Most Dangerous Areas in and Around San Antonio

Whether you’re relocating, house‑hunting, or simply want to understand your surroundings better, knowing where crime tends to cluster can help you stay aware and prepared. San Antonio is a growing, dynamic city, but like most large metros, certain neighborhoods experience higher‑than‑average crime rates. Understanding these trends gives you the tools to make informed decisions and take practical steps toward protecting your home.

In this guide, we highlight some of the more dangerous areas in and around San Antonio based on public crime data, neighborhood trends, and local feedback.

Related: San Antonio Crime Rates & Statistics

How We Identified High‑Crime Areas in San Antonio

We reviewed multiple public data sources to determine which areas report the highest concentration of violent and property crime, including:

• San Antonio Police Department incident reports and district‑level crime maps
  
• FBI Crime Data Explorer
  
• NeighborhoodScout crime grades
  
• AreaVibes neighborhood‑level safety rankings
  

We focused on:

• Violent crime (assault, robbery, aggravated assault, homicide)
  
• Property crime (burglary, theft, vehicle theft)
  
• Recurring patterns documented by law enforcement
  
• Community feedback and resident‑reported safety concerns
  

Some neighborhoods experience higher crime due to population density, proximity to nightlife, tourism, or economic factors. Crime can also be highly localized within a few blocks rather than representing an entire district.

Areas in San Antonio With the Highest Crime Rates

East Side (including Wheatley Heights and Denver Heights)

San Antonio’s East Side has historically reported some of the city’s highest violent crime rates. Incidents involving assault, aggravated assault, and robbery are more common here compared to the citywide average. Wheatley Heights and parts of Denver Heights are often highlighted in crime maps for recurrent incidents. Revitalization efforts and community programs continue to expand, but many streets still experience above‑average crime.

Near Downtown / Arena District (select blocks)

Neighborhoods near the downtown core, especially areas close to the Frost Bank Center and high‑traffic corridors, often report elevated property crime. Car break‑ins, theft, and occasional robberies are common due to nightlife, events, and visitor activity. These conditions reflect patterns seen in many major cities where tourism and foot traffic concentrate.

West Side (including Avenida Guadalupe)

The West Side sees consistent reports of property crime, including home burglaries and vehicle theft. Certain streets experience more violent incidents, particularly late at night or near commercial zones. Community organizations and SAPD initiatives have helped reduce crime in recent years, but parts of the West Side remain hotspots.

South Side (Harlandale area)

The Harlandale area on the South Side reports higher‑than‑average property crime, particularly burglary and auto theft. Some sections experience occasional violent crime incidents as well. The area benefits from active neighborhood associations working with SAPD to improve lighting and increase community presence.

Near East Terrell Hills / Coliseum Area

Areas near large venues or older residential pockets often see spikes in theft and break‑ins, especially during large events. This includes portions of the Coliseum and Expo Center area. While residents note improvements, it remains a zone where vehicle and property crime occur more frequently.

You Might Also Like: Safest Areas in San Antonio

What Types of Crime Are Most Common?

Across San Antonio’s higher‑crime areas, the most commonly reported incidents include:

• Assaults and robberies
  
• Vehicle break‑ins and vehicle theft
  
• Home and apartment burglaries
  
• Theft in high‑traffic or poorly lit areas
  
• Vandalism near commercial corridors
  

Crime Stats Don’t Tell the Whole Story

Even in neighborhoods with elevated crime rates, many residents and local organizations are working hard to create safer, stronger communities. In many cases:

• Crime may be concentrated within a few blocks, not the entire neighborhood
  
• Community coalitions and churches partner with SAPD on safety programs
  
• Lighting improvements, cameras, and new housing developments reduce crime
  
• Redevelopment around downtown and the East Side is changing local dynamics
  

Context matters, and positive momentum exists across many of these areas.

Tips for Staying Safe in Any Part of San Antonio

Whether you live in a high‑crime zone or travel through one regularly, simple habits can help:

• Avoid poorly lit areas after dark
  
• Lock car doors and keep valuables out of sight
  
• Install outdoor security cameras or video doorbells
  
• Use door and window sensors on entry points
  
• Coordinate with neighbors through platforms like Nextdoor
  
• Report suspicious activity promptly through San Antonio 311
  

Small, proactive steps create safer streets and stronger communities.

For You: Neighborhood Watch in San Antonio: How to Get Involved

How Guardian Protection Can Help

For San Antonio residents in higher‑risk areas, Guardian Protection offers home security solutions designed for fast detection, rapid alerts, and dependable support.

Our home security systems include:

• Indoor and outdoor security cameras with mobile viewing
  
• Smart motion detectors and door/window sensors
  
• 24/7 professional monitoring for emergency response
  
• Smart home controls with mobile alerts
  

Whether you’re in East San Antonio, the West Side, or near downtown, our customizable systems are built to give you confidence and peace of mind.

Explore Guardian’s services in your area: Home Security in San Antonio

Taking the Next Step Toward Home Safety

Living near a high‑crime area doesn’t mean you have to feel unsafe. With the right tools and awareness, you can take control of your environment and protect what matters most. Whether you’re improving security for your family or participating in local safety programs, every action makes a difference.

Guardian Protection is here to support San Antonio homeowners with reliable, easy‑to‑use security solutions.

Get a free quote or call 800.857.5028 today.