Is Harlingen or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Harlingen is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 20/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,977 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 43% lower. Harlingen has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Harlingen has a 83% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 21.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Harlingen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Harlingen, TX
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Harlingen | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,976.7 | 5,219.0 | -2,242.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 257.8 | 595.3 | -337.6 |
| Murder Rate | 1.4 | 8.4 | -7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 15.4 | 83.7 | -68.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 40.6 | 108.4 | -67.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 200.3 | 393.7 | -193.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,718.9 | 4,623.6 | -1,904.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 344.6 | 495.6 | -151.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,066.2 | 3,291.8 | -1,225.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 308.2 | 836.3 | -528.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harlingen or San Antonio safer?
Harlingen is safer with a total crime rate of 2,977 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Harlingen has a violent crime rate of 257.8 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. Harlingen has lower violent crime.
About Harlingen, TX
Harlingen, a Rio Grande Valley city, is known for its proximity to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, attracting birdwatchers. Historically, it served as a major railway hub. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 71,388, Harlingen has a total crime rate of 2,976.7 per 100,000 residents.
About San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.