Is Mcallen or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mcallen is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 41/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 62% lower. Mcallen has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mcallen has a 78% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 10.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Mcallen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mcallen, TX
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Mcallen | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,986.3 | 5,219.0 | -3,232.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 150.7 | 595.3 | -444.7 |
| Murder Rate | 2.7 | 8.4 | -5.7 |
| Rape Rate | 39.2 | 83.7 | -44.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 23.7 | 108.4 | -84.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 84.5 | 393.7 | -309.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,835.6 | 4,623.6 | -2,788.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 63.5 | 495.6 | -432.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,704.5 | 3,291.8 | -1,587.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 67.6 | 836.3 | -768.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mcallen or San Antonio safer?
Mcallen is safer with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Mcallen has a violent crime rate of 150.7 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. Mcallen has lower violent crime.
About Mcallen, TX
McAllen, Texas, a vibrant city in the Rio Grande Valley, thrives as a major retail and medical hub. Its subtropical climate and proximity to the Mexican border, just south of Hidalgo, have historically shaped its unique cultural identity. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 148,017, Mcallen has a total crime rate of 1,986.3 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.