Mcallen, TX Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About McAllen, TX Crime

Is McAllen safe?

McAllen earns an overall crime grade of A-, placing it among the safer large cities in Texas. With a population of over 805,000 residents and a population density of just 883 people per square mile, the city has room to spread out crime-prevention resources effectively. Violent crime rates are notably low relative to comparable Texas metros, and property crime — while more common — remains well below national averages for cities this size. Neighborhoods in North McAllen and areas near Sharyland consistently report fewer incidents, making them popular choices for families. As with any city, situational awareness matters, particularly after dark in higher-traffic commercial corridors, but McAllen's A- grade reflects a genuinely safe environment for residents and visitors alike.

What is the crime rate in McAllen?

McAllen's overall crime performance earns an A- letter grade, meaning the city outperforms the majority of U.S. cities of comparable size. Property crimes — including theft, motor vehicle theft, and burglary — account for the largest share of reported incidents, a pattern typical of border-region retail hubs. Violent crimes such as assault and robbery represent a much smaller fraction of total incidents. The city's median household income of $49,259 and a poverty rate of 22% do create pockets of economic stress that correlate with localized crime clusters, particularly in some central and southern zip codes. However, unemployment at 5.7% and ongoing economic development in the healthcare and international trade sectors are factors that criminologists associate with long-term crime reduction. Residents can use the interactive crime map on this page to filter by crime type and time frame for a precise, neighborhood-level picture.

What are the safest neighborhoods in McAllen?

Based on available crime distribution data, North McAllen and the Sharyland corridor consistently rank among the lowest-incident areas in the city. These neighborhoods benefit from higher median home values — well above the citywide median of $126,648 — lower population density, and strong community-watch participation. Areas adjacent to Las Milpas and communities near McAllen Medical Center also tend to report below-average property crime rates. Conversely, some central commercial zones see elevated theft and vehicle-related incidents, largely driven by retail foot traffic rather than residential crime. When evaluating a neighborhood, look at the crime map's property crime percentage alongside violent crime grade — a neighborhood can have moderate overall activity but a very low violent crime rate, which many families prioritize above all else.

How does McAllen's crime compare to the rest of Texas?

McAllen's A- overall crime grade puts it ahead of many larger Texas cities. Cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio — all with significantly higher population densities — tend to carry lower letter grades for both violent and property crime. McAllen's relatively low density of 883 residents per square mile (compared to Dallas at over 3,900) is one structural factor that limits crime clustering. The city's median rent of just $829 also keeps housing cost-burden low for many residents, which research links to reduced property crime motivation. While border-region dynamics introduce unique law-enforcement considerations, McAllen's crime metrics demonstrate that the city manages those challenges more effectively than its reputation might suggest.

Is McAllen a good place to live in 2026?

By the numbers, McAllen presents a compelling case. An A- crime grade, a median home value of $126,648, and a median rent of $829 combine to offer safety and affordability that is difficult to match in Texas metros. The city's economy — anchored by healthcare, retail, and cross-border trade — supports a diverse job market, though the 5.7% unemployment rate and 22% poverty rate signal that economic opportunity is not yet evenly distributed. For families, the low violent crime rate in neighborhoods like North McAllen and Sharyland, paired with access to parks and highly rated schools, makes the city genuinely attractive. Prospective residents should use the crime map to compare specific zip codes and weigh the tradeoff between affordability and neighborhood crime grades before making a final decision.

What types of crime are most common in McAllen?

Property crime dominates McAllen's incident reports, consistent with the city's role as a major retail and commerce hub in the Rio Grande Valley. Theft — including shoplifting and vehicle burglary — accounts for the largest share of reported offenses. Motor vehicle theft is a notable subcategory given the city's car-dependent layout and proximity to major highways. Violent crimes, including aggravated assault and robbery, represent a significantly smaller percentage of total incidents and are concentrated in specific commercial corridors rather than spread across residential neighborhoods. Drug-related offenses appear in the data as well, particularly in areas with higher poverty rates, where the city's 22% poverty rate creates conditions that law enforcement and social services are actively working to address. The crime map on this page allows you to toggle between crime categories so you can assess the specific risk profile of any neighborhood you are researching.