San Antonio is a vibrant city known for its rich culture, historic landmarks, and growing economy. However, like many major cities, it often draws attention to its crime rate. If you’re considering moving to or visiting San Antonio, you might be wondering, Is San Antonio safe?
While the San Antonio crime rate might seem concerning at first glance, it’s essential to understand the context behind the numbers. Yes, certain areas of the city experience higher levels of crime, but that doesn’t mean San Antonio as a whole is dangerous. Many neighborhoods are safe, offering a family-friendly environment with a strong sense of community.
Let’s explore the latest crime statistics and San Antonio crime trends to help you understand crime in San Antonio TX.
Table of Contents
How Crime Rates Are Calculated: Understanding the San Antonio Crime Rate
When looking at the San Antonio crime rate, it’s important to understand how these numbers are calculated.
City crime rates are calculated using crime data reported to the FBI by local law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Crime rates are typically measured by the number of reported incidents per 100,000 residents. This allows cities of different sizes to be compared more easily. The crime rate includes various categories of offenses, ranging from violent crimes like assaults and homicides to property crimes such as burglary and theft.
However, these crime statistics don’t tell the whole story. Crime rates are often an aggregate of incidents spread across an entire city, meaning they can be influenced by isolated areas where crime is more prevalent. For example, a handful of high-crime neighborhoods can dramatically increase a city’s overall crime rate, even though the vast majority of the city remains safe and secure.
Crime rates don’t reflect the daily experiences of most residents. Factors such as time of day, specific locations, and your own behaviors can significantly influence your actual risk of being the victim of crime. In particular, violent crime is often targeted, not random. It’s frequently related to criminal and gang activity or parties who know each other. It’s crucial to remember that just because a city has a higher crime rate on paper, it doesn’t mean that the city overall is unsafe.
When it comes to crime in San Antonio, certain parts of the city have a disproportionate impact on the city’s crime rate. However, many areas are well-patrolled and have low crime rates. It’s also worth noting that law enforcement strategies and initiatives in communities, like neighborhood watch programs and “hot-spot policing,” have helped reduce crime in some of the city’s most affected areas.
What Is the Crime Rate in San Antonio, Texas?
The San Antonio crime rate is 5,951 crimes per 100,000 people.
When evaluating the San Antonio, Texas crime rate, it’s clear that the city experiences higher crime rates compared to both the state and national averages. The overall San Antonio crime rate is 49% higher than the Texas average of 2,732 per 100,000 people and 75% higher than the national average of 2,324 per 100,000 people.
The rate of murders in San Antonio is 134% higher than Texas and 149% higher than the national average.
Property crimes – such as burglary, larceny, arson, and car theft – make up the bulk of the total crime rate in San Antonio, with a large portion of incidents occurring in specific neighborhoods.
San Antonio crime rates:
- Total crime rate: 5,951 per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 5,069 per 100,000 people
- Violent crime rate: 883 per 100,000 people
- Murder rate: 15.7 per 100,000 people
Texas crime rate:
- Overall crime rate: 2,732 per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 2,300 per 100,000 people
- Violent crime rate: 432 per 100,000 people
- Texas murder rate: 6.7 per 100,000 people
National average crime rate:
- Total crime rate: 2,324 per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 1,954 per 100,000 people
- Violent crime rate: 370 per 100,000 people
- Murder rate: 6.3 per 100,000 people
While these figures may seem alarming, it’s crucial to remember that the crime rate in San Antonio is not evenly distributed across the city. Violent crime in San Antonio is also trending downward.
San Antonio Violent Crime Rate
The San Antonio violent crime rate was 883 per 100,000 people in 2022. This was 149% higher than the national violent crime rate.
- Rape: 106 incidents per 100,000
- Robbery: 116 incidents per 100,000
- Assault: 645 incidents per 100,000
The violent crime rate in San Antonio, TX is trending downward. In 2023, there was a 9.6% decrease in crimes against persons compared to 2022. Homicides dropped to 165 in 2023 from 231 in 2022. Over the course of one year from 2022 to 2023, sex offenses declined by 31%, assault dropped by 9.4%, and human trafficking fell by 12.5%.
During the first half of 2024, murders dropped 27% compared to 2023. Reports of rape declined from 511 to 447, robbery reports fell from 915 to 856, and aggravated assault declined from 3,727 to 2,974.
Violent offenses have dropped since the SAPD implemented a new “hot spot” strategy in January 2023. The policing plan was developed in collaboration with the University of Texas at San Antonio. The strategy involves officers sitting in marked cruisers for 15 minutes in identified hot spots for violence to deter crime. The next phase of this plan is now underway to address underlying causes of property crime and violence, such as code violations and poor lighting.
District 2 Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and others have advocated for solutions to crime in San Antonio communities outside of police activity. In 2023, a program was expanded to send paramedics and mental health professionals, along with police officers, to certain 911 calls.
San Antonio Shootings
Shootings in San Antonio remain a problem. In the four years since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been 154 more fatal firearm incidents in San Antonio compared to the four years prior. Shootings contribute significantly to the San Antonio crime rate.
An analysis of data from the Gun Violence Archive found that The Alamo City ranks third in the country for road rage shootings. These shooting incidents have skyrocketed by almost 450% across the U.S. between 2014 and 2023. There were 83 San Antonio shootings involving road rage, with 94 victims. Houston had the most incidents in the country, with 215 road rage shootings between 2014 and 2023.
What Is the San Antonio Murder Rate?
In 2022, the murder rate in San Antonio was 15.7 per 100,000 people. The San Antonio homicide rate was 134% higher than Texas and 149% higher than the national average. This homicide rate includes 53 migrants who died in a scorching hot tractor-trailer.
There were 165 San Antonio murders last year, a decline of nearly 29% from the 231 homicides in 2022.
The homicide rate in the city has increased dramatically over the past few years. However, the murder rate in San Antonio is one of the lowest among major cities in Texas. In 2021, Houston had 19.8 homicides per 100,000 people. Austin had the lowest homicide rate of 7.8 per 100,000.
San Antonio murders by year:
- 2023: 165 homicides
- 2022: 231 homicides
- 2021: 168 homicides
- 2020: 130 homicides
Property Crime Rate in San Antonio
The property crime rate in San Antonio is 5,069 per 100,000 people.
- Burglary: 6,371 incidents per 100,000
- Theft: 3,588 incidents per 100,000
- Vehicle theft: 844 incidents per 100,000
While violent crimes are declining, property crime has increased in the city. Between 2022 and 2023, crimes against property rose by 6.6%. Car theft is a major contributor to this problem. Motor vehicle thefts increased by 53% from 2022, with 19,225 reported car thefts in 2023.
San Antonio Crime Rate Compared to Other Cities
How does the San Antonio crime rate compare to the rest of the nation and other major cities? Below is a side-by-side comparison of crime in San Antonio, TX, versus other Texas cities, large U.S. cities, and the national average.
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San Antonio Crime Rate Ranking Among Major Texas Cities |
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| Total Crime | Violent Crime | Property Crime | Murder Rate | |
| San Antonio | 5,951 | 883 | 5,069 | 15.7 |
| Houston | 5,723 | 1,142 | 4,582 | 19.0 |
| Dallas | 4,591 | 778 | 3,813 | 12.2 |
| Austin | 4,130 | 540 | 3,590 | 7.1 |
| Fort Worth | 3,242 | 502 | 2,740 | 11.0 |
| Arlington | 3,105 | 580 | 2,525 | 4.1 |
| Texas | 2,732 | 432 | 2,300 | 15.0 |
| El Paso | 1,692 | 313 | 1,379 | 3.2 |
When you compare the Houston vs San Antonio crime rate, you’ll see that while Houston has a lower overall crime rate, violent crime is 29% higher in Houston and the murder rate is 21% higher.
Below, you can compare the San Antonio crime rate to other major cities in America with a similar population.
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San Antonio Comparison: Crime in Major U.S. Cities |
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| Total Crime | Violent Crime | Property Crime | Murder Rate | |
| San Antonio | 5,951 | 883 | 5,069 | 15.7 |
| Philadelphia | 5,363 | 1,041 | 4,321 | 33.0 |
| Phoenix | 3,727 | 825 | 2,902 | 13.2 |
| Chicago | 3,673 | 540 | 3,133 | 23.0 |
| San Jose | 3,178 | 527 | 2,651 | 3.7 |
| National | 2,324 | 370 | 1,954 | 6.3 |
| San Diego | 2,248 | 431 | 1,818 | 3.8 |
Among the five largest cities in Texas, San Antonio has reported the second-largest drop in overall violent crime at 17% in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023.
San Antonio Crime Statistics & San Antonio Crime Map
Concerned about crime in San Antonio, TX? You can use a San Antonio crime map to explore crime by location or neighborhood. You can view hot spots for crime and sort by type of property and violent crime in your neighborhood.
The San Antonio Police Department is another good resource for safety information and up-to-date crime statistics. The crime comparison reports let you compare San Antonio crime reports from one year to the next. The activity reports and demographics provide insight into SAPD activities and response time. The department also offers reports on officer-involving shootings in San Antonio.
Residents can use the sex offender search tool to check for sex offenders in their neighborhood.
Safest Areas in San Antonio
Looking for a safe place to call home? Here are the five safest neighborhoods in San Antonio.
- Alamo Heights: A well-established neighborhood known for its upscale living, excellent schools, and proximity to downtown, Alamo Heights consistently ranks as one of the safest places to live in San Antonio.
- Stone Oak: A family-friendly, gated master-planned community in the northern part of the city, Stone Oak is highly sought after for its low crime rates, quality schools, and quiet, suburban atmosphere.
- Shavano Park: A small, affluent neighborhood just outside the city, Shavano Park is one of the safest places in the metro area.
- Terrell Hills: Located near Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills is another safe and upscale neighborhood known for its beautiful homes, quiet, tree-lined streets, and proximity to downtown amenities.
- The Dominion: A gated, exclusive community known for its luxury homes and premier golf course, The Dominion is a top choice for those seeking privacy and safety.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in San Antonio
Want to avoid the bad parts of San Antonio? Based on the San Antonio crime rate and neighborhood statistics, the following neighborhoods have the highest rates of crime.
- Downtown: The area experiences higher rates of theft and assaults due to its density, tourist activity, and nightlife. Residents should be cautious at night in entertainment districts. Park your car in a secure parking garage with good lighting. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
- Eastside: Known for elevated violent crime, including assaults and robberies. The Arena District is a hot spot for acts of violence, with 201% more crime than the city and 2,660 violent crimes per 100,000.
- West End: This neighborhood has a reputation for property crime, particularly burglaries, and violent crimes. Los Jardines and Rainbow Hills are two of the most dangerous areas, with crime up to 197% higher than the San Antonio crime rate and up to 2,618 violent offenses per 100,000 people.
- Pipers Meadow: This Northwest Side community has 169% higher crime and 2,372 violent offenses per 100,000 residents.
- Camelot: This Northeast Side area has 168% higher crime and 2,363 violent offenses per 100,000 people.
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San Antonio Police Department
- Chief of Police: William P. McManus
- Sworn officers: More than 2,500 sworn officers and over 500 civilian employees
- Non-emergency phone number: (210) 207-7273
- Address: Public Safety Headquarters, 315 S Santa Rosa Ave #2000, San Antonio, TX 78207
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) serves as the primary law enforcement agency for San Antonio, Texas, and is committed to protecting and serving the city’s residents. SAPD is one of the largest local law enforcement agencies in Texas.
The department focuses on crime prevention, community policing, and rapid response to emergencies. SAPD uses innovative law enforcement strategies, such as “hot-spot policing,” to address crime in high-risk areas, while also fostering community relationships through various community engagement and outreach programs.
San Antonio Crime Rate FAQ
What Is the San Antonio, Texas Crime Rate?
The San Antonio crime rate is 5,951 total crimes per 100,000 people. This is 49% higher than the Texas average and 156% over the U.S. average.
What Is the Violent Crime Rate in San Antonio?
There are 883 violent crimes in San Antonio per 100,000 people. This is 149% above the national violent crime rate.
Is Downtown San Antonio safe?
Downtown San Antonio is generally safe during the day, especially around popular tourist destinations like the River Walk and Alamo. However, crime rates can be higher at night, particularly in less populated areas, so it’s recommended to stay in well-lit, busy areas and be aware of your surroundings.
The San Antonio crime rate may be higher than average, but you can see there are many safe areas in the city, and violent crime is rapidly declining. Are you preparing to live in San Antonio? The San Antonio movers at 2 College Brothers are ready to help you with full-service moving solutions and five-star customer service. Call us today at (210) 874-7010 for a free moving quote!
