You may have heard that Plano is safe. According to data released by the Plano Police Department for 2024, the major crime rate is 16.10 incidents per 1,000 residents, the lowest since statistics began being collected in 1993.

This is a significant drop of 11.1% from 18.11 in 2023.

However, it can be misleading to look at this number and think, "Oh, Plano is completely safe."

The perception of safety varies greatly by neighborhood. The northern areas, especially around Robinson Road and McDermott Road, have a low likelihood of being a victim of crime, at about 1 in 34 residents. In contrast, the southeastern area has a likelihood of 1 in 21. One reason for this difference is the density of commercial districts. The southeast has many shopping malls, grocery stores, and retail businesses, which statistically increases the number of thefts and property crimes. It's not that the residential areas are unsafe; rather, the high level of commercial activity leads to a higher number of incidents. Therefore, simply comparing these numbers can be somewhat misleading.

The violent crime rate is 1.55 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is noticeably lower than the national average and the overall figure for Texas, and surveys show that 64% of respondents feel safe walking alone at night. Of course, 36% expressed concerns, but this level of anxiety can be found in any city. It's impossible to completely eliminate feelings of unease. Still, it is a confirmed fact that the overall crime rate is 23.65% lower than the national average and 33.41% lower than the Texas state average.

It's hard to imagine a city in the U.S. where safety isn't important, but Plano is relatively reassuring based on the data. However, as with any city, it's essential to be aware of the situation in your own neighborhood. Websites like CrimeGrade.org allow you to check the crime status in your area on a map, so if you're considering moving, it's worth taking a look. Ultimately, seeing the neighborhood in person is the most accurate way to assess safety.

There's a reason Plano is consistently ranked as a great place to live in Texas. The fact that its safety is among the highest in the nation is certainly a strong point. However, don't take the term "safe" at face value; it's important to recognize the differences between neighborhoods and to personally assess your living area.