Beaumont, Texas, is a city located in the southeastern part of the state. According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2020, the estimated population of Beaumont is approximately 118,129 people. The city is part of the Beaumont-Port Arthur metropolitan area and is the seat of Jefferson County.
In terms of crime rates, Beaumont has a higher than average crime rate for a city of its size. The city's overall crime rate is 94% higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate that is 148% higher and a property crime rate that is 85% higher. In recent years, the city has seen an increase in homicides and aggravated assaults. In 2020, there were 25 homicides reported in Beaumont, up from 17 in 2019.
The city has a long history of crime, with one of its most infamous incidents being the 1949 Christmas Eve murders. Three escaped prisoners, known as the "Texas Killing Fields" killers, murdered three teenage girls in a field outside of town. The case went unsolved for decades until it was reopened in 2005, and DNA evidence eventually led to the arrest and conviction of one of the killers.
There are certain areas in Beaumont that are considered more dangerous than others. The South End neighborhood, which is located south of Interstate 10 and east of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, has a higher crime rate than other areas of the city. The North End neighborhood, which is located north of Interstate 10 and east of Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, is also considered a high crime area.
To stay safe in Beaumont, it is recommended to avoid walking alone at night, especially in the aforementioned high crime areas. If you do need to walk alone at night, it is advisable to stay on well-lit streets and avoid shortcuts through alleys or poorly lit areas. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid wearing headphones or other distractions that may prevent you from hearing approaching danger.
In terms of other safety advice, it is recommended to keep your car doors locked and valuables out of sight when parked. It is also important to be vigilant when using ATMs or making purchases with credit cards, as credit card fraud is a common crime in the area.
Overall, while Beaumont has a higher crime rate than many other cities of its size, it is still possible to stay safe by taking certain precautions. As with any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to exercise caution when necessary.