Nacogdoches, TX Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Nacogdoches, TX

What is Nacogdoches's overall crime grade?

Nacogdoches currently holds an overall crime grade of C-, indicating that crime levels are notably higher than the national average for a city of its size. With a population of approximately 32,912 and a population density of 460 residents per square mile, the city faces crime pressures that are partly tied to its economic profile — a median household income of just $35,050, a poverty rate of 32.2%, and an unemployment rate of 10%. These socioeconomic factors are strongly correlated with elevated property and violent crime rates in many U.S. cities, and Nacogdoches is no exception. That said, a C- grade does not mean the entire city is unsafe — it means residents benefit most from staying informed through tools like the Nacogdoches crime map and understanding which areas carry higher risk.

How does Nacogdoches's poverty rate affect its crime statistics?

Nacogdoches has a poverty rate of 32.2% — more than double the national average of roughly 12-13%. Research consistently shows that higher poverty concentrations correlate with increased property crime, including theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. With a median household income of $35,050 and a median rent of $768 per month, many residents face financial strain that can indirectly elevate crime risk in certain pockets of the city. Neighborhoods with higher concentrations of poverty, particularly those farther from the Stephen F. Austin State University corridor, tend to show higher incident rates on the crime map. The C- overall grade reflects these realities, and understanding the economic context helps residents interpret crime data more accurately rather than simply avoiding entire ZIP codes.

What types of crime are most common in Nacogdoches?

Property crimes make up the largest share of reported incidents in Nacogdoches, consistent with national trends for college towns and cities with elevated poverty rates. Theft — including shoplifting, vehicle break-ins, and residential burglary — is the most frequently reported category. Violent crimes, including assaults and disturbances, occur at a moderate rate and tend to cluster in specific corridors rather than being evenly distributed across the city. The city's C- crime grade is driven primarily by property crime volume relative to its population of 32,912. Areas near high-traffic commercial zones and lower-income residential neighborhoods historically see the most incidents, while quieter residential streets — particularly those near SFA's campus and the historic downtown district — report fewer incidents per capita.

Which neighborhoods in Nacogdoches are considered safer?

Based on crime map data patterns, neighborhoods in and around the Stephen F. Austin State University campus area and the historic downtown district generally show lower crime density relative to other parts of the city. The presence of university security, higher foot traffic during daylight hours, and active community engagement contribute to these areas maintaining comparatively better safety profiles. Residential areas on the north and west sides of the city, where home values trend closer to or above the city's median of $149,688, also tend to report fewer incidents. Conversely, areas with higher concentrations of poverty — where the 32.2% citywide poverty rate is most acutely felt — show elevated crime activity on the map, particularly for property crimes. Using the interactive crime map to filter by incident type and time range gives the most granular neighborhood-level picture.

Is Nacogdoches safe compared to other Texas cities?

With an overall crime grade of C-, Nacogdoches ranks below average compared to many similarly sized Texas cities. Its 10% unemployment rate and 32.2% poverty rate place it among the more economically challenged small cities in the state, which correlates with its crime profile. Larger Texas metros like Austin or Plano score better on safety metrics partly because of stronger median incomes and lower poverty concentrations. However, Nacogdoches is not among the most dangerous cities in Texas — many larger urban areas with higher population densities report significantly more violent crime in absolute terms. For a city of roughly 33,000 residents, the C- grade signals that caution and awareness are warranted, but everyday life for most residents — particularly those in safer neighborhoods — is not defined by constant crime exposure.

What can residents do to improve safety in Nacogdoches?

Given the city's C- crime grade and the economic pressures reflected in a 32.2% poverty rate and 10% unemployment, individual and community-level action both matter. Practically speaking, residents can: regularly monitor the Nacogdoches crime map to spot emerging hotspots; participate in or organize neighborhood watch programs, especially in higher-risk areas; secure vehicles and homes given the prevalence of property crime; and report suspicious activity to the Nacogdoches Police Department promptly. On a broader level, community investment in economic development, job training, and poverty reduction has the strongest long-term impact on crime rates. The city's median home value of $149,688 and median rent of $768 make homeownership relatively accessible, and stable homeownership is consistently linked to lower neighborhood crime rates — giving residents a concrete stake in community safety outcomes.