Roma, TX Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Roma, TX

How safe is Roma, TX overall?

Roma earns an A+ overall crime grade, placing it among the safest communities in Texas relative to its size. With a population of approximately 11,427 and a population density of just 752 residents per square mile, Roma's low-density layout contributes to fewer opportunities for the kinds of property and violent crimes that plague more densely packed urban centers. Residents consistently report a strong sense of community watchfulness, and the city's tight-knit social fabric — common in border towns along the Rio Grande — plays a measurable role in keeping crime rates low. That A+ grade reflects real, sustained safety performance, not just a favorable snapshot.

What does Roma's crime grade mean in practical terms?

An A+ crime grade means Roma outperforms the vast majority of U.S. cities on combined violent and property crime metrics. To put it in context, cities graded A+ typically fall in the top tier — often the safest 5% to 10% — when benchmarked nationally. For Roma's roughly 11,427 residents, this translates to a day-to-day environment where incidents like assault, robbery, or burglary are statistically uncommon. Property crimes such as theft remain the most frequently reported category in most small Texas border towns, but Roma's grade signals that even those occurrences are well below average. Visitors and prospective residents can interpret the A+ as a meaningful, data-backed signal of community safety.

Does Roma's poverty rate affect its crime levels?

Roma has a poverty rate of 39.1% and a median household income of $23,138 — both figures that, in many cities, correlate with elevated crime. Yet Roma's A+ crime grade demonstrates that economic hardship does not automatically translate into high crime. Several factors help explain this: Roma's strong cultural and familial community bonds, its relatively low population density of 752 people per square mile, and an engaged local population all serve as protective factors. The unemployment rate of 8.5% is above the national average, but Roma's residents have historically maintained community cohesion that offsets some of the crime risk typically associated with economic stress. This makes Roma a notable example of a community where social capital matters as much as economic indicators.

What types of crime are most common in Roma?

Consistent with most small Texas cities, property-related incidents — including petty theft and occasional vehicle burglaries — represent the most commonly reported crime category in Roma. Violent crimes such as aggravated assault or robbery are significantly less frequent, which is a key reason the city holds an A+ overall grade. Border proximity does introduce a unique dynamic: Roma sits along the Rio Grande and occasionally sees incidents tied to cross-border activity, but these are distinct from everyday community crime and are generally handled at the federal enforcement level. For residents going about daily life, the risk profile is low across virtually all crime categories.

Which areas of Roma are considered safest?

Roma's compact footprint — with a total population of just over 11,400 spread across a moderate area — means neighborhood-level crime variation is less dramatic than in larger cities. That said, areas near Roma's established residential corridors, close to Roma High School, and around the historic downtown district near the Rio Grande tend to benefit from higher foot traffic, stronger community familiarity, and more consistent informal surveillance. These characteristics are well-established predictors of lower crime incidence. The city's A+ crime grade applies broadly, but as in any community, well-lit, populated areas during daytime hours represent the lowest-risk environments. Consulting the interactive crime map on this page can help you visualize any localized incident clusters in real time.

Is Roma a good place to live given its economic challenges?

Roma offers a genuinely affordable cost of living — with a median home value of $80,225 and a median rent of just $447 per month — that is hard to match in most Texas markets. Those figures, combined with an A+ crime grade, mean residents get a safe environment at a fraction of the cost of larger metro areas. The trade-offs are real: a poverty rate of 39.1% and an 8.5% unemployment rate reflect economic constraints that affect access to services and opportunities. However, for families, retirees, or remote workers who prioritize safety, community connection, and low housing costs, Roma's data profile is genuinely compelling. The combination of top-tier safety grades and some of the lowest housing costs in Texas makes it a strong value proposition for the right buyer or renter.