Smart insights for safer living in College Station
College Station can be exciting, but safety varies block by block. If you are a student planning to search for student housing in College Station, you should be aware of the safest and most dangerous places in College Station TX.
College Station isn’t a big city, but the neighbourhoods feel very different from one another. Some areas are busy, social, and happening at times. Others are quite far from the city core and feel slow-paced. To understand College Station neighborhoods, you must consider how the areas function differently every day.
This blog helps you uncover the safest and most dangerous places in College Station TX, crime rates, safety index, and overall experience of living in College Station TX.
Yes, College Station is safe for students. However, understanding the safest and most dangerous places in College Station TX helps you decide where to live and how to commute safely.
Most of the population living in College Station TX feels safe. People walk their dogs at night, jog through neighborhoods, and roam around comfortably. Tourists usually talk about how relaxed the city feels.
On the other hand, College Station has:
Hence, while the College Station safety index is strong, there is scope for awareness, especially in high-activity zones. Altogether, the city is relatively safe for students, largely influenced by Texas A&M University and a strong campus police system.
Living in College Station is safe and full of student-driven energy. Certain neighborhoods stand out for their calm daily life, lower crime rates, and stable communities. These areas specifically attract students, families, and long-term residents who value peace over everything.
Southwood Valley is one of the safest neighborhoods in College Station. It is located in a quiet atmosphere and strong community presence, away from the nightlife zones. With well-lit streets, organized community events, and walkable paths, this area feels safe for students.
Crime rate: ~12/1000 residents
Safety index: High
Best for: Students, budget-conscious individuals, families
Why is it safe?
Pebble Creek is known for its peaceful environment, lower crime rate, and predictable living experience. Most homes are owner-occupied, meaning fewer loud parties, better community standards, and less turnover. Students can experience peace of mind and study-focused living.
Crime rate: ~9/1,000 residents
Safety index: Very High
Best for: Long-term residents, students with vehicles
Why is it safe?
Castlegate is calm, organized, and suburban, making it a perfect choice for students who prefer predictable living conditions. The area has well-maintained streets and newer property projects.
Crime rate: ~10/1,000 residents
Safety index: High
Best for: Couples, students, working professionals
Why is it safe?
Northgate Crossing is the exact opposite of the Northgate nightlife area. Still, it is well-connected to campuses and major student hubs. The area offers a comfortable living with low disruptive incidents and stable property occupancy. Hence, it is a good option for students who wish for decent commute times, peaceful evenings, and a neighborhood that feels like home.
Crime rate: ~11/1,000 residents
Safety index: High
Best for: Students who want a calm and accessible environment
Why is it safe?
Edelweiss Estates is a lesser-known neighborhood that is steady and has a lower rental turnover rate. Quieter streets and fewer late-night disturbances contribute to more consistent, respectful neighbor interactions and a calmer backdrop for student life in College Station, TX.
Crime rate: ~11/1,000 residents
Safety index: High
Best for: International students
Why is it safe?
Briarcrest stands out as a College Station neighborhood that combines affordability with safety, making it attractive to students on a tighter budget. This means you can get affordable student housing options in College Station while still benefiting from a safe surrounding.
Crime rate: ~10/1,000 residents
Safety index: High
Best for: Budget-conscious individuals
Why is it safe?
Wellborn is slightly outside central College Station and offers one of the lowest crime rates. With a high proportion of long-term homeowners and lower rental turnover, Wellborn feels more like a suburban community than a student district.
Crime rate: ~8/1,000 residents
Safety index: Very High
Best for: Students and families with their own vehicles
Why is it safe?
College Station is not a high-crime city. In fact, the College Station TX crime rate is lower than the national average. It ranks in the 51st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 51% of cities in the United States.
Altogether, College Station crime rate is low, non-violent, and highly predictable, making it easier for students to choose from the safest and most dangerous places in College Station TX, based on lifestyle and location.
Here are a few things worth knowing about living in College Station TX:
| Type of crimes | Details |
|---|---|
| Violent crime is low | Serious offences are very uncommon here. You won’t see big news flashing about a heinous crime that happened in the city. This is the reason why many residents find College Station a safe place to live. |
| Arrest data reflecting student-related activities | Many reports involve: Drug possession, Alcohol-related offenses, Disorderly conduct, Noise complaints. These inflate crime statistics without indicating danger. |
| Property crime is more prominent | Most reported incidents involve: Minor vandalism, Bike theft, Package theft, and Vehicle break-ins. |
| Areas near campus see more activity | Neighborhoods close to nightlife and student apartments naturally see more police calls due to population density and late-night movement. |
| Crime maps show clear clusters | The darker zones are around: Nightlife zones, Areas near campus, Rental-heavy streets. |
Altogether, College Station crime rate is low, non-violent, and highly predictable.
It is very important to know the dangerous neighborhoods in College Station TX, to completely avoid them. Although violent crimes are rare, there are some areas with higher incident volume, mainly due to rental turnover, active nightlife, and student density.
Population (local area): ~3,106 residents
Crime rate: ~24.92 crimes per 1,000 residents
Most common crimes: Theft during crowded nights, disorderly conduct/fights
Northgate is the social center of College Station. It has plenty of bars, restaurants, and student hangout spots with a lively and energetic atmosphere. It is not ideal for students looking for quiet living. Students living nearby report late-night traffic, noise, and safety issues.
Population (local area): ~5,419 residents
Crime rate: ~26.3 crimes per 1,000 residents
Most common crimes: Vehicle break-ins (parking lots), petty theft, vandalism
The Texas Ave Corridor has fewer residences, is quieter, and is less monitored at night. These areas are good for the day, but extra awareness is required during the night.
Population (local area): ~6,910 residents
Crime rate: ~8 crimes per 1,000 residents
Most common crimes: Bike theft, package theft, car break-ins, noise/party complaints
The Wolf Pen Creek district normally sees more activity. These areas are packed with students, which increases traffic congestion as well as incident reporting.
These areas are not unsafe, but they are unpredictable. Most incidents are non-violent with basic precautions like securing bikes, locking doors, and being mindful.
Population (local area): ~3144 residents
Crime rate: ~12.16 crimes per 1,000 residents
Most common crimes: Parking lot car break-ins, opportunistic theft (phone/wallet), minor disturbances during weekends
Certain streets around the Century Square area have a lot of student rentals, making them less predictable. Living here requires extra responsibility for using outdoor lighting, locking up, and being aware of surroundings.
Below are the tips that you can follow to be safe in dangerous places
By securing belongings, maintaining vigilance, and avoiding risky paths, students can stay protected even in areas that fall under the safest and most dangerous places in College Station TX.
College Station offers a balance of student life, safety, and affordability, especially when you are in the right College Station neighborhood. Understanding the safest and most dangerous places in College Station TX helps you focus more on academics, friendships, and campus life, and less on safety concerns.
The safest neighborhoods in College Station TX include Castlegate, Pebble Creek, Texas A&M, Wellborn, etc. These areas have low crime rates and offer a secure environment for students.
College Station is a dynamic city with a strong sense of community. It is anchored by Texas A&M University and offers excellent academics, an affordable cost of living, and a solid job market.
Houston has the highest crime rate, with 12.4 violent crimes and 62.3 property crimes per 1,000 residents.
Yes. The overall College Station crime rate is less than the national averages, especially for violent crime. Property crime is common in student-dense areas, but it is still safer to stay.
Cost for off-campus living can vary from $400-$1200. The cost for on-campus housing is from $500-$1300 per month. These prices depend on the size, location, amenities, and overall quality of the housing.