San Antonio Crime Rate: Is the City Getting Safer?

San Antonio has long stood as a vibrant Texas city with a blend of history, culture, and modern growth. For those thinking of living, working, or traveling here, safety often comes to mind first. With recent police reports showing noticeable shifts in crime trends, many are asking one key question: Is the San Antonio crime rate changing for the better? Let's explore the latest data, neighborhood safety, and what it all means for residents today.

How High Is the Crime Rate in San Antonio, Texas?

To get a clear picture of the crime rate in San Antonio Texas, the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) shared its latest statistics from the first quarter of the year. The numbers tell a surprisingly positive story. Here's a breakdown showing how crime categories have shifted from 2024 to 2025:

In the first quarter of 2025, the city saw a notable drop in violent crimes “against person” and property crimes. Crimes against property fell about 24.5% compared to the same period in 2024, and overall offenses declined by nearly one-fifth. The uptick in “against society” offenses—often related to drug activity and weapon violations—however, signals an area of concern.

The drop in overall numbers suggests that, yes, the San Antonio crime rate is trending downward—at least for now. But that doesn't mean all risk has disappeared; the broad numbers hide major variance by area and type of crime.

San Antonio Crime Rate Compared to Other Cities

How does the San Antonio Texas crime rate stack up against other large cities?

When compared to national averages, San Antonio has historically logged rates of violent and property crimes well above many peer cities. For example, data from NeighborhoodScout show the combined crime rate (violent + property) in San Antonio at about 61 per 1,000 residents—higher than the national median.

A separate analysis gives San Antonio a “C-” grade for violent crime overall, placing it safer than only about 31% of U.S. cities.

And when you expand the frame to major Texas cities, San Antonio's numbers look particularly concerning: one summary reported a 22.6% increase in crime from 2019 to 2023 in the city, contrasting with slower growth or even declines elsewhere in Texas.

So, is San Antonio safe? The short answer: it depends on where you are and what kind of crime you're talking about. Relative to many U.S. cities, the city faces a higher risk—but localized trends and improvements matter.

Safest Neighborhoods to Live in San Antonio

Even in a city with millions of people, there are pockets of safety and quiet living. These communities often benefit from strong local policing, tight-knit neighborhoods, and thriving local resources.

• Alamo Heights: A long-established neighborhood with a small-town feel. Its high-end homes, top-rated schools, and beautiful tree-lined streets make it one of the safest and most desired places in the metro area.
• Stone Oak: Located in north-central San Antonio, this gated suburban community attracts families and professionals. Great schools, quiet streets, and low crime rates are its highlights.
• Shavano Park: A small, upscale community on the city's edge, known for privacy, space, and security. Despite its proximity to city amenities, it maintains a peaceful, low-crime environment.
• Terrell Hills: Adjacent to Alamo Heights, this neighborhood offers a mix of luxury homes and excellent safety. Walkable streets and attention to community upkeep keep residents comfortable.
• The Dominion: With its gated entrances and private golf course, The Dominion is one of the most exclusive communities in the area. It's home to celebrities and high-profile residents who prioritize safety and privacy.

These locations reflect some of the safest parts of the city and may answer the question many ask: is San Antonio a safe city? In these neighborhoods, the answer is often yes.

High-Risk Areas and Crime Hotspots in San Antonio

While San Antonio has safe areas, there are also neighborhoods with higher crime rates. Factors like high population density, lack of resources, or concentrated economic struggles can shape crime statistics in certain neighborhoods.

l Hein-Orchard

According to a 2025 listing of the city's most dangerous neighborhoods, Hein-Orchard is identified at or near the top of the list.

It's an area where both violent crime and property crime are significantly elevated compared to many other parts of San Antonio.

l Dellcrest Forrest

Also named among the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city per recent analysis. Challenges here include higher incidence of theft, burglary, assault and other serious crime.

l Villas of Babcock-Summerwind

This area is considered higher-risk mainly because it has ongoing issues with property crime, such as car break-ins and theft. Some parts have older or less-maintained housing, which can attract opportunistic crime. It's not uniformly unsafe, but certain pockets experience more criminal activity than surrounding neighborhoods.

l Camelot

Camelot is often described as high-risk due to a history of gang-related activity, violent incidents, and frequent theft or burglary. The neighborhood has struggled with limited investment, which can lead to fewer resources for upkeep and community support. Crime tends to be more concentrated here compared to other parts of San Antonio.

l Community Workers Council

This area can be high-risk because it faces economic challenges, which correlate with higher crime levels. There are reports of ongoing disturbances, street crime, and occasional violent incidents. Some parts have lower police presence and less stable housing, making it more vulnerable to criminal activity.

These areas don't mean you shouldn't live there—but they do imply higher risk, particularly in poorly lit or unfamiliar zones, or when moving about late at night.

Smart Safety Tips for Living in San Antonio

If you live in San Antonio or plan to move, you might want practical guidance around staying safer and reducing your exposure to crime. Here are some actionable tips:

1. Stay informed about your specific area: Use tools like the SAPD crime map dashboardto check recent incidents in your zip code or neighborhood.
2. Secure your vehicle and home: Park in well-lit areas, keep valuables out of sight, and strengthen your home with simple security upgrades like security cameras, video doorbells, motion lights, and basic camera or sensor systems.
3. Be extra cautious at night and in entertainment zones: Even areas that are normally considered safe can see upticks during late hours or when venues close.
4. Know your neighbors and community: Many safe neighborhoods have strong community networks—knowing someone nearby can make a real difference.
5. Use common‐sense precautions: Walk in groups, avoid shortcuts through isolated zones, keep your phone charged, and let someone know your route.
6. Engage with local law enforcement programs: SAPD and partner organizations often run outreach programs and hot-spot policing efforts—participating helps you stay connected and safer.
7. Check schools and local amenities if relocating: If you're moving, research not just schools and amenities, but whether the neighborhood has consistently lower crime numbers and good lighting/infrastructure.
8. Stay alert to changing trends: While overall crime may be falling, categories like drug violations or certain thefts may fluctuate—so don't assume past data guarantees future safety.

By focusing on both the macro numbers and the micro personal habits, you can live more confidently and limit your risk exposure, no matter which part of the city you're in.

Top Picks for Boosting Your Home Security

Strengthen your San Antonio home security with these standout product categories and their top performers.

Security Cameras

• eufyCam S4: Wide 4K capture plus PTZ versatility. Balanced motion detection and optional solar power make it a low-effort, high-reliability outdoor option.

• eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max: A complete 4K system with auto-tracking, seamless camera handoff, and local AI-assisted searching. Built for stable, uninterrupted surveillance.

• eufy Indoor Cam S350:Dual-lens design (4K + 2K telephoto) with 8× zoom and 360° rotation ensures clear, full-room viewing day or night.

Video Doorbells

• eufy Video Doorbell E340:Dual-camera setup captures both visitors and package areas in 2K detail. Works wired or battery-powered with strong night vision.

• eufy wired Video Doorbell S330:A wired dual-camera model offering 2K HDR, no-subscription local storage, and pre-roll video for added context.

For a complete, integrated approach, the eufy ExpertSecure System combines whole-home monitoring and professional-style protection in one unified package.

Conclusion

When we examine the San Antonio crime rate today, the data clearly show positive movement—especially in violent and property crime reductions for early 2025. However, the numbers also remind us that “safe” is not uniform across all neighborhoods or crime types. If you're wondering if San Antonio a safe city the answer is: yes, in many parts and under many conditions—but you'll be wise to stay aware, choose your area carefully, and adopt habits that reduce risk. It's a city in transition, and an informed resident has a real advantage.

FAQs

Where can I find detailed, up-to-date crime data for San Antonio?

You can access current crime data through the San Antonio Police Department's Open Data dashboards and interactive crime maps. These tools show recent calls for service, neighborhood-level crime patterns, and ZIP code statistics. Residents can also subscribe for alerts to stay informed about local crime trends, helping them make safer daily decisions.

Does the overall crime rate reflect the risk everywhere in the city?

Not always. Citywide crime rates can be skewed by a few high-crime neighborhoods, while many areas remain safe. Residents should focus on local data, comparing crime in their specific ZIP code or neighborhood. Understanding neighborhood-level statistics provides a clearer picture of safety than relying solely on the citywide San Antonio, Texas crime rate.

What recent crime trends are changing in San Antonio?

Recent reports show a decline in overall crime, with homicides, robberies, and assaults dropping in early 2025 compared to 2024. However, some crimes, like sexual offenses, have risen slightly. These trends highlight that while the crime rate in San Antonio Texas is generally improving, certain offenses still require attention, making local awareness essential.