When it comes to the most dangerous cities in Texas, Amarillo should not be on the list.  Unfortunately, Amarillo made a list of the most dangerous cities in Texas. However, the question I must ask is:

WITH WHAT DATA?

Amarillo showed up in the World Population Review Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Texas.   Amarillo ranked #9 on their list of the Most Dangerous Cities in Texas for 2023.

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However, when I'm trying to determine the data they used on Amarillo, all I could find was an FBI report from 2019 and some data from 2021.  I also found a partial crime report from the Amarillo Police Department for 2021.  They are still computing everything for 2022 since the year just ended.

According to World Population Review, "To determine the most dangerous cities in Texas, the FBI’s data for violent crimes and property crimes were looked at. Crime rates are expressed as the number of incidents per 100,000 people. The state of Texas had 438 violent crimes and 2,562 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The state has 224 police officers for every 100,000 residents."

TSM Amarillo
TSM Amarillo
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I do realize that Amarillo has had an increase in crime over the last few years and that is not a good thing, especially as the city continues to grow.   I don't think we really want to see the crime statistics for 2022.  I do know that in 2021, the homicide report was 21.  Unfortunately, 2022 will exceed that number.

The report also claimed that Amarillo was the 3rd most dangerous city if it went by population.

Unfortunately, the wealth and the safety of a city have a strong relationship. The most dangerous places in Texas, typically areas or neighborhoods within cities, are dealing with low income, high unemployment, and lack of quality housing, resulting in poor living conditions and high crime. Population size, however, does not necessarily have a strong effect on violent crimes in cities.

No matter if this report is correct or not, all I know is that Amarillo needs to do better.  It is going to take the entire community to be better.  Most of the time, making this change starts at home and with our children at a young age.  It takes a village.

I am thankful that we weren't closer to #1 on the list, but being in the Top 10 is bad. Unfortunately for the Hub City, Lubbock, they ranked #3.

Here's the full list:

These Are The Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Texas in '23

We're all aware there are dangerous cities and towns in our state. Surprisingly this list is made up mostly of smaller cities, suburbs, and towns, aside from Houston, TX, which lands at No. 7.

Amarillo Murders in 2021

With an official tally of 27 murders, the year 2021 saw the highest number of homicides in Amarillo since 1994.

Below is a closer look at the year's criminal acts that resulted in life lost.

**Note from the Editor: The following is not an exhaustive list. We have compiled what you see below from news reports, official police statements, along with where the case stands in the court system. If you see any errors in reporting or fact, please email the editor directly at sarah.clark@townsquaremedia.com along with any supporting documents.

We wish to stress that all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

***Not pictured: Edward Matthew Gamez

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