Waco, TX Crime Rate & Safety

Waco, TX has a crime safety grade of C as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 21% above the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 224 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 38 chance for property crime. Waco has higher crime than 80% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Waco has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C. Approximately 81% of the city's 26 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, North Lake Waco is one of the safest areas, while Carver has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Waco is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Waco are North Lake Waco, Mountainview, Timbercrest, Kendrick, and Parkdale Viking Hills. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Waco include Carver, Brook Oaks, Downtown, East Riverside, and Oakwood. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Waco is 446.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 17% higher than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 224 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 5.9 per 100K (17% above average); aggravated assault at 325.8 per 100K (21% above average); robbery at 75.7 per 100K (2% above average).

The estimated property crime rate in Waco is 2,624.1 per 100,000 residents, which is 43% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 38 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 322.1 per 100K (19% above average); larceny/theft at 1,881.0 per 100K (34% above average); vehicle theft at 421.0 per 100K (32% above average).

Waco's overall crime rate is 21% above the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (34% above average), while robbery is 2% above average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Waco has higher crime than 80% of them.

Visitors to Waco should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 43% above 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 North Lake Waco, Mountainview, Timbercrest.

Texas as a whole has crime that is 10% above the national average. Waco's crime rate is 21% above the national average, making it more dangerous than the typical Texas city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Waco, with an estimated rate of 1,881.0 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 34% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,624 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (447 per 100K) in Waco, which is consistent with national trends.