Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in San Antonio

Nov 17th 2023
San Antonio is one of Texas’ most historic and dynamic cities. As with most cities of its size, San Antonio struggles with crime and associated growing pains as many parts of the city are being revitalized. If you are considering calling the Alamo City home, then you might want to check out our report on the top ten most dangerous neighborhoods in San Antonio. 

hash-mark10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in San Antonio

  1. Villa De San Antonio
  2. Camelot
  3. Community Workers Council 
  4. Rainbow Hills
  5. Los Jardines 
  6. Pipers Meadow
  7. Arena District
  8. Wheatley Heights
  9. Denver Heights
  10. East Terrell Hills

hash-mark1. Villa De San Antonio

The most dangerous neighborhood in San Antonio is Villa De San Antonio. This small community is the worst area in San Antonio for crime, and residents have a 1 in 7 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. With a population of just around 200, the crime rate in Villa De San Antonio is 543% above the national average. Violent crime in the area is exorbitantly high, with murders and robberies occurring at rates well above the national average. Drug trafficking, prostitution, and other transient activity have been reported in the area as well. 

hash-mark2. Camelot 

Camelot is also one of the worst neighborhoods in San Antonio for crime. Camelot has a population of 3,597 and is located in northeastern San Antonio. The overall crime rate in Camelot is 528% above the national average, with residents having a 1 in 7 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Property crime and theft are common in the area, with homicides and shootings occurring as well. Year after year, crime has risen, with urban decay greatly affecting the neighborhood.  

hash-mark3. Community Workers Council 

Community Workers Council has struggled with crime and poverty for decades. With a population of 6,200, Community Workers Council has a crime rate that is 526% above the national average. Residents have a 1 in 7 chance of becoming the victim, with crime rates increasing annually. Both theft and violent crime are rampant in the neighborhood, with gang activity being present. The average income in the area is 51% below the national average. 

hash-mark4. Rainbow Hills

Rainbow Hills is a dangerous neighborhood in western San Antonio with a population of 6,657. The overall crime rate in Rainbow Hills is a massive 469% above the national average, with residents having a 1 in 8 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. Violent crime is rife in this neighborhood, with shootings, murders, assaults, and robberies being common. Rainbow Hills has an active gang presence, which contributes heavily to the area’s crime rate. 

hash-mark5. Los Jardines 

Los Jardines is another one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in San Antonio. Los Jardines is a suburban neighborhood located in western San Antonio. With a population of 6,657, Los Jardines has a crime rate that is 466% above the national average. Much of Los Jardines suffers from poverty and neglect, with crime becoming work after dark. Common types of crime include muggings, assaults, and car theft. Homicides and shootings have been known to occur as well. Overall, residents in Los Jardines have a 1 in 8 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. 

hash-mark6. Pipers Meadow

Located in the northwestern corner of the city, Pipers Meadow is also one of the worst neighborhoods in San Antonio due to the amount of violent crime in the area. Pipers Meadow suffers from a crime rate that is 435% above the national average. Common types of crime include assault, property theft, burglary, and vehicle theft. Residents have an overall 1 in 9 chance of becoming the victim, with crime rates showing no signs of decreasing. 

hash-mark7. Arena District

Arena District is a dangerous suburban neighborhood located in eastern San Antonio. With a population of 1,963, Arena District has a crime rate that is 430% above the national average. Residents have a 1 in 9 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. Poverty and unemployment are longstanding issues in Arena District, with an average income that is 44% below the national average. 

hash-mark8. Wheatley Heights

Located east of downtown, Wheatley Heights is a neighborhood with significantly high crime and poverty rates. The area’s crime rate is 289% above the national average, with residents having a 1 in 12 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. The most common types of crime in Wheatley Heights include burglary, theft, car theft, and robbery. Homicides, drug trafficking, and gang activity are also common. The average income in Wheatley Heights is 49% below the national average. 

hash-mark9. Denver Heights 

Located just southwest of downtown, Denver Heights is a dangerous neighborhood that tourists should avoid. Out of a population of 2,669, Denver Heights has a crime rate that is 285% above the national average. Violent crime is extremely high, with gun violence and homicides occurring at rates well above the national average. Employment in Denver Heights is scarce, with the average income being 53% below the national average. 

hash-mark10. East Terrell Hills

East Terrell Hills is also one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in San Antonio. While revitalization has slowly occurred, much of the area is still greatly affected by crime. Out of a population of 2,449, East Terrell Hills has a crime rate that is 217% above the national average. Both violent and property crime remains a problem, with theft, burglaries, assaults, and robberies occurring at rates well above the national average.