Loading Content...
Violent Crime Trends in Rockport, Texas: Coastal City Faces Rising Assault Rates
CATEGORY
Crime
DATA
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Loading Content...
Crime
Violent Crime
Median Rent
Racial Distributions
Population
Rockport, located in Texas, presents an intriguing case study in violent crime trends over the past decade. From 2010 to 2022, the total number of violent crimes fluctuated, starting at 14 in 2010 and ending at 47 in 2022, representing a 235.71% increase. During this same period, the population grew from 17,373 in 2010 to 16,770 in 2022, showing a slight overall decrease of 3.47%.
Murder rates in the city have remained remarkably low, with most years recording zero homicides. The only exception was in 2013 and 2016, when there were 3 and 1 murders respectively. This translates to a rate of 0.17 murders per 1,000 people in 2013 and 0.05 per 1,000 in 2016. The percentage of state murders was notably high at 0.36% in 2013 and 0.09% in 2016, considering the city's small population. These isolated incidents stand out against the backdrop of an otherwise murder-free community.
Rape cases have shown variability over the years. In 2010, there were 2 reported cases, rising to a peak of 8 in 2021, before decreasing to 6 in 2022. This represents a 200% increase from 2010 to 2022. The rate per 1,000 people increased from 0.12 in 2010 to 0.36 in 2022. The percentage of state rapes also increased from 0.03% in 2010 to 0.05% in 2022, indicating a growing concern relative to state figures.
Robbery trends have remained relatively stable, with slight fluctuations. In 2010, there was 1 robbery, increasing to 2 in 2022, a 100% increase. The rate per 1,000 people went from 0.06 in 2010 to 0.12 in 2022. The percentage of state robberies increased from 0% in 2010 to 0.01% in 2022, suggesting a minimal impact on state-wide robbery statistics.
Aggravated assault cases have seen the most significant increase among violent crimes. In 2010, there were 11 cases, rising to 39 in 2022, a 254.55% increase. The rate per 1,000 people increased from 0.63 in 2010 to 2.33 in 2022. The percentage of state aggravated assaults rose from 0.02% to 0.05% over this period, indicating a growing concern relative to state figures.
There appears to be a correlation between the increase in violent crimes and changes in racial demographics. The Hispanic population increased from 24% in 2013 to 33% in 2022, while the White population decreased from 68% to 64% during the same period. This demographic shift coincides with the overall increase in violent crimes, particularly aggravated assaults.
Applying predictive models based on these trends, we can forecast that by 2029, violent crimes may continue to increase. Aggravated assaults are likely to see the most significant rise, potentially reaching around 60-65 cases annually. Rape cases might stabilize around 7-8 per year, while robberies could increase slightly to 3-4 annually. Murder rates are expected to remain very low, with most years likely seeing zero cases.
In summary, Rockport has experienced a concerning increase in violent crimes over the past decade, particularly in aggravated assaults and rapes. This trend coincides with demographic shifts and a slight population decrease. While the city maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to larger urban areas, the upward trend in violent crimes, especially aggravated assaults, warrants attention from local law enforcement and community leaders to implement preventive measures and ensure public safety.
