Evaluating Amarillo’s Safety: Facts, Figures, and Insights

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If you’re planning on visiting or relocating to Amarillo, Texas, you may be concerned about safety. You may have heard about how dangerous Amarillo is, but are the rumors true? Just how safe is Amarillo, Texas? 

Amarillo, Texas, is generally safe. You can walk around most neighborhoods without feeling unsafe, even at night. However, Amarillo is still one of the more dangerous cities in Texas, so it’s critical to exercise proper precautions. 

April 2015 streets of amarillo texas city skyline at night
April 2015 Streets of Amarillo Texas City Skyline at Night

How Safe Is Amarillo, Texas? 

Amarillo, Texas, is safe. The overall level of crime is low, according to user-aggregated data that Numbeo has collected. People rated Amarillo as a low risk for: 

  • Property crimes (vandalism and theft)
  • Violent crimes (assault and armed robbery)
  • Corruption and bribery

Furthermore, people said that they did not worry about people attacking them, stealing their vehicles, or breaking into their cars. People also rated Amarillo as having a high degree of safety when walking around at night and a very high level of security when walking around during the day. 

Amarillo Safety Compared to Other Cities

According to Numbeo’s crime index, Amarillo ranks 99 in the US and Canada. In other words, it barely makes it on the list of the top 100 cities with the highest crime rates in the US and Canada. 

According to Numbeo, Amarillo has a lower crime rate than: 

  • Baltimore
  • Detroit
  • Atlanta
  • Philadelphia
  • Houston
  • San Francisco
  • Jacksonville
  • Seattle
  • Portland
  • Orlando
  • Tampa
  • New York
  • Nashville
  • San Diego
  • Toronto
  • Montreal
  • El Paso
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However, while Amarillo doesn’t top the list of the most dangerous cities in the United States, it still is one of the more dangerous cities in Texas. According to FBI crime data, Amarillo is the sixth most dangerous city in Texas – Lubbock and Odessa top the list. 

Houston is the third most dangerous city in Texas, so Amarillo is a lot safer than Houston. However, Amarillo had the highest level of reported rape in all of Texas. 

Most Common Crimes in Amarillo, Texas

The most common crimes in Amarillo, Texas, include:

  • Rape
  • Robbery
  • Property crime
  • Motor vehicle theft
  • Assault

Amarillo has a violent crime rate of 524.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. However, it has a murder rate of just 3.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is generally low. For comparison, Baltimore has a murder rate of 10 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to FBI data. 

Here are some other interesting crime rates: 

Crime Rate per 100k Inhabitants
Rape84
Robbery96
Aggravated Assault340
Property Crime3,426.4
Most Common Crimes in Amarillo, Texas

Is Amarillo Safe To Walk Around? 

Yes, Amarillo is safe to walk around. As long as you stay out of bad neighborhoods, you are very unlikely to experience any problems while walking around Amarillo, especially if you are visiting there for a short time. 

AMARILLO TEXAS USA MAY 12 2016 Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation of old car wrecks and a popular landmark on historic Route 66
AMARILLO TEXAS USA MAY 12 2016 Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo. Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation of old car wrecks and a popular landmark on historic Route 66

How To Stay Safe in Amarillo, Texas

Fortunately, by taking proper precautions, you can avoid most crimes in Amarillo, Texas. To stay safe, follow these tips:

  • Stay in the right areas. 
  • Be aware of your surroundings. 
  • Lock your doors and install a security system. 
  • Park your vehicle in a secure location. 
  • Avoid flaunting wealth. 

Stay in the Right Neighborhoods

Like any other city, Amarillo has both safe and unsafe areas. If you’re relocating to Amarillo, look to buy or rent in a secure area. It might cost a bit more, but it’s a good investment that will protect you from theft and other crimes. If you’re visiting, stay in an Airbnb or hotel in a safe neighborhood. 

The most dangerous areas in Amarillo are in the northeast of the city. Those areas have the highest crime rates in the entire city. The northwest of the city, on the other hand, is a lot safer. You might want to avoid areas like San Jacinto and instead stick to neighborhoods like Sleepy Hollow and South Georgia. 

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While most of Amarillo is safe to walk around, you should avoid walking around the more dangerous areas, as highlighted in red on this map. The risk is generally lower during the day. 

If you plan on living near Amarillo, towns like Bishop Hill are very safe. On the other hand, places like Wildarado are much more dangerous. 

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when in public areas and on public transport. Pickpockets often target unsuspecting pedestrians and public transit users. Amarillo has an excellent public transit system, but keep your ears and eyes open. 

If you notice anyone suspicious on the street, especially if someone is lurking ahead of you or seems to be following you, cross the road and get to a safe location. Call the police if you feel in danger. 

Don’t walk in unlit areas at night, especially if you are a woman. When going on dates, watch your drink, and don’t leave it unattended to go to the bathroom, especially with people you don’t trust or know very well. 

Install a Home Security System

Home burglaries and other forms of property crime are high in Amarillo. By installing a good security system, you can deter burglars. 

A good home security system will have an alarm that turns on automatically at night. You should also turn it on when you are away. A CCTV system will act as a further deterrent, and you can even install a smart home security system so you can monitor your CCTV in real time from your phone. 

You should also make sure to lock your doors at all times. 

Park Your Car in a Secure Location

Park your car in your garage or a secure parking garage. That way, you’ll avoid most car thefts and break-ins. Make sure to lock your car when you park it and have a good alarm system that will sound when someone tries to break in. 

Avoid Flaunting Wealth

One of the most reliable ways to avoid muggings and armed robbery is to avoid flaunting wealth in public. Don’t wear expensive jewelry or a fancy watch that will attract attention; never take out your wallet or handle credit cards in public.

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Such crimes are often opportunistic, so you can avoid them by keeping a low profile. 

References

Author Profile

Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.

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