Williamson County, located in Texas, is experiencing rapid population growth, currently boasting over 600,000 residents. It is a prominent part of the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown metropolitan area, recognized for its excellent education, healthcare, and robust economy.
Nonetheless, like any community, Williamson County grapples with certain crime and safety issues. According to data from CrimeGrade.org, while the county has a lower rate of violent crime compared to the national average, it contends with a higher incidence of property crime.
The overall crime rate in Williamson County stands at 1,406 per 100,000 residents, indicating that if you live there for a year, your likelihood of falling victim to any form of crime is 1 in 71.
This article delves into the five neighborhoods in Williamson County deemed the most risky, based on per capita crime data from CrimeGrade.org.
Round Rock
The initial neighborhood we’re considering is Round Rock. It has a crime rate of 124.3 incidents per 1,000 residents. Round Rock is the biggest city in Williamson County and ranks as the 16th largest city in Texas. Notably, it hosts major employers like Dell Technologies, Emerson Automation Solutions, and Baylor Scott & White Health.
However, it also experiences a notably elevated level of property crime, particularly in terms of burglary and larceny. In 2019, there were 2,683 reported cases of property crime in Round Rock, constituting approximately 40% of all property crimes in Williamson County.
Several potential factors contributing to the high property crime rate in Round Rock include its swift population growth, a substantial number of retail establishments, and its proximity to Interstate 35, which can facilitate criminal activity.
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Georgetown
The next area we’re considering is Georgetown. It has a crime rate of 103.4 incidents per 1,000 residents. Georgetown serves as the county seat of Williamson County and is ranked as the seventh fastest-growing city in the country.
This area is renowned for its charming historic downtown square, picturesque parks, and eco-friendly energy projects. In 2019, there were 2,091 reported cases of theft in Georgetown, making up roughly 31% of all thefts in Williamson County.
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Hutto
The third neighborhood we’re considering is Hutto. It has a crime rate of 40.9 incidents per 1,000 residents. Hutto, situated in Williamson County, is one of the smallest cities with around 12,600 inhabitants. It’s known for its rustic appeal, close-knit community, and its emblem, the hippo.
However, it’s important to note that Hutto also experiences a relatively high incidence of violent crime, particularly assaults. In 2018, there were 79 reported assault cases in Hutto, making up approximately 12% of all assaults in Williamson County.
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Leander
The fourth neighborhood we’re discussing is Leander, where there are 109.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. Leander is experiencing rapid growth, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in both Williamson County and Texas. In 2019, there were 45 reported cases of auto theft in Leander, making up approximately 7% of all auto thefts in Williamson County.
Possible factors contributing to the high auto theft rate in Leander include the influx of new residents who may not be familiar with local security measures, the convenient access to major highways like US Route 183 and State Highway 29, and the presence of organized crime groups targeting vehicles.
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Cedar Park
The fifth and final neighborhood we’ll discuss is Cedar Park. It has a crime rate of 71.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. Cedar Park is the third-largest city in Williamson County and the 12th largest in Texas. It’s recognized for its excellent recreational facilities, strong economy, and close proximity to Austin.
In 2019, Cedar Park reported 1,686 cases of larceny, making up approximately 25% of all larcenies in Williamson County. This higher rate of larceny in Cedar Park could be attributed to the significant number of visitors who come to enjoy attractions like the H-E-B Center, the Brushy Creek Regional Trail, and the Lakeline Mall.
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Final Words
In summary, Williamson County offers a wonderful environment for living, working, and enjoying leisure activities. However, there are specific areas that require additional focus and enhancements in terms of crime and safety.
The five neighborhoods we’ve examined aren’t inherently undesirable places to reside, but they do experience higher crime rates compared to the county’s overall average.
As a result, individuals living in or visiting these neighborhoods should be mindful of potential risks and take measures to safeguard themselves and their belongings. Through collective efforts, we can improve the overall quality of life in Williamson County for everyone.
