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Violent Crime Trends in La Feria, Texas: A Decade of Fluctuations and Demographic Shifts
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
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Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
La Feria, located in Texas, has experienced significant fluctuations in violent crime rates over the past decade. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of violent crimes increased from 2 to 34, representing a 1600% increase. During the same period, the population decreased slightly from 8,231 to 7,864, a 4.46% decline.
In terms of murder trends, La Feria has maintained a consistently low rate, with zero reported cases throughout the entire period from 2010 to 2022. This stability in the absence of murders is noteworthy, especially considering the population fluctuations. The murder rate per 1,000 people has remained at 0, and the city has consistently accounted for 0% of the state's murder cases.
Rape incidents in the city have shown variability over the years. In 2010, there was 1 reported case, which increased to a peak of 5 cases in 2014 and 2015. By 2022, the number rose to 8 cases. The rape rate per 1,000 people increased from 0.12 in 2010 to 1.02 in 2022. The city's contribution to the state's rape cases also increased from 0.02% in 2010 to 0.07% in 2022, indicating a disproportionate increase relative to the state trend.
Robbery trends have remained relatively low and stable. From 1 case in 2010, the number fluctuated between 0 and 2 cases annually, ending with 2 cases in 2022. The robbery rate per 1,000 people slightly increased from 0.12 in 2010 to 0.25 in 2022. The city's share of state robbery cases has remained consistently low, hovering around 0.01%.
Aggravated assault has shown the most dramatic increase among violent crimes in the city. From no reported cases in 2010, it peaked at 40 cases in 2017 and stood at 24 cases in 2022. The rate per 1,000 people rose from 0 in 2010 to 3.05 in 2022. The city's contribution to state aggravated assault cases increased from 0% in 2010 to 0.03% in 2022, indicating a significant local trend.
There appears to be a strong correlation between the increase in violent crimes, particularly aggravated assaults, and changes in racial demographics. The Hispanic population percentage increased from 81% in 2013 to 91% in 2022, coinciding with the rise in violent crimes. Additionally, there's a notable correlation between rising median rent prices (from $767 in 2013 to $961 in 2022) and the increase in violent crimes, suggesting potential socioeconomic factors at play.
Applying predictive models based on the current trends, it's estimated that by 2029, La Feria could see approximately 45-50 violent crimes annually, with aggravated assaults likely constituting the majority. The rape and robbery rates are predicted to remain relatively stable or show slight increases.
In summary, La Feria has experienced a significant increase in violent crimes over the past decade, primarily driven by a surge in aggravated assaults. While murder rates have remained at zero, the rise in other violent crimes, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of a slightly declining population, suggests a complex interplay of demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing crime trends in this Texas community.
