Meridian, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Meridian, TX

The Meridian crime rates are 66.8% 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 2 violent crimes in Meridian (140 per 100,000 people), which is 62% lower than the national average and there were a total of 9 property crimes (632 per 100,000 residents) which is 67.7% lower than average.

Meridian has a crime rate of 772, which is considerably less than the national average of 2324. This results in Meridian being one of the safest places to live across the United States. The crime rate is based on the total number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 people.

During the most recently reported crime year, Meridian experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.

The property crime rates per 100,000 individuals have shown a steady decrease of more than 50% since 1990, with a slight uptick in recent years. The most recent crime data reveals that Meridian records a property crime rate of 632 incidents per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 1954. This underscores Meridian as an exceptionally secure and attractive residential destination, highlighting its unwavering dedication to fostering safety and community well-being.

The United States experiences some of the highest vehicle theft rates in the world, with about 300 vehicle thefts per 100,000 people. In fact, only a small percentage (about 10%) of cities were lucky enough to report no stolen vehicles at all. Meridian was one of those cities, as it had no reported vehicle thefts in the most recent crime report.

Is Meridian a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Meridian, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Meridian presents a total crime rate that is 67% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Meridian experiences an average of 0.03 daily crimes, comprising 0.01 violent incidents and 0.02 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Potential Causes for Crime in Meridian

If employment opportunities are limited or if many jobs offer low wages, it can lead to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment, which could lead to an increase in Meridian crime rates. Areas where individuals struggle with unemployment or low wages, may be more susceptible to an increase in criminal activities as a result of financial insecurity. While lower rates of unemployment or a surplus of job opportunities could lead to a decrease in crime as their basic needs are being met. Meridian has an unemployment rate of 0.6%, compared to a national average of 4.7%.

In Meridian, the median home price stands at $96,300, diverging from the national average of $184,700. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.

In Meridian, the average rental rates are $711 per month, compared to the national average of $949. 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.

Meridian crime map