Texas has over 1,200 incorporated cities—but only a handful stand out for their safety.
When it comes to finding the right place to call home in Texas, safety is always a top priority. After all, you want to settle somewhere that not only offers opportunity but peace of mind.
So, what makes a city truly safe? It’s a combination of factors, including low crime rates, reliable emergency services, and strong infrastructure that supports a secure environment for all residents.
In this article, we’ll explore the safest cities in Texas to live in 2025, backed by recent rankings and credible data source.
How we determined the safest cities in Texas:
When it comes to picking a city to call home, safety is always a top priority. But how do we know which cities are the safest? We didn’t just guess.
Here’s the breakdown of how we bring you the list of the safest cities in Texas:
1. Crime data:
We took into account the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report (UCR) and local police data to get an accurate look at crime rates. This isn’t just about headlines, we looked at the hard facts to understand where crime is lowest and where people are most likely to feel secure.
2. Public safety services:
Safety isn’t just about crime, it’s about how quickly a city can respond when things go wrong. We factored in police presence, response times, and the overall efficiency of emergency services. Cities that excel in these areas are more likely to keep you safe when you need help the most.
3. Community and livability:
We considered things like economic stability, access to healthcare, schools, and overall infrastructure. A solid foundation in these areas creates a livable, secure environment.
4. Recent rankings:
We didn’t stop there. We took a look at the latest safety studies from trusted names. These studies combine the latest data and expert opinions to give us a clear, reliable picture of where Texas stands when it comes to safety.
So let’s find out:
Crime rates in Texas:
Southern Texas:
Contrary to common perception, many border cities in Southern Texas report some of the lowest crime rates in the state.
- McAllen, for instance, saw a 35% drop in violent crime between 2022 and 2023, reporting just 144 violent crimes per 100,000 residents.
- Brownsville also experienced a 9% year-over-year reduction in violent incidents.
- Even Laredo, which had the highest rate among the region’s border cities at 425.66 per 100,000, remains significantly safer than many cities nationwide, such as Fresno, CA (725) and Oklahoma City (637).
Western Texas:
El Paso remains a standout in Western Texas, consistently ranked among the safest large cities in the U.S. In 2023, it reported a violent crime rate of 350.8 per 100,000 and a homicide rate of 3.8, both of which fall below the national average.
Despite its proximity to the border, El Paso’s crime data reflects a well-managed public safety infrastructure and low levels of violent activity.
Northern Texas:
Northern Texas presents a clear contrast between its urban centers and suburban communities.
Cities like Frisco, Plano, and McKinney are among the safest in the country, with Frisco earning recognition as the second safest city in the U.S.
Top 5 safest cities in Texas:
1. Trophy Club:
Trophy Club, Texas, consistently ranks as one of the state’s safest cities, attributed to its low crime rates, proactive safety measures, and high livability standards.
Crime rate statistics:
In 2023, Trophy Club reported a total crime rate of 616.2 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than both the national average of 2,324.2 and Texas’s average of 2,691.5.
Niche ranks Trophy Club as #2 in Best Places to Live in Denton County with :
- A violent crime rate of 43.5 per 100,000 people.
- A property crime rate of 572.7 per 100,000.
Safety features and community programs:
Trophy Club’s exceptional safety record is the result of a strategic combination of highly trained personnel and advanced technology.
Police Chief Patrick Arata credits the department’s success to the effective integration of Flock license plate reading cameras, which are strategically placed at key entry points to monitor and respond to potential threats.
These cameras capture real-time data on incoming vehicles, enhancing the department’s ability to prevent and resolve crimes swiftly.
Livability factors:
The town’s public schools have received high ratings, reflecting a commitment to quality education.
Economically, residents benefit from a median household income of $193,026, significantly surpassing the national median. The housing market is robust, with a median home value of $617,000.
These factors, combined with a variety of amenities and a favorable job market, contribute to Trophy Club’s reputation as an excellent place to live.
2. Colleyville:
Colleyville, Texas, isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive. When it comes to safety, this city gets it right.
Crime rate statistics:
With a crime rate that’s dramatically lower than the national average, Colleyville is one of the safest places in the country. According to neighborhood scout:
You’re looking at:
- A violent crime rate of just 0.54 per 1,000 residents.
- A property crime at 5.13 per 1,000.
Safety features and community programs:
But they don’t just stop at low crime rates. Colleyville has invested in community programs that empower residents to take safety into their own hands.
With initiatives like CERT, people are trained to handle everything from light firefighting to first aid. Detective Garcia and the Colleyville Police Department have suggested safety zones for children!
Then, you’ve got livability that’s hard to beat. The schools are top-tier, offering everything from traditional education to specialized career programs.
Livability factors (schools, amenities, job market):
Whether your kid is into healthcare, automotive tech, or culinary arts, Colleyville’s schools have options to prepare them for the real world.
With 14 parks, over 20 miles of trails, and 270+ acres of parkland, Colleyville offers a community-focused lifestyle that keeps everyone active and connected—perfect for when you’re not working or studying
3. Fulshear:
Fulshear is safer than approximately 83% of U.S. cities.
Crime rate statistics:
A report by neighborhoodscout confirms residents face a mere 1 in 6,088 chance of experiencing violent crime, with a violent crime rate of 0.16 per 1,000 residents.
Property crimes are equally rare, with a rate of 2.63 per 1,000 residents, translating to a 1 in 381 chance of victimization.
Safety features and community programs:
Fulshear Police Department (FPD) isn’t just putting officers on the street; they’re giving them the tools and the training to handle everything that comes their way. From Crime Prevention to Crisis Management and even Narcotics Enforcement.
FPD doesn’t just patrol with a badge and a gun, they use drones for monitoring events, conducting searches, and responding to emergencies, adding an extra layer of intelligence and speed to safety efforts.
Livability factors (schools, amenities, job market):
With top-tier schools in the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, your kids get an education that prepares them for real-world success. According to AreaVibes:
Combine that with a tight-knit community, a booming job market, and access to Houston’s opportunities, and you’ve got a city that’s all about long-term growth and quality of life.
4. Flower Mound:
Crime rate statistics:
Flower Mound’s overall crime rate is approximately 8 incidents per 1,000 residents, aligning closely with the national average.
- The violent crime rate is notably low, with a chance of 1 in 1,324 residents experiencing such incidents, significantly lower than national averages.
- Property crimes occur at a rate of 7 per 1,000 residents, also near the national average.
Safety features and community programs:
Flower Mound is primarily served by the Lewisville Independent School District (LISD), with portions of the town also served by Argyle, Denton, Northwest, and Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School Districts.
Livability factors (schools, amenities, job market):
Flower Mound’s job market is projected to grow by 50.2% over the next decade, surpassing the national average. The town’s unemployment rate stands at a low 2.9%, reflecting a robust local economy and ample employment opportunities for residents
5. Frisco:
Crime rate statistics:
Frisco has been ranked the safest city for two consecutive years.
While its crime rate of 15 per 1,000 residents may be higher than 65% of Texas cities, it’s crucial to understand that, compared to similarly sized cities, Frisco remains a relatively safe place to live.
Safety features and community programs:
The city invests heavily in its police and fire departments, ensuring rapid emergency response and advanced training for personnel. Community programs like the Citizens Police and Fire Academies help bridge the gap between residents and first responders, fostering trust and transparency.
Initiatives such as National Night Out and robust neighborhood watch groups further reinforce community vigilance. Schools also benefit from dedicated School Resource Officers (SROs), creating a secure learning environment while promoting positive relationships between students and law enforcement.
Livability factors (schools, amenities, job market):
Frisco offers top-rated public schools, family-friendly amenities, and a booming job market. From The Star and Toyota Stadium to parks, trails, and cultural centers, there’s something for everyone.
The economy is thriving, with opportunities in tech, healthcare, and finance, all supported by smart city planning and proximity to Dallas.
Other safer cities of Texas:
- Plano has a crime rate of 18 per 1,000 residents, higher than 74% of Texas cities. However, when compared to cities of similar population size, Plano is actually safer than most.
- Dallas experienced a nearly 10% decrease in reported crime over the past year.
- In response to rising violent crime rates, Houston Councilman Willie Davis introduced the “Police, Pastors, and People” initiative. This program pairs pastors with police officers to engage with the community, aiming to reduce violent crime, especially among youth.
Key factors that make a Texas city safe:
Crime and law enforcement in Texas:
Most people think crime is just a policing issue. It’s not. In Texas, crime and law enforcement are really about systems—systems that either work or don’t.
The cities winning this game Frisco, McKinney, Sugar Land, Plano, The Woodlands—aren’t just lucky.
They’re strategic. They invest in fast response teams, tech infrastructure (think CCTV, license plate readers), and community programs that actually make people feel and stay safe.
Meanwhile, high-crime areas in places like Houston or Dallas often struggle because they haven’t built the backend staffing, surveillance, or data to support real safety.
Crime drops when you treat safety like a business problem—with metrics, investment, and consistent feedback loops. The ones who track, adapt, and scale safety measures win. The rest play catch-up.
Emergency services and infrastructure:
When it comes to city safety, it’s not just about crime rates it’s about how well a city can respond when things go wrong.
Cities like Round Rock and Richardson have nailed their emergency response game, with fire departments and hospitals that don’t just show up they’re fast, efficient, and reliable when seconds count.
But the challenge goes beyond just reacting to emergencies. Coastal cities like Galveston and Corpus Christi face constant threats from hurricanes and flooding, so they’re putting in the work on preparedness and flood control to make sure their communities are as resilient as possible when disaster strikes.
Technology and smart city features:
In today’s world, safety isn’t just about what’s happening on the ground—it’s about what’s happening in the digital and technological spaces.
Cities like San Antonio and Houston are stepping up their game with smart city initiatives, using AI-driven surveillance, automated alerts, and smart lighting to create safer, more responsive environments.
These technologies allow for quicker detection of threats and more efficient responses, transforming how cities operate on a day-to-day basis.
But it doesn’t stop there. Cities like Dallas and Austin are doubling down on cybersecurity, knowing that digital safety is just as important as physical safety.
What do the locals say?
A poll by Gallup proves that Texas cities like Dallas and Houston demonstrate varying perceptions of safety among residents and visitors.
Dallas, with 74% of respondents considering it a safe place to live or visit, stands out as one of the more positively viewed cities in the survey.
This perception reflects a combination of effective law enforcement, technological advancements in public safety, and community engagement. On the other hand, Houston, with 57% considering it safe, reflects a more divided opinion.
Is Texas safe for tourists?
Texas isn’t just growing, it’s being chosen. According to the Texas Tribune, in the span of a year (July 2023 to July 2024), over 562,000 people moved to Texas, with nearly 320,000 coming from other countries.
And where are they going? State Demographer Lloyd Potter says: Straight into the heart of the I-35 corridor—Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston—the state’s economic and population engines.
This isn’t guesswork. When families, professionals, and international migrants all pick the same place year after year, they’re not taking risks. They’re making data-backed life decisions.
And that tells you everything you need to know about safety in Texas. If it wasn’t safe, people wouldn’t be flooding in. So, is Texas safe for tourists? Yes. And the numbers prove it.
How are businesses staying safe in Texas?
Scott Theeringer, Founder & CEO of M&A DevCo, underscores the Texas Triangle as a prime destination for business, emphasizing its stability and security. He says:
“For businesses and investors, the Texas Triangle offers one of the safest and most predictable environments to operate in the U.S.”
You might wonder how this region continues to attract substantial investment and how it has become a trustworthy and a business-friendly climate.
The best security systems for businesses in Texas are those that proactively identify threats.
Whether it’s an intruder, violent behaviour, suspicious shoplifting, or even gunshots, early detection is key.
Ensuring perimeter security and implementing strict access controls are essential for regulating who can enter, stay, and linger on your property.
This is where a Remote Video Monitoring system proves invaluable, offering strong protection for your property, employees, and assets.
Yes, remote video monitoring is the solution! Many businesses already depend on this real-time security system to oversee their premises from anywhere.
When the camera system’s AI detects a security breach, remote operators quickly respond to suspicious activity. They can intervene via live audio or notify security personnel (police, designated responders, etc.) based on established standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The survey reveals that while CCTV surveillance cameras are essential for 47% of businesses across North America, 14% have also adopted remote live video monitoring for round-the-clock surveillance.
With AI-powered live remote video monitoring, businesses can transform their security from a passive system into an active defense mechanism. Features like intrusion detection, violence recognition, loitering alerts, and smoke/fire detection provide comprehensive protection:
- Intrusion detection: Identifies unauthorized access and sends real-time alerts before a break-in occurs.
- Violence detection: Detects aggressive behavior and immediately notifies security teams.
- Alerts: Recognizes suspicious behavior near entry points, reducing risks of theft and vandalism.
- Smoke & fire detection: Triggers instant alerts to prevent fires early, safeguarding assets and lives.
Businesses in high-risk areas can’t afford to rely on outdated security measures. By integrating AI-powered remote security monitoring, they gain real-time situational awareness, enabling quicker responses and enhanced protection.
FAQs: Living in Texas safely:
What is the safest large city in Texas?
Frisco, Texas, is considered the safest large city in the state, offering low crime rates and a high quality of life.
Which Texas cities have the lowest crime rates?
Cities like Flower Mound, McKinney, and Southlake have some of the lowest crime rates in Texas, making them top choices for safety.
Is Texas generally a safe state to live in?
Texas offers a mix of safe and less safe areas, but many cities and suburban areas provide low crime rates and excellent safety for residents.
Conclusion:
In 2025, Texas is home to cities that aren’t just safe on paper—they’re built for security. Trophy Club, Colleyville, and Fulshear have nailed it by integrating proactive policing, tech-driven safety measures, and tight-knit communities that feel secure.
These cities don’t wait for problems to show up; they’ve already invested in the infrastructure to prevent them. Whether it’s low crime rates, smart city tech, or top-tier emergency response, these cities are redefining what it means to feel safe at home.
Contact us today for a customized security solution for your business in Texas or other locations across North America.