San Marcos, TX Crime Rate & Safety
Lower crime than 61% of major U.S. cities
Safety varies across 30+ neighborhoods — Based on FBI UCR & local law enforcement data · Updated April 2026
Is San Marcos Safe?
Mostly yes — San Marcos is fairly safe
Crime is slightly below the national average, though some areas may vary.
San Marcos has a crime rate that is 29% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 347.
However, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Blanco Vista earn an A+ safety grade, while Blanco Gardens rates B. Understanding which neighborhoods are safe is critical for anyone living in, moving to, or visiting San Marcos.
Crime Index Comparison
100 = national average. Calibrated to reflect actual crime severity.
Your Chance of Being a Victim
Violent Crime
1 in 347
chance per year
National average: 1 in 263
24% lower than national average
Property Crime
1 in 62
chance per year
National average: 1 in 55
12% lower than national average
Want to know the crime risk at your exact address?
San Marcos Crime Breakdown
Estimated crime rates based on FBI UCR data, calibrated to city-level crime score.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Assault
|
74 | -26% | Low | |
|
Robbery
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
|
Rape
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
78 | -22% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
81 | -19% | Average | |
Violent vs Property Crime
Crime Index by Category
San Marcos Crime Map
Neighborhood-level crime heatmap. Click any area for details.
See the crime score for a specific address
Where Is It Safe in San Marcos?
Safety varies dramatically across San Marcos's 30+ neighborhoods.
Safest Neighborhoods
Top 10Areas with Higher Crime
Bottom 10Neighborhood Safety Distribution
Out of 30 neighborhoods in San Marcos
All San Marcos Neighborhoods
| # | Neighborhood | Grade | Crime Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blanco Vista | A+ | 26 |
| 2 | Willow Creek Estates | A+ | 23 |
| 3 | Hunter's Hill | A+ | 51 |
| 4 | Castle Forest | A+ | 74 |
| 5 | Oak Heights | A | 108 |
| 6 | The Highlands | A | 75 |
| 7 | Westover | A | 96 |
| 8 | Wallace Addition | A | 58 |
| 9 | Sierra Circle | A | 149 |
| 10 | Southwest Hills | A | 128 |
| 11 | Hughson Heights | A | 154 |
| 12 | Holland Hills | A | 121 |
| 13 | Sessom Creek | A | 131 |
| 14 | Tanglewood | A | 166 |
| 15 | Heritage | A | 169 |
| 16 | Spring Lake Hills | A- | 184 |
| 17 | Forest Hills | A- | 185 |
| 18 | Millview East | A- | 150 |
| 19 | Downtown | A- | 177 |
| 20 | Dunbar | A- | 175 |
| 21 | Mockingbird Hills | A- | 151 |
| 22 | Sunset Acres | A- | 151 |
| 23 | Blanco River North | A- | 154 |
| 24 | Fairlawn | A- | 176 |
| 25 | Two Rivers East | A- | 178 |
| 26 | East Guadalupe | A- | 156 |
| 27 | Millview West | A- | 200 |
| 28 | Victory Gardens | B+ | 137 |
| 29 | Rio Vista | B | 192 |
| 30 | Blanco Gardens | B | 191 |
San Marcos Crime by Zip Code
Explore crime data for specific San Marcos zip codes.
San Marcos Demographics & Context
Racial Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in San Marcos, TX?
San Marcos, TX has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 29% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 347 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 62 chance for property crime. San Marcos has lower crime than 61% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).
Is San Marcos, TX safe to live in?
San Marcos is generally considered a safe place to live, earning a crime grade of B-. Approximately 100% of the city's 30 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Blanco Vista is one of the safest areas, while Blanco Gardens has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting San Marcos is strongly recommended.
What are the safest neighborhoods in San Marcos?
Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in San Marcos are Blanco Vista, Willow Creek Estates, Hunter's Hill, Castle Forest, and Oak Heights. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.
What are the most dangerous areas in San Marcos?
The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in San Marcos include Blanco Gardens, Rio Vista, Victory Gardens, Millview West, and East Guadalupe. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.
What is the violent crime rate in San Marcos?
The estimated violent crime rate in San Marcos is 287.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 24% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 347 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 3.9 per 100K (22% below average); aggravated assault at 197.3 per 100K (26% below average); robbery at 59.5 per 100K (19% below average).
What is the property crime rate in San Marcos?
The estimated property crime rate in San Marcos is 1,606.3 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% lower than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 62 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 211.0 per 100K (22% below average); larceny/theft at 1,136.8 per 100K (19% below average); vehicle theft at 258.5 per 100K (19% below average).
How does San Marcos crime compare to the national average?
San Marcos's overall crime rate is 29% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is robbery (19% below average), while assault is 26% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, San Marcos has lower crime than 61% of them.
Is San Marcos safe to visit?
San Marcos is generally safe for visitors and tourists. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 12% below average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Blanco Vista, Willow Creek Estates, Hunter's Hill.
How does San Marcos crime compare to the rest of Texas?
Texas as a whole has crime that is 10% above the national average. San Marcos's crime rate is 29% below the national average, making it safer the typical Texas city.
What type of crime is most common in San Marcos?
Larceny/theft is the most common crime in San Marcos, with an estimated rate of 1,136.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 19% below the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (1,606 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (288 per 100K) in San Marcos, which is consistent with national trends.