Fort Worth, the fifth-largest city in Texas and the 13th-largest city in the United States, boasts the title of the “City of Cowboys and Culture,” showcasing its vibrant arts scene and deeply rooted Western heritage.
Nonetheless, the city grapples with a significant crime issue, impacting both its residents and visitors alike.
According to the 2020 Uniform Crime Report (UCR) by the FBI, Fort Worth demonstrated a crime rate of 303 per 100,000 population, placing it around the national average for cities in the United States.
However, it surpassed the crime rate of approximately 88.1% of other U.S. cities.
Additionally, the city recorded a homicide rate of 18.7 per 100,000 population in 2020, signifying a notable increase of 41 compared to the figures reported in 2019.
In 2018, Fort Worth experienced a higher rate of property crime compared to the national and state averages.
The incidence of property crime in Fort Worth was reported at 2,690.9 incidents per 100,000 population, exceeding the national average of 2,199.5 and the state average of 2,375.4.
Among property crimes, larceny theft was the most prevalent, accounting for 1,883.3 incidents per 100,000 population in 2019, followed by burglary with 433.7 incidents per 100,000 population.
The prevailing violent crime was aggravated assault, recording a rate of 367.6 incidents per 100,000 population in 2019.
This was closely trailed by robbery, with a rate of 106.2 incidents per 100,000 population.
In 2021, the violent crime rate in Fort Worth stood at 563.54 per 100,000 population, surpassing both the national average of 382.9 and the state average of 410.9.
Fort Worth has experienced fluctuations in its crime rate over the past few years.
In 2016, the crime rate stood at 526.3 per 100,000 population, which increased to 560.2 per 100,000 population in 2017, and then decreased to 501.5 per 100,000 population in 2018.
In 2020, there was a 7% increase in the crime rate compared to the previous year, 2019.
The high crime rate in the city can be attributed to several key factors, including poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, gang activity, and limited education opportunities.
To address this issue, the city has implemented a range of effective strategies aimed at reducing crime.
These include bolstering police presence and visibility, fostering stronger community policing initiatives, expanding access to vital social services, and promoting economic development initiatives.
By tackling these root causes and adopting proactive measures, Fort Worth strives to create a safer and more secure environment for its residents.
Fort Worth, a city renowned for its dynamic culture and thriving economy, grapples with the pressing issue of high crime rates.
The community and local authorities are diligently working together to tackle this challenge and enhance public safety.
Despite the existing concerns, Fort Worth showcases promising advancements in certain domains.
Beyond its association with cowboys and cultural richness, the city exemplifies resilience and an unwavering commitment to progress.
