Polk County Crime & Safety

Polk County, Texas

Safety Score

21/100

Higher = safer

Safety Rating

High Crime

Total Crime Rate

2054.0

per 100K population

Crime Statistics

Violent Crime Rate

290.9

per 100K population

National avg 380.7

Property Crime Rate

1763.1

per 100K population

National avg 1954.4

Safety Score

21/100

Higher = safer

State avg 47/100

State Safety Rank

#208

of 254 counties (1 = safest)

Data Story

About Crime & Safety in Polk County, Texas

Polk County Meets National Safety Standards

Polk County holds a safety score of 96.8, aligning with national security expectations. Its total crime rate of 2,054.0 per 100K remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Matching the Texas Safety Average

Polk's safety score perfectly matches the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2,054.0 is nearly identical to the state average of 2,052.5, indicating a stable environment.

Balanced Safety in East Texas

Polk County presents a balanced safety profile compared to its regional neighbors. It manages crime levels more effectively than many metropolitan hubs while reflecting the regional average for property incidents.

Property Theft as Primary Concern

Property crime accounts for the majority of incidents at 1,763.1 per 100K, while violent crime is 290.9 per 100K. Person-to-person crime is relatively low, making theft the primary focus for local prevention.

Securing Your East Texas Home

Securing outbuildings and garages is essential for Polk residents since property crime is the most common local issue. Investing in visible security cameras can further deter opportunistic theft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Polk County, TX?

Polk County has a total crime rate of 2054.0 per 100,000 residents, based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data. This includes both violent crimes (290.9 per 100K) and property crimes (1763.1 per 100K).

Is Polk County, TX safe?

Polk County has a safety score of 21/100, rated "High Crime". A higher safety score indicates lower crime rates relative to other counties nationwide. It ranks #208 out of 254 counties in Texas for safety (1 = safest).

How does Polk County crime compare to the Texas average?

Polk's safety score perfectly matches the Texas state average of 96.8. Its total crime rate of 2,054.0 is nearly identical to the state average of 2,052.5, indicating a stable environment.

What types of crime are most common in Polk County?

How is crime data measured and reported for Polk County?

Crime data for Polk County comes from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program. Local law enforcement agencies submit data on violent crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) and property crimes (burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft) to the FBI. Rates are calculated per 100,000 residents to allow fair comparison between counties of different sizes. The safety score (0-100) is derived from these rates, with higher scores indicating safer counties.

What is being done about crime in Polk County?

Polk County has a safety score of 21/100, which is below the Texas average of 47/100. Many counties with above-average crime rates invest in community policing, crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch initiatives, and social services aimed at reducing crime over time.