Hidalgo County, situated in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, is experiencing rapid population growth, currently hosting over 870,000 residents. This area boasts a rich and dynamic cultural tapestry.
Yet, it’s important to note that not every part of Hidalgo County provides a secure and tranquil environment. Certain neighborhoods exhibit elevated levels of both violent and property crimes, posing greater risks for inhabitants and guests.
In this Article, we will delve into the five neighborhoods in Hidalgo County that are considered the most perilous, relying on data sourced from CrimeGrade.org and the U.S. Census:
Edinburg
Edinburg, located in Hidalgo County, is the seat of the county and is also home to the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. It has a population of around 101,000 and a median household income of $51,000.
In terms of safety, Edinburg experiences a higher violent crime rate of 4.7 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 21.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. These figures surpass the national averages of 4 and 19, respectively.
Data from the US Census Bureau reveals that 23% of Edinburg’s population lives below the poverty line, surpassing the state average of 15%. The unemployment rate in Edinburg is also higher than the state average, standing at 8.5% as opposed to 6.2%.
Furthermore, Edinburg has a relatively lower number of police officers per capita, with only 1.3 officers for every 1,000 residents. This is lower than the state average of 2.1 officers per 1,000 residents.
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Alton
Alton, located in Hidalgo County, is a small city with approximately 18,000 residents and a median household income of $36,000. The city experiences a higher rate of violent crime (5.3 per 1,000 residents) and property crime (22.9 per 1,000 residents) compared to the national averages of 4 and 19, respectively.
As per the US Census Bureau, a significant 35% of Alton’s population lives below the poverty line, which is more than double the state’s average of 15%. Furthermore, the unemployment rate in Alton stands at 9.8%, surpassing the state average of 6.2%.
In 2020, according to a report by the Texas Department of State Health Services, Alton recorded the highest rate of opioid overdose deaths in Hidalgo County, with 18 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Additionally, a report from the Texas Council on Family Violence revealed that in 2020, Alton had the second-highest rate of domestic violence homicides in Hidalgo County, with four deaths per 100,000 residents. It’s worth noting that only 42% of Alton residents hold a high school diploma or higher, a stark contrast to the state average of 85%.
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Pharr
Pharr, located in Hidalgo County, has a population of around 79,000 people and a median household income of $38,000. The city experiences a violent crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 23.8 per 1,000 residents, both of which surpass the national averages of 4 and 19, respectively.
As per the US Census Bureau, 28% of Pharr’s residents live below the poverty line, which is higher than the state average of 15%. The unemployment rate in Pharr also exceeds the state average, standing at 8.9% compared to 6.2%.
A report from the Texas Department of Public Safety reveals that in 2020, Pharr had the third-highest number of gang members in Hidalgo County, totaling 1,038 members.
Moreover, Pharr is home to a significant number of undocumented immigrants among its residents, potentially posing challenges for law enforcement and social services. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, in 2020, Pharr ranked fourth in Texas for the highest number of unauthorized immigrants, with 35,000 individuals.
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Weslaco
Weslaco, located in Hidalgo County, has a population of approximately 41,000 people, with a median household income of $43,000. The city experiences a higher violent crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 24.4 per 1,000 residents, both surpassing the national averages of 4 and 19, respectively.
As per the US Census Bureau, 25% of Weslaco’s residents live below the poverty line, exceeding the state average of 15%. Additionally, the city’s unemployment rate, at 8.7%, is higher compared to the state average of 6.2%.
According to a report from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Weslaco had the second-highest rate of opioid overdose deaths in Hidalgo County in 2020, with 17 deaths per 100,000 residents.
The Texas Council on Family Violence reported that Weslaco had the highest rate of domestic violence homicides in Hidalgo County in 2020, with five deaths per 100,000 residents. In terms of education, only 64% of Weslaco residents hold a high school diploma or higher, in contrast to the state average of 85%.
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Alamo
Alamo, located in Hidalgo County, has a population of approximately 20,000 people and a median household income of $36,000. The city experiences a violent crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 25.2 per 1,000 residents. These figures exceed the national averages of 4 and 19, respectively.
As per the US Census Bureau, 36% of Alamo’s residents live below the poverty line, which is more than double the state average of 15%. The unemployment rate in Alamo is also higher than the state average, standing at 10.1% compared to 6.2%.
According to a report from the Texas Department of Public Safety, in 2020, Alamo had the second-highest number of gang members in Hidalgo County, totaling 1,052 members. Additionally, based on a report by the Pew Research Center, Alamo had the third-highest number of unauthorized immigrants in Texas in 2020, with 40,000. immigrants.
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Conclusion
Hidalgo County, situated in South Texas, is a county characterized by its diversity and liveliness. However, it grapples with significant issues related to crime and violence. Nevertheless, there exist potential remedies that can enhance the well-being and safety of both residents and visitors in these areas.
Through collaborative efforts involving law enforcement, government entities, community groups, and individuals, Hidalgo County can surmount its crime challenges and evolve into a more secure and thriving environment for all.
