How Safe is Laredo, Texas?

Last updated on October 3rd, 2024 at 08:18 am

Laredo, Texas, often draws attention for its unique location on the US-Mexico border, raising the common question: How safe is Laredo, Texas?

While some may associate border cities with crime, the reality of Laredo’s safety is far more nuanced.

In this article, we’ll dive into the facts about safety in Laredo, clarify misconceptions, and help you make informed decisions whether you’re planning a visit or considering relocating.

Is Laredo, Texas Safe?

The short answer is yes, Laredo, Texas is generally safe.

Like any city, there are areas that are safer than others, but for the most part, Laredo provides a secure environment for residents and visitors alike.

Laredo has its fair share of crime, but it’s important to break that down to truly understand it.

The city has a lower violent crime rate compared to the national average, but property crimes such as theft or burglary are somewhat more common.

While the proximity to the Mexican border may raise some eyebrows, the reality is that Laredo is a peaceful, family-friendly community where many residents feel safe.

Is It Safe to Visit Laredo, Texas?

If you’re asking, “Is it safe to visit Laredo, Texas?”, the answer is yes—Laredo is a safe place to visit, but there are some things you should know to keep yourself aware and comfortable.

Most people hear “border city” and instantly think of crime. That’s just not the full picture. In fact, Laredo has a lower violent crime rate than many other cities in the US.

Sure, there’s some property crime, but nothing that can’t be avoided with some common sense.

What Makes Laredo Safe?

Laredo sits on the border with Mexico, and that raises some eyebrows when it comes to safety.

But here’s the thing—just because it’s a border city doesn’t automatically make it dangerous.

In fact, Laredo has a low violent crime rate compared to many cities in the US.

Several factors contribute to making Laredo safe:

Strong Law Enforcement Presence

Being a border city means there’s a constant presence of local police, federal agencies, and Border Patrol. This high level of security creates a safer environment for both locals and tourists.

Community-Driven Safety

Laredo’s residents care about their community. Neighbourhood watch groups and community involvement help keep crime rates low and foster a sense of responsibility among people. The close-knit feel is part of why crime is lower than you might expect.

Busy Economy

Laredo is the busiest inland port in the US, which means a lot of commercial traffic, jobs, and opportunities. Economic stability tends to reduce crime, and Laredo benefits from that dynamic.

What Kind of Crimes Are Most Common in Laredo?

In Laredo, property crime tends to be more common than violent crime.

This means you’re more likely to hear about theft, car break-ins, and things of that nature.

While the idea of crime can feel unsettling, it’s usually not the kind of serious danger people might assume, especially when hearing about a city on the US-Mexico border.

Let’s break it down:

1. Property Crime

This is hands down the most frequent type of crime in Laredo.

It includes theft, burglaries, and car break-ins.

Here’s the thing: most of this is avoidable if you take basic precautions.

• Lock your car and don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
• If you’re renting or buying a place, invest in good locks and maybe a security camera. Simple stuff, but it works.
• Keep your home well-lit at night, especially the front and back entrances.

2. Theft

Whether it’s shoplifting or small-scale theft, this is pretty common in busy areas.

Tourists, in particular, should be cautious.

You know the drill—don’t leave your bag unattended, and avoid showing off valuables like flashy jewellery or expensive electronics.

3. Car Break-Ins

Laredo has its fair share of car break-ins, especially in busier shopping areas or quiet residential streets.

This is why locking your car and keeping things out of view is key.

This type of crime happens more often than violent crimes and can be annoying, but it’s also easy to avoid.

4. Violent Crime

Laredo’s violent crime rate is lower than many other major cities in the US.

Crimes like robbery, assault, and homicide happen, but not on the scale you might expect from a border city.

Most violent crimes are isolated incidents and are less likely to impact tourists or residents in safer neighbourhoods.

How Do Laredo’s Crime Rates Compare to Other Cities?

When it comes to violent crime, Laredo does better than some of the larger cities in Texas like Houston or Dallas.

It’s also relatively safe when you compare it to other border cities.

Property crimes like theft are more common, but even then, Laredo is no worse than most mid-sized cities in the US.

Below you will see Laredo’s Crime Rates Compare to national average crime rate-

If you’re considering visiting other cities in Texas or the US, you might want to check out our guides on things to do in Texarkana or things to do in Richmond, Indiana for comparison.

Safe and Unsafe Neighbourhoods in Laredo, TX

It’s natural to ask, “Which neighbourhoods are safe, and which ones should I avoid?” The good news is, Laredo has plenty of safe areas.

But like any city, some neighbourhoods are better than others when it comes to safety.

Here is a bar chart showing safe and unsafe Neighbourhoods in Laredo

Safest Neighbourhoods in Laredo, TX

1. San Isidro

2. Del Mar Hills

3. Lakeside

4. Winfield

Neighbourhoods in Laredo You Might Want to Avoid

1. Los Amores

2. Santo Niño

3. Riverhill

4. Los Presidentes

If you’re planning to visit Laredo for just a short time, you might be interested in our guide on where to spend one night in Madrid for comparison.

How Does the Crime Rate in Laredo Vary by Season?

if you’re planning a visit or thinking about moving here. you might ask

How does the crime rate in Laredo vary by season? Let’s break it down.

Summer

Summer tends to bring more than just heat to Laredo.

When school’s out, and people are out and about more, you’ll often see a slight uptick in property crimes.

Think of it this way: more people, more opportunities for things like theft, car break-ins, and petty crimes.

Winter

Winter is often seen as the “calm before the storm” when it comes to crime in Laredo.

Colder weather usually keeps people indoors, which leads to fewer crimes like theft or assault.

Spring

Spring in Laredo is unpredictable.

It’s that in-between period where you start to see more people outdoors, but the big summer rush hasn’t hit yet.

Fall

As summer winds down and school starts back up, crime rates in Laredo tend to drop.

There’s less foot traffic, and people are getting back into routines.

Violent crime doesn’t see any major seasonal shifts during fall, but property crimes can dip.

For those interested in visiting other parts of Texas, check out our guide on things to do in Texarkana.

Should You Be Worried About Crime in Laredo?

Honestly, crime is present in every city.

But here in Laredo, violent crime is low, especially when you compare it to larger cities like Houston or Chicago.

Where Laredo sees more action is property crime—things like theft or car break-ins.

But you can easily avoid that with a few simple precautions:

• Lock your car and avoid leaving anything valuable inside.
• Stick to well-lit areas if you’re out at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings—nothing extreme, just common sense.

Tips for Staying Safe in Laredo, Texas

While Laredo is safe, it’s always wise to stay cautious, especially if you’re new to the area or just visiting.

Here are some practical tips for keeping safe:

• Stay in well-lit areas: Like any city, it’s safer to stay in busy, well-lit areas, especially at night.
• Lock your car and home: Property crimes, including vehicle break-ins, are common in any city, so lock your car and don’t leave valuables visible.
• Use common sense when travelling: If you’re crossing the border into Mexico, be aware of any travel advisories and ensure you have proper identification.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Whether you’re at a tourist attraction or in a quiet neighbourhood, always stay aware of your surroundings.

FAQ: How Safe is Laredo, Texas?

1. Is it safe to walk around Laredo at night?

Yes, but stick to well-populated and well-lit areas. Avoid walking alone in less crowded neighbourhoods at night, and always be mindful of your surroundings.

2. Is Laredo a good place to raise a family?

Absolutely. With strong community ties, good schools, and relatively low crime rates in family-oriented neighbourhoods, Laredo is a great place to raise a family. Many residents report feeling safe and enjoy the city’s friendly atmosphere.

3. Does Laredo’s location near the Mexican border make it dangerous?

Contrary to what some might assume, Laredo is not a dangerous city due to its border location. In fact, the strong presence of law enforcement makes it a secure place to live and visit.

4. Are there dangerous parts of Laredo?

Like any city, Laredo has areas with higher crime rates, particularly in some lower-income neighbourhoods and near the industrial zones. However, these are generally not tourist or residential areas, and violent crime remains low.

5. Is it safe to travel to Mexico from Laredo?

While Laredo is safe, crossing into Mexico requires more caution. Pay attention to travel advisories, avoid travelling at night, and always carry the proper documentation when crossing the border.

Final Thoughts: How Safe is Laredo, Texas?

In conclusion, Laredo, Texas is a safe city with a low violent crime rate and strong law enforcement presence.

While property crimes are something to watch out for, common-sense precautions can help keep you secure.

Whether you’re visiting or considering a move, Laredo offers a friendly, safe environment for families, tourists, and

business travellers alike.

Remember, every city has its unique character and challenges. If you’re interested in exploring other destinations, why not check out our guides on safety in Monaco or safety in Genoa for a different perspective?

Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Laredo!