Lufkin, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Lufkin, TX

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 Lufkin crime rate is higher than the national average by 79.2%. Specifically, there were 161 violent crimes in Lufkin, equivalent to 473 per 100,000 individuals, higher than the national average by 27.8%. Furthermore, Lufkin recorded 1258 property crimes, amounting to 3693 per 100,000 residents, which was higher than the average by 89%.

Having a crime rate of 4166 per 100,000 residents, Lufkin experiences a crime rate that is 79.24% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Lufkin contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Every year, one in 28 people fall victim to a property crime in Lufkin - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 3693 per 100,000 people, Lufkin has one of the highest property crime rates in the country. In fact, the city ranks among the worst 10% of all cities that reported crime last year.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Lufkin?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Lufkin residents. Out of the respondents (33 in total), 36% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Lufkin were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 64% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Lufkin a Safe Place to Live?

To determine if Lufkin 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. Lufkin has a total crime rate that is 79% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 3.89 daily crimes (0.44 violent daily crimes and 3.45 daily property crimes) in Lufkin.

Has Crime in Lufkin Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows residents and potential residents to assess the crime in Lufkin. A decrease in crime rates may indicate improving safety, while an increase could raise concerns. The year-over-year crime rate in Lufkin has decreased by 14.2%. Violent crimes have decreased by 32.9%, while property crimes have decreased by 11%. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, authorities and communities can identify trends and patterns in criminal activity. This helps in understanding whether crime is increasing, decreasing, or remaining stable over time.

Potential Causes for Crime in Lufkin

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 Lufkin, the cost of living is 15.97% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.

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 Lufkin, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents stands at 2.53, 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.

Lufkin has an average rental rate of $841 per month, compared to the national average of $949. In areas with high rental costs, some individuals and families may be forced to live in overcrowded or substandard housing conditions. Overcrowding can lead to increased stress and tension, which may contribute to domestic disputes and related property or violent crimes. Addressing affordable housing and economic mobility can be important strategies for reducing crime in such areas.

Lufkin crime map