A new national report doesn’t paint Texas in a flattering light. According to a recent WalletHub study, the Lone Star State ranks 48th out of 50 when it comes to overall safety, with only Mississippi and Louisiana ranking lower.At first glance, that sounds alarming. However, a closer look at the dat...
A new national report doesn’t paint Texas in a flattering light. According to a recent WalletHub study, the Lone Star State ranks 48th out of 50 when it comes to overall safety, with only Mississippi and Louisiana ranking lower.
At first glance, that sounds alarming. However, a closer look at the data reveals a different story, particularly in Kaufman County, where the numbers tell a more reassuring tale.
Texas Falls Behind in National Safety Study
WalletHub’s 2024 “Safest States in America” report examined 52 indicators across five categories: violent crime, road safety, financial risk, workplace safety, and preparedness for natural disasters.
Texas scored 36.41 out of 100, landing near the bottom in terms of violent crime and traffic fatalities. The state also faced criticism for its vulnerability to hurricanes, flooding, and other weather-related losses.
These statistics might lead one to believe that the entire state is unsafe. However, anyone familiar with Texas understands that conditions can vary significantly from one county to another.
Kaufman County: Safer Than Average Despite Growing Population
When focusing on Kaufman County, the narrative shifts dramatically.
Crime data from multiple public sources indicate that Kaufman residents experience less violent and property crime than both the state and national averages.
Violent Crime: Kaufman County averages about 3.19 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to roughly 4.0 nationally. (Source: CrimeGrade.org)
Property Crime: The local property crime score is 31.8, below the U.S. average of 35.4. (Source: BestPlaces.net)
Chances of Being a Victim: A Kaufman County resident has about a 1 in 708 chance of being the victim of a violent crime. The odds for property crime are around 1 in 67, both better than nearby suburban counties. (Source: NeighborhoodScout)
These statistics demonstrate that even as Kaufman County grows, its crime levels remain stable and relatively low compared to other parts of the state.
“A Tough Place to Be a Defendant”
Forney Criminal Defense Lawyer Robert Guest believes the data reflect the realities observed in local courtrooms.
“Kaufman is growing rapidly, and some areas have criminal activity increase along with that population growth,” Guest said. “I’ve seen coordinated efforts between the DA and law enforcement to stay ahead on this issue, and these numbers bear that out. Defendants and defense lawyers know Kaufman County is known as a tough place to be a criminal defendant.”
Guest’s comments highlight the strong collaboration between law enforcement and prosecutors, which many believe contributes to keeping Kaufman County’s crime rate below state and national averages.
What Do You Think?
Do you feel safe living in Kaufman County? Have you noticed changes in crime or policing in your community?
Join the conversation below or share your thoughts on our InForney Facebook page. Your perspective helps tell the real story of safety in our part of Texas.
