Violent crime rates in Texas and around the country fell in 2022 according to the FBI’s latest annual crime report, but the number of property crimes committed in the United States rose sharply. The data, which is based on reports submitted by 83.3% of the nation’s law enforcement agencies, reveals that violent crime dropped by 1.7% in 2022, but property crime rose by 7.1%.
Crime rates across the country in 2022
The fall in violent crime was largely the result of a 6.1% decrease in non-negligent manslaughter and murder. Rape decreased by 5.4% in 2022 according to the FBI crime report, but aggravated assault fell by only 1.1%. The murder rate in the United States jumped by 29% in 2020, so most experts expected it to fall in 2022. The rise in property crime was largely attributable to a 33.5% rise in car thefts. Carjackings also rose sharply in 2022.
Crime rates in Texas in 2022
The crime rates in Texas in 2022 broadly reflected national trends. Violent crime dropped by 2.73% according to the Texas Department of Public Safety, but property crime in the Lone Star State rose by 7.54%. The murder rate dropped by 4.05% in Texas in 2022, but motor vehicle thefts rose by 10.61%. Curbing auto theft has become a criminal law priority in recent years. Since 2018, the number of motor vehicles stolen in Texas has risen by 41.48%.
Crime had increased sharply in 2020
Crime rates in the United Sates rose sharply in 2020, but they are now starting to fall. Violent crime rates are close to returning to pre-pandemic levels according to the FBI, but property crime is becoming more common. In Texas, the fall in violent crime and rise in property crime were slightly higher than the national averages.