Jacksonville, TX Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Jacksonville, TX Crime

What is Jacksonville's overall crime grade?

Jacksonville, TX carries an overall crime grade of D+ for 2026. This grade reflects a combination of property and violent crime rates measured against national and Texas state benchmarks. With a population of approximately 14,809 and a poverty rate of 18.2% — well above the national average — Jacksonville faces socioeconomic pressures that correlate with elevated crime levels. The unemployment rate of 7.6% also contributes to conditions that can drive property crime in particular. That said, crime is not uniformly distributed across the city; using the interactive crime map helps pinpoint which specific corridors and neighborhoods account for the bulk of reported incidents.

Is Jacksonville, TX safe to live in?

Safety in Jacksonville is best understood through its data. The city's D+ overall crime grade signals that residents face a higher-than-average risk compared to many U.S. cities of similar size. Property crimes — including theft, burglary, and vehicle break-ins — represent the most frequently reported incident categories. Violent crimes such as assault and robbery are less common but are not negligible, particularly in higher-density commercial corridors. The median household income of $43,769 and a median home value of just $87,051 reflect a community where economic stress can amplify crime risk. However, many residential pockets of Jacksonville, especially those farther from high-traffic commercial zones, report considerably fewer incidents, making neighborhood selection an important factor for prospective residents.

What types of crime are most common in Jacksonville, TX?

Based on available crime data for Jacksonville, property crime is the dominant category, accounting for the majority of all reported incidents. Theft — including shoplifting and larceny — consistently ranks as the single most reported offense type. Burglary and motor vehicle theft follow as the next most prevalent property crimes. On the violent crime side, simple assault and aggravated assault make up the largest share of reported violent incidents, while robbery and more serious offenses remain comparatively rare. Drug-related offenses also appear with notable frequency, which local law enforcement has identified as a driver of both property and violent crime trends. Understanding this breakdown helps residents focus their personal safety efforts on securing property and remaining alert in areas with higher foot traffic.

What are the safest areas in Jacksonville, TX?

While Jacksonville's overall grade is D+, crime concentration varies meaningfully by area. Residential neighborhoods situated away from the main commercial thoroughfares and the downtown core tend to report lower incident rates. Areas near Lake Jacksonville, which attract families and outdoor enthusiasts, generally see fewer property crime reports than the city average. Neighborhoods adjacent to Jacksonville's school zones also tend to benefit from higher community vigilance and more frequent law enforcement patrols. Conversely, high-traffic retail corridors and areas with higher population density — where the city's 402 residents-per-square-mile average is exceeded — tend to account for a disproportionate share of theft and vandalism reports. Consulting the crime map with a time filter of 30–90 days gives the most current picture of which specific streets and zones are seeing elevated activity.

How does Jacksonville's crime rate compare to other Texas cities?

Jacksonville's D+ crime grade places it in the lower tier of safety rankings among Texas cities and towns. Its 18.2% poverty rate and 7.6% unemployment rate are both notably higher than Texas state medians, which research consistently links to above-average crime rates. Compared to similarly sized East Texas communities, Jacksonville's property crime frequency is elevated, though its violent crime profile is more comparable to peers. Cities with stronger economic indicators — lower poverty, higher median incomes, lower unemployment — tend to score in the B to A range, illustrating the direct relationship between economic health and public safety. Jacksonville's median household income of $43,769 and median home value of $87,051 both fall below state averages, reinforcing why the city's crime grade lags behind wealthier Texas communities.

Is Jacksonville, TX a good place to buy a home?

From a purely financial standpoint, Jacksonville offers significant affordability: the median home value is approximately $87,051 and median rent sits at just $766 per month, making it one of the more accessible housing markets in East Texas. However, the city's D+ crime grade is a factor prospective buyers should weigh carefully. Higher crime rates can suppress long-term property appreciation and affect homeowners insurance premiums. The 18.2% poverty rate and 7.6% unemployment rate also suggest limited near-term economic growth drivers. Buyers who research specific neighborhoods using the crime map — focusing on areas near Lake Jacksonville or established residential subdivisions with lower incident densities — may find pockets that combine affordability with a more favorable safety profile. As always, visiting neighborhoods at different times of day and consulting local residents provides context that raw data alone cannot capture.

How can I report a crime or suspicious activity in Jacksonville, TX?

Residents can report crimes and suspicious activity directly to the Jacksonville Police Department through their official website or by calling the non-emergency line for non-urgent matters. For emergencies, always dial 911. Community reporting is a measurable factor in improving a city's crime grade over time — cities where residents actively engage with law enforcement tend to see faster incident response and better clearance rates. Jacksonville's relatively low population density of 402 people per square mile means that engaged neighbors can have an outsized positive impact on neighborhood safety. Participating in or forming a neighborhood watch group is another evidence-backed strategy for reducing property crime rates, particularly in residential areas that fall outside high-patrol commercial zones.