Amarillo is a city located in the northwestern part of the state of Texas, in the United States. The city has a population of approximately 200,000 residents, making it the 14th most populous city in the state of Texas. Amarillo is the county seat of Potter County and the economic hub of the Texas Panhandle region.
When it comes to crime rates, Amarillo has a higher-than-average crime rate compared to other cities in Texas. According to the most recent data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting program, the city had a violent crime rate of 7.35 incidents per 1,000 residents in 2020. The property crime rate was 56.51 incidents per 1,000 residents during the same period. While these rates may be concerning to some, it's important to note that Amarillo's crime rate has been decreasing over the years.
The city has had some high-profile crime cases in the past, including a notorious serial killer named Billy Glaze who was responsible for killing three women in Amarillo during the 1980s. The city has also had issues with gang-related crime and drug-related crime, particularly in certain areas of the city.
If you're visiting Amarillo and want to avoid dangerous areas, it's recommended to avoid the neighborhoods of San Jacinto, North Heights, and Eastridge. These areas have higher crime rates than other neighborhoods in the city. It's also recommended to avoid being out late at night, especially in these areas. However, it's important to note that crime can happen anywhere and at any time, so it's always important to be aware of your surroundings.
To stay safe in Amarillo, it's recommended to take common-sense precautions such as locking your doors and windows, not leaving valuables in plain sight in your car, and not walking alone late at night. It's also a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings and to trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.
In terms of other useful information about Amarillo, the city is home to a number of popular attractions such as the Cadillac Ranch, a public art installation featuring 10 brightly painted Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, and the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, which offers hiking, biking, and camping opportunities. The city is also known for its barbecue, with several highly-rated barbecue restaurants located in the area.
Overall, while Amarillo does have a higher crime rate than some other cities in Texas, visitors can still enjoy all that the city has to offer by taking common-sense safety precautions and being aware of their surroundings.