Stephenville, TX Crime Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crime in Stephenville, TX

Is Stephenville, TX safe?

Stephenville earns an overall crime grade of B+, which places it among the safer small cities in Texas. With a population of roughly 20,887 and a population density of just 678 people per square mile, the city's relatively spread-out layout helps keep crime rates lower than many denser urban areas. The B+ grade reflects a community where the majority of residents go about daily life without encountering serious criminal activity. Neighborhoods near Tarleton State University and the areas around Stephenville High School tend to draw active community involvement, which research consistently links to lower incident rates. That said, no city is entirely without risk, and staying aware of local conditions — including checking the crime map regularly — is always a smart habit.

What is the crime rate in Stephenville?

Stephenville's overall crime performance grades out at a B+, meaning it outperforms a significant share of Texas cities of comparable size. Property crimes — including vehicle theft, burglary, and shoplifting — represent the most frequently reported incident categories in the area, a pattern common to small cities with commercial corridors. Violent crimes such as assault are monitored closely by the Stephenville Police Department but remain at relatively low levels consistent with the city's B+ standing. Context matters here: Stephenville carries a poverty rate of 21.2% and an unemployment rate of 7.5%, both of which are economic stressors that researchers associate with elevated property crime risk. Despite those pressures, the city's crime grade holds strong, suggesting that community policing and civic engagement are making a measurable difference.

What are the safest neighborhoods in Stephenville?

While granular block-by-block grades shift over time, certain areas of Stephenville consistently show lower incident concentrations on the crime map. Residential zones near Tarleton State University benefit from an active campus security presence and a high density of students and faculty who tend to report suspicious activity quickly. Neighborhoods surrounding Stephenville High School and the established subdivisions along the city's western corridors also tend to record fewer property crime incidents. The Creekside area is frequently cited by long-term residents as family-friendly and well-maintained. When browsing the interactive crime map, filtering by incident type and date range for these specific zones will give you the most current picture of relative safety. Areas closer to major commercial strips — where retail theft and vehicle break-ins are more common — generally show slightly higher incident densities, which is typical for any city with active retail activity.

Is Stephenville a good place to live?

For many households, Stephenville's numbers tell a compelling story. A median home value of $164,133 and a median rent of $992 make it significantly more affordable than most Texas metros, while a median household income of $48,602 means a typical family retains meaningful purchasing power relative to housing costs. Pair that affordability with a B+ overall crime grade and you have a combination that is genuinely difficult to find in today's housing market. The city's 21.2% poverty rate and 7.5% unemployment rate are real challenges the community is working to address, and they do contribute to localized economic stress in certain pockets of the city. Still, Stephenville's small-city character — anchored by Tarleton State University, a historic downtown, and deep ranching roots — creates the kind of close-knit environment where neighbors look out for one another. For families, retirees, and remote workers seeking affordability without sacrificing safety, Stephenville consistently ranks as one of Erath County's most livable communities.

How does Stephenville's crime grade compare to other Texas cities?

A B+ crime grade puts Stephenville ahead of many Texas cities, including several that are larger and more economically prosperous on paper. Cities in the same general population band — roughly 15,000 to 25,000 residents — often score in the C to B range due to the economic volatility that can accompany rapid growth or industrial decline. Stephenville's relatively stable community structure, anchored by Tarleton State University's consistent enrollment and the region's agricultural economy, appears to act as a stabilizing force. The city's low population density of 678 people per square mile also limits the concentration of incidents that tends to drag down grades in more compact urban environments. In short, if you are comparing cities at a similar price point and size, Stephenville's B+ stands out as a genuine competitive advantage for prospective residents.

What types of crime are most common in Stephenville?

Consistent with its B+ crime grade, Stephenville's incident profile skews heavily toward non-violent offenses. Property crimes — including theft from vehicles, shoplifting along commercial corridors, and residential burglary — make up the largest share of reported incidents. This pattern is typical for a city with a university population and active retail zones, where opportunity-based theft is more common than confrontational crime. Drug-related offenses represent a secondary category that local law enforcement actively monitors, reflecting a challenge shared by many rural and semi-rural Texas communities. Violent crimes, including assault and domestic disturbances, are tracked carefully but occur at rates consistent with the city's above-average safety grade. Residents near the downtown area and major commercial strips should be most attentive to property crime precautions — securing vehicles, avoiding leaving valuables visible, and reporting suspicious activity to the Stephenville Police Department promptly.