Cameron County, situated in the southernmost part of Texas, shares its border with Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of approximately 423,000 residents, it encompasses an area of 1,276 square miles. The county’s administrative center is Brownsville, which is not only the largest city within the county but also the 16th most populous city in Texas.
Cameron County is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. It boasts various attractions, including the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park, the Gladys Porter Zoo, the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, and the SpaceX South Texas Launch Site.
Nonetheless, Cameron County faces certain challenges, particularly in the realm of crime. According to statistics from CrimeGrade.org, Cameron County has an overall crime rate of 55.15 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average for counties in the United States.
The county’s safety ranking falls within the 26th percentile, indicating that 74% of counties are safer while 26% are relatively more perilous.
But which neighborhoods in Cameron County experience the highest levels of crime? Drawing upon data from NeighborhoodScout.com, here are the top five neighborhoods with the most elevated crime rates in Cameron County:
San Benito
San Benito, located in Cameron County, has a population of approximately 24,000 people. Situated about 12 miles north of Brownsville and 23 miles west of Harlingen, the city has a crime rate of 17 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is slightly below the national average of 22 incidents per 1,000.
However, it is still higher than 59% of communities in Texas. The likelihood of becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime in San Benito is one in 59.
The rate of violent crime in San Benito is 2 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is around the average for communities across the United States.
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Harlingen
arlingen, situated in Cameron County, has a population of approximately 65,000. It is located roughly 30 miles northwest of Brownsville and 18 miles east of McAllen.
The city of Harlingen experiences a crime rate of 19 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 22 incidents per 1,000.
Nevertheless, it is still higher than 64% of communities in Texas. The likelihood of being a victim of either a violent or property-related crime in Harlingen is one in 53. The rate of violent crime in Harlingen is 2 incidents per 1,000 residents, which falls within the average range for communities across America.
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La Feria
La Feria, located in Cameron County, has a population of approximately 7,000 people. It is situated roughly 10 miles to the east of Harlingen and about 25 miles northwest of Brownsville. The city’s crime rate is 21 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is slightly below the national average of 22 per 1,000.
However, it still surpasses 68% of Texas communities in terms of crime rates. The likelihood of experiencing either a violent or property-related crime in La Feria is one in 48. The rate of violent crime in La Feria stands at 2 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is approximately average when compared to communities across the United States.
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Brownsville
Brownsville, with a population of approximately 183,000 people, serves as the county seat and is the largest city in Cameron County. Situated at the southernmost tip of Texas, it lies just across the border from Matamoros, Mexico. Brownsville experiences a crime rate of 23 incidents per 1,000 residents, surpassing the national average of 22 per 1,000.
This rate is also higher than that of 74% of communities in Texas. The likelihood of falling victim to either a violent or property crime in Brownsville is one in 44. The city’s violent crime rate stands at 4 per 1,000 residents, exceeding the average for communities across the United States.
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Los Fresnos
Los Fresnos, situated in Cameron County, is home to approximately 6,000 residents. It is positioned around 15 miles north of Brownsville and 12 miles west of South Padre Island. The city experiences a crime rate of 25 incidents per 1,000 inhabitants, surpassing the national average of 22 per 1,000.
This rate is also higher than that of 77% of communities in Texas. The likelihood of falling victim to either a violent or property-related crime in Los Fresnos stands at one in 40. Specifically, the violent crime rate in Los Fresnos is 3 per 1,000 residents, surpassing the average for all communities in the United States.
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Final Words
In summary, Cameron County is a diverse and picturesque location, yet it grapples with significant challenges related to crime and safety. Certain areas within the county experience higher crime rates, prompting residents to exercise caution.
Nevertheless, crime doesn’t solely define a neighborhood. Each locality possesses its own distinctive and precious attributes, including culture, history, natural beauty, and a sense of community.
Consequently, it’s important not to assess a neighborhood solely based on its crime statistics, but rather by considering its overall quality of life. By adopting this perspective, we can uncover the true allure and potential of Cameron County and its inhabitants.
