Why is Wichita Falls So Dangerous? Exploring Crime Rates and Contributing Factors

Crime statistics

• Above-average violent crime rate: In 2022, Wichita Falls had a violent crime rate of 308.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 1.4 times higher than the U.S. average of 219.8
• Increasing trend: The violent crime rate increased by 9% from 2021 to 2022, with 14 homicides in 2022, up 4 from the previous year
• Historical context: Violent crime rates peaked in 2009 at 296.9 per 100,000 residents and again in 2008 at 303.6
• Property crime: The property crime rate in 2022 was 247.4 per 100,000 residents, 1.5 times the U.S. average of 166.5

Economic factors

• Job market decline: Wichita Falls experienced a -4.9% decrease in job market over the last year, with future job growth predicted to be 30.4% over the next ten years, lower than the U.S. average of 33.5%
• Lower income levels: The average income of a Wichita Falls resident is $26,434 per year, significantly lower than the U.S. average of $37,638
• Historical economic blows: The city faced significant economic challenges in the early 2000s, including the loss of a military mission and several big manufacturers, followed by a national recession and drought
• Labor force decrease: From 2004 to 2015, the labor force decreased from 74,571 to 64,355, a 12-year decline

Demographic challenges

• Population decline: Wichita Falls experienced a 4% population decline in the first 5 years of the past decade and a 1% decline since 2005
• Aging population: The city is a popular retirement destination, leading to below average unemployment but potentially contributing to a lack of economic dynamism
• Need for younger residents: The Chamber of Commerce aims to attract more younger adults to stimulate growth and economic development

Infrastructure and safety issues

• Abandoned buildings: Vacant and abandoned properties have been linked to criminal activities, including arson cases
• Public transportation safety: Concerns exist about safety at school bus stops, with incidents of drivers not following traffic rules
• Law enforcement resources: As of 2021, Wichita Falls had 265 full-time law enforcement employees, including 197 police officers, with an officer-to-resident ratio of 1.87, slightly below the Texas average of 2.07

Recent crime trends

• Increase in specific crimes: From January to April 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, robberies increased from 6 to 16, and sexual assaults from 28 to 46
• Vehicle-related crimes: While vehicle thefts decreased from 97 to 56, there was a recent surge in vehicle burglaries
• Community involvement: Police are seeking information from the community and informants to address vehicle burglaries and other crimes