on crime rates. Typically, higher levels of educational attainment are associated with reduced crime rates, as they furnish individuals with improved employment prospects and viable alternatives to engaging in criminal activities. Conversely, communities characterized by lower educational achievement often grapple with higher crime rates, as limited opportunities may drive individuals towards criminal behavior.

High cost of living can lead to economic stress for individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. When people struggle to make ends meet due to high housing costs, healthcare expenses, or other basic necessities, they may be more inclined to engage in criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. On the flipside, cities that have a lower cost of living, could see a reduced crime rate. In Lancaster, the cost of living is 5.76% lower than the national average.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Lancaster stands at $154,900, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Lancaster crime map