Discover Top 10 WORST PLACES to Live in Texas in 2024: Avoid These Cities

Texas, with its vast landscapes and different cities, provides a unique living experience. However, not every place in the state is suitable for everyone. High crime rates, weak education systems, restricted career possibilities, and insufficient healthcare facilities can all make certain locations less desirable. In this post, we will look at some of the worst places to live in Texas in 2024, focusing on the issues that inhabitants confront.

Understanding these negatives can provide vital insights into Texas’ less desirable places, whether you’re looking to relocate or simply curious about the state’s diverse living conditions.

1. Hutchins

This little community near Dallas has 35% poverty, 8.3% unemployment, and a 60% higher crime rate than the national average. The quality of education and housing is likewise poor, making it an unsuitable place to live.

2. Robstown

Robstown, a small agricultural hub near Corpus Christi, offers relatively little work opportunities other than crop harvesting. Nearly 40% of the population lives in poverty, with little access to opportunities for progress. Public schools are underfunded, with severely dismal test scores. The violent crime rate is likewise almost three times the national norm.

This town claims to be the birthplace of Texas hold ’em poker, but it also has a number of issues. It has a 32% poverty rate, 11.8% unemployment, and a $76,300 median house value. It also ranks low in education, health, and the environment.

Robstown has one of the highest crime rates in America, with 31 per thousand population, when compared to all communities of all sizes, from the tiniest settlements to the greatest cities. The chances of becoming a victim of violent or property crime here are one in 32. In Texas, more than 92% of municipalities have lower crime rates than Robstown.

3. Livingston

This community on Lake Livingston has a 90 percent higher crime rate than the national average. It has a low median income of $33,000, a typical home value of $88,900, and a 77% graduation rate. It also has poor health and environmental outcomes.

4. San Benito

San Benito, located near the Mexico border and the Rio Grande Valley, has a high poverty rate of 30%, below-average earnings, under-resourced schools, and crime rates that are more than double those of the state. The cost of living is relatively low here, but economic possibilities and quality of life indicators fall behind the rest of Texas.

San Benito’s crime rate is significantly greater than the national average for all municipalities in America, from the largest to the smallest. According to Neighborhoodscout, based on FBI crime data, San Benito is not one of America’s safest towns. In Texas, San Benito has a higher crime rate than 84% of the state’s cities and municipalities of all sizes combined.

5. Balch Springs

Balch Springs, a suburb 15 miles east of Dallas, is now the worst location to live in Texas. Violent crime is 225% greater than average here, while poverty and unemployment are common. The city’s infrastructure is antiquated and decaying, and there are virtually few recreational possibilities for families. The educational district is likewise regarded as one of the most weak.

This Dallas suburb has a 70% higher crime rate than the national average, a 25% higher poverty rate, and a lower median home value of $97,200. It also has bad ratings in education, health, and the environment.

6. Port Arthur

Port Arthur is located on Sabine Lake, between Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico, and has been devastated by crime, poverty, deteriorating infrastructure, and the long-term effects of numerous hurricanes and tropical storms. As the city’s population and tax base decline, nearly one-third of its citizens live in poverty.

This Gulf Coast city has a 28% poverty rate, 10.4% unemployment, and a $64,600 median home value. It also has low health and environmental standards, particularly after being devastated by multiple storms.

7. Killeen

Killeen has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, despite having produced stars such as Ne-Yo and Clayton Kershaw. 15.7% of Killeen, TX’s population, as indicated by poverty status, faces economic hardships, accounting for 23,500 out of a total of 149,000 people. This statistic exceeds the national average of 12.6%, indicating a higher rate of poverty in the town.

Killeen has a far higher crime rate than the national average. Gang violence and drug trafficking instill fear in the community and impede many individuals’ economic mobility. Public school performance is also poor here. Killeen does not have the greatest crime rate, with 23 offenses per thousand population. However, the chance of becoming a victim of violent or property crime in Killeen is 1 in 43, which is worrying.

Analysis of FBI crime data confirms that Killeen is not one of America’s safest communities. Killeen has a higher crime rate than 83% of Texas’ cities and villages, regardless of size. This emphasizes the necessity for targeted initiatives to alleviate both poverty and crime in the community.

8. Freeport

Freeport has an ideal beachfront position on the Gulf of Mexico south of Houston, but its high percentages of poverty, crime, and inadequate city services make it one of the least desirable places to settle in Texas. The expense of living is low, but so is the quality of life by most standards. This city on the Brazos River has a 20.9% poverty rate, a 9.7% unemployment rate, and a $79,900 median home value.

Neighborhoodscout provides a bleak picture of safety in Freeport, displaying a crime rate that well exceeds the national average for all American cities, regardless of size. The chances of becoming a victim of violent or property crime are one in 37, which is worrying.

Looking over FBI crime data reinforces the grim narrative surrounding Freeport. Contrary to assumptions, this community is not among the safest in America. When considering the Lone Star State, Freeport’s crime rate is a cause for concern. It exceeds that of 88% of Texas cities and municipalities, regardless of size. This places Freeport among the least secure areas in the state.

9. Sinton

This city in San Patricio County has a high rate of poverty. Approximately 26.9% of Sinton families live in poverty. In 2022, the typical household income in Sinton was $46,411. Sinton has a stunning violent crime rate of 40.3, which is nearly double the national average of 22.7. This significant discrepancy highlights the increased likelihood of violent occurrences for individuals in this community.

Property crime also has concerning statistics in Sinton. With a rate of 45.8, it outperforms the US average of 35.4 by nearly 30%. Residents have a greater chance of property-related events compared to the national average. The findings highlight the need of raising awareness and taking proactive steps to improve community safety and security.

10. Jacksonville

This city in Cherokee County has a high poverty rate. In Jacksonville, TX, 22.2% of the population (2.96k out of 13.4k people) is classified as poor, which is higher than the national average of 12.6%.

Unfortunately, Jacksonville has a much higher crime rate than the national average, which affects towns of all sizes across the country. While it has a crime rate of 22 per thousand residents, it does not claim the dubious distinction of being one of the highest crime-rate municipalities.

In Jacksonville, the chances of becoming a victim of violent or property crime are 1 in 45, which is troubling. This statistic demonstrates the increased risk that residents confront in their daily lives.

Examining FBI crime data reveals that Jacksonville is not one of the safest places in America. This revelation necessitates a closer look at the city’s safety procedures.

In comparison, Jacksonville’s crime rate exceeds that of 81% of Texas’ cities and towns, regardless of size. This placement emphasizes the necessity for concentrated measures to improve community security. These socioeconomic difficulties necessitate a comprehensive strategy to addressing the underlying causes and improving the general well-being of Jacksonville citizens.