South Padre Island, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in South Padre Island, TX

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in South Padre Island is 572.3% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In South Padre Island, there were 32 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 1563 per 100,000 individuals, 322.5% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 288 property crimes, amounting to 14063 per 100,000 residents, 619.5% higher than the U.S. average.

South Padre Island has a crime rate of 15625 per 100,000 people, which surpasses the national average by 572.27%, leading to one of the highest total crime rates in the United States. Addressing this issue is vital for improving overall safety and desirability of South Padre Island. Efforts to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative initiatives are essential to create a more secure and appealing environment for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

South Padre Island has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1563 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, South Padre Island falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 64 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

South Padre Island showcased a dedication to violent crime safety in its latest reported crime year by achieving a murder rate of 0. This accomplishment could indicate that it is a safe place for residents, but also provides a shining example to other urban areas endeavoring to create safer communities.

Every year, one in 8 people fall victim to a property crime in South Padre Island - which is high compared to the national average. With a property crime rate of 14063 per 100,000 people, South Padre Island 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.

With a total of 19 vehicle thefts last year, South Padre Island has one of the most stolen cars in the country at 928 per 100,000 people. This lands South Padre Island in the bottom 10% of all cities that reported crime and the chance of any vehicle being stolen is one in 108.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in South Padre Island?

What is the prevailing sentiment among South Padre Island residents regarding the state of crime? A comprehensive survey conducted by AreaVibes, involving 39 respondents, sheds light on this matter. The results were as follows: 59% of South Padre Island 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, 41% of those surveyed held a contrasting viewpoint, perceiving a higher incidence of crime, leading them to feel apprehensive about walking alone at night.

Is South Padre Island a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in South Padre Island, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. South Padre Island presents a total crime rate that is 572% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, South Padre Island experiences an average of 0.88 daily crimes, comprising 0.09 violent incidents and 0.79 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in South Padre Island Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in South Padre Island crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in South Padre Island has decreased by 12.8% year over year. Violent crime has decreased by 42.9% and property crime has decreased by 7.4%.

Potential Causes for Crime in South Padre Island

Limited employment opportunities or a prevalence of low-wage jobs can result in higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Regions where individuals grapple with joblessness or meager wages may exhibit greater vulnerability to an uptick in crime due to financial instability. While areas that have strong employment rates, often will see a reduction in overall crime. South Padre Island, for instance, reports an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which differs from the national average of 4.7%.

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced South Padre Island crime rates. South Padre Island registers a population density of 1041.1 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

Elevated rental costs can generate economic strain for both individuals and families, particularly those with restricted financial means. When a substantial proportion of one's income is allocated to housing costs, it often leaves limited resources for fulfilling other crucial necessities such as groceries, healthcare and education. This financial pressure can fuel desperation, potentially prompting individuals to resort to criminal actions, including theft or fraud, as a means of coping with their financial hardships. In South Padre Island, the average monthly rent stands at $1,150, while the national average is $949 per month.

South Padre Island crime map