Is Temple, TX Safe? An Honest Look for Homebuyers (2026)

If you have Googled "Crime rate in Temple, TX," you might have been spooked by what you saw. Online data aggregators often give Temple a lower safety score.

As a local real estate agent who lives and works here, I want to give you the context that those generic websites miss. Is Temple safe? Yes—but like any growing city on the I-35 corridor, it depends entirely on where you are looking.

The "I-35 Effect": Why the Numbers Look Skewed

Temple sits directly on Interstate 35, one of the busiest highways in America. This is great for commuting to Austin or Waco, but it skews our crime statistics.

• The Reality: A large percentage of reported property crimes happen in commercial areas along the highway and near the older downtown corridors.

• The Neighborhoods: When you get into the residential subdivisions—especially in West Temple and the areas bordering Belton—the atmosphere is completely different. These are quiet, family-focused communities where neighbors know each other.

Which Parts of Temple Are the Safest?

While safety is subjective, most of my buyers focusing on safety and schools gravitate toward these areas:

1. West Temple (76502)

This is the area generally west of H.K. Dodgen Loop (Loop 363). It is booming with new construction and master-planned communities like The Groves and Lake Pointe. The presence of the Westfield Market and newer schools makes this highly desirable for families.

2. The "Hospital District" / South Temple

The area surrounding Baylor Scott & White is filled with established homes and mature trees. Because it is home to many doctors, residents, and hospital staff, it remains a stable and well-maintained area.

3. Belton / Temple Border

As you move towards Belton (near the intersection of I-35 and I-14), you find neighborhoods that offer a more suburban, sometimes even rural, feel.

Areas to Watch

The older parts of East Temple and sections immediately surrounding downtown are currently in a transition phase. While there are incredible historic homes and investment opportunities there, buyers unfamiliar with the area should definitely drive these neighborhoods at night to get a feel for the block-by-block differences.

The Bottom Line

Don't let a generic "Safety Score" scare you away from a great city. Temple is a community where people look out for one another.

Want to see the neighborhoods for yourself? I specialize in helping relocation buyers find the pocket of Temple that fits their lifestyle. Check out my Living in Temple Relocation Guide or contact me directly to tour the safest neighborhoods in town.