Is Llano Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Llano, Texas, is a charming small town located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, about 65 miles northwest of Austin.

Founded in 1856, Llano has a rich history rooted in ranching, mining, and its strategic position along the Llano River, which provided a vital water source for early settlers.

Visitors to Llano are greeted with a blend of historical charm and natural beauty.

The town’s historic district features well-preserved buildings, including the Llano County Courthouse and the Red Top Jail, offering a glimpse into its storied past.

At the same time, downtown has an inviting and funky vibe, with a great food scene and plenty of nightlife.

The town also hosts annual events like the Llano Earth Art Fest and the Llano Crawfish Open.

The Llano River is an outdoor treasure, especially in the stifling summers of central Texas and near downtown, so that you can experience the best of both day and night.

Heads up if you’re traveling between November and January – that’s when you’ll find out why it’s called the “Deer Capital of Texas,” as nearly 15,000 people descend on the region for deer hunting season.

Warnings & Dangers in Llano

OVERALL RISK: LOW

The risk here is low, and this small town has a big personality when it comes to things to do. You won't run out of things to do, especially if you like the outdoors.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You'll need a car to get to Llano, and the public transportation in this rural area isn't suitable for tourists. Taxis and rideshares might be slower than you'd find in a bigger city, but there will be more available during festivals.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

The risk is low, with just five reported over the past five years between the town of Llano and the county. Most thefts happen in places like yards, campsites, or beaches, so don't let the low risk allow you to let your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The risks here run the gamut, starting with severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes in spring. The risk is heightened in spring but can happen any time of year. The summer heat can be oppressive, and wildfires or flash flooding are possible, depending on the weather conditions. Always keep an eye on the forecast in this region.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

This is another low-risk, with no robberies of any kind reported in Llano in 2022 or 2023. Keep that risk low by following standard safety advice, like not wearing valuables or walking around alone at night.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Yet another low risk here, with a small town in a remote area not really prone to terror attacks. Mass shootings or domestic terrorism can happen anywhere, so don't let the comfort of a small town make you inattentive. Report anything suspicious to law enforcement.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. The Llano Police Department does a great job of posting current scams and providing reminders of scam tactics. Be especially wary about anyone asking you to buy gift cards to pay for something.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing in the crime data or recent news reports suggests women are at a higher risk. Just use the standard basic safety steps and be aware of wilderness and weather conditions before you head out.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. I would suggest reading the latest report for Llano, as the 2022 iteration shows 10 violations. All the violations were fixed and reported, but that's one of the largest violation reports I've seen in reviewing hundreds of them nationwide.

Safest Places to Visit in Llano

“Visit Llano Texas” is the name of the town and county tourism website.

You can find current events, a list of hotels and restaurants, and several of the closest attractions.

Llano County Historical Museum provides a deep dive into Llano’s past, showcasing Native American artifacts, early settler displays, and exhibits on the region’s ranching and mining heritage.

Built-in 1895, Red Top Jail is a historic jail with tours that reveal its intriguing history and architectural significance.

You can also get a great look at it from the historic Inks Bridge over the Llano River.

By the way, that bridge is a great place to watch the sunset, too.

Ideal for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, the Llano River is a central feature of the town, providing a beautiful natural setting for various water activities.

Badu Park is a great spot on the river, with a swimming beach and easy access to downtown Llano.

Downtown is the heart of Llano, featuring charming antique shops, boutiques, and local art galleries.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll while exploring the town’s unique offerings.

You’ll be amazed at the diversity in the food scene, and be sure to find the Grateful Dead-themed Shakedown Street (which is technically an alley).

Railroad enthusiasts should check out the Llano River Railroad Museum, which is located in the historic railroad district.

A mining exhibit tells about the rich history of the region, with artifacts dating back to the 1800s.

A short drive from Llano, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers hiking, rock climbing, and spectacular views from the summit of Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome.

Another short trip to Longhorn Cavern State Park is worth the trip to go underground on a cave tour and try your luck at gem mining.

NOTE: 

If the thought of going into a cave takes your breath away (like me – not good in tight spaces), you should know the general cave tour is well-lit and spacious.

It’s a wild cave adventure that puts you in tight spaces, in the water, and surrounded by darkness aside from a headlamp.

This is the ONLY cave in Texas you can legally explore.

You can also look into the amenities at Buchanan Lake and Lake Lyndon B. Johnson for more outdoor adventures near Llano.

Places to Avoid in Llano

Llano is a very small town with no bad neighborhoods or dangerous areas.

The only thing to avoid is the river or nearby roads when flooding is imminent or happening.

Don’t drive through flooded roads, as the road beneath might be washed out.

If there are severe storms in the forecast, don’t go on a long hike or start tubing a long stretch of the river.

You don’t want to be caught outside in one of the monster storms all too common in central Texas.

One additional piece of advice.

South Llano River State Park is an official Dark Sky Park, meaning it has some of the most pristine night skies nationwide.

However, it sounds a lot closer to Llano than it really is – the park is about 90 minutes away.

It’s still on the Llano River, just a good distance southwest near the town of Junction.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Llano

So... How Safe Is Llano Really?

The violent crime rate in Llano County is about 72% lower than the state and national averages.

The city of Llano only had two violent crimes in 2023 and three in 2022.

The risk is low in both areas, with more than half of the crimes happening in private homes.

Even theft rates here are low, with an average of two a month in the city and about eight a month in the county.

70% of thefts fall into the “Other” category, which could be thefts from yards or campsites.

One of the biggest cases in Llano over the past few years was the abuse of power charges that took half of the police officers off the streets, including the police chief.

A new police chief and the replacement officers seem to be doing a good job of keeping crime under control and getting along with the community at the same time.

In fact, the old regime didn’t provide crime data, so luckily, this new group does.

The biggest safety risk here is the weather or weather-related events like flooding or wildfires.

Stay aware of the forecast and take necessary precautions.

You should have plenty of information now to make the trip to Llano or the surrounding county safe and enjoyable.

How Does Llano Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You’ll quickly find out which one you need. Also, keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after our trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. Several banks in Llano offer currency exchange services, but you might need to be a member to use those benefits. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

The coldest winter day might not get below freezing, with highs averaging in the 60s. Summers are sweltering, with highs in the mid to upper 90s from June through August. Wear comfortable, breathable fabrics and bring comfortable walking shoes.

Airports

You can get to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport within 90 minutes. San Antonio International Airport is less than two hours away. Dallas is a solid three-and-a-half-hours away, so it might not be the best option.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance goes into effect as soon as you purchase it. Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind. You'll want rental car insurance that provides roadside assistance.

Llano Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Texas - Safety by City