Is Weslaco Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Weslaco, Texas, is a city rich in history and brimming with charm.

Simply peel back the layers to learn more, much like the 1015 onions made famous by the farmers here.

Weslaco’s origins are deeply rooted in agriculture, with a legacy of citrus groves and vegetable farming that continues to influence the area today.

That famous onion is known to be sweet and mild, and there’s an annual Onion Festival to celebrate it!

Fruits aren’t left out, as the city also hosts the Texas Citrus Fiesta.

Weslaco’s strategic location near the Mexican border offers a unique cultural blend, evident in the city’s vibrant community events, cuisine, and arts.

The downtown area is a focal point of activity, featuring historical buildings, eclectic shops, local restaurants, and colorful murals that reflect the city’s heritage and artistic spirit.

Nature lovers will find Weslaco to have excellent bird-watching and nature trails.

Several nature centers provide unique experiences all near town.

How did they come up with the name Weslaco?

The land was initially owned by W. E. Stewart Land Co. Founders simply took the initials and created “Weslaco.”

Warnings & Dangers in Weslaco

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Weslaco, bordering on medium. However, there are safer places to stay with more things to do if you just need a place in the Rio Grande Valley.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Valley Metro provides public transportation in this area, but I recommend checking the website to see if it suits your needs. You can get as far as San Benito to the east and Mission to the west. Taxis and rideshares are available, but having a rental car is ideal.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

About three pickpockets or purse snatchings are reported each year, based on five years of crime data. Despite this low risk, theft rates are incredibly high, and I would treat this as a medium risk.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

This region can be a mix of concerning weather events, from excessive heat to flash flooding to severe thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes. Wildfires are another possibility. Be sure to check the forecast when you're visiting Weslaco since there are so many outdoor things to do.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Robbery rates are 10% higher than the national average, and 29% are highway robberies, according to five years of crime data. The risk is hovering close to medium, but that's still low compared to how bad the risk could be. Just don't walk around at night or carry valuables with you.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

The biggest concern here comes with the gangs, drug trade, and illegal cartel activities from Mexico. It's not the traditional terrorism risk, but it's a real problem. The best thing you can do is avoid any suspicious activity and report it to the police. You do not want to mess with gangs.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. The local Better Business Bureau office and the state Attorney General’s office will have common scam tactics and protection advice. Most scams reported in recent years involve spoofing phone calls targeting residents. The risk is low, but keep it that way by being informed.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, but use standard personal safety steps as you would anywhere else. If you're visiting for spring break, this isn't really the place you want to be. Head to Brownsville or South Padre for more fun. Definitely don't go into Mexico alone, if you go at all.

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. The only violation reported in 2023 was the fact that the utility didn't issue a report in 2022. The risk is low, but you can read the latest report in detail to learn more.

Safest Places to Visit in Weslaco

The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce runs a tourism website for the city.

I particularly like that there’s a video for most of the big attractions, meaning you get a better look inside rather than sorting through a website.

Plus, the site has a downloadable dining guide.

The city’s website has a nice list of attractions without all the different graphics and videos to sort through.

Look for the “Explore Weslaco” section to see that.

Downtown Weslaco is one of those charming collections of stores and restaurants you would find in any small town.

To find out more about events and activities there, follow the Facebook page @downtownWeslacoTX.

Be sure to visit the Weslaco Museum while you’re there.

Rarely will I tell you to go see a fire department in a city, but the one in Weslaco is epic.

It has intricate details that anyone who appreciates architecture and design should see.

Now, the historic water tower?

I’ll leave that up to you.

There is an attached theater, appropriately called the Tower Theater, with locally-produced performances throughout the year.

For outdoor adventures, choose from one of three nature parks – Estero Llano Grande State Park, Valley Nature Center, and Frontera Audubon.

In fact, go visit them all.

Each one has its own special twist of natural wonders.

At night, take in a movie at the Wes Mer Drive-In Theatre, with top blockbusters shown in a nostalgic setting.

The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce runs a tourism website for the city.

I particularly like that there’s a video for most of the big attractions, meaning you get a better look inside rather than sorting through a website.

Plus, the site has a downloadable dining guide.

The city’s website has a nice list of attractions without all the different graphics and videos to sort through.

Look for the “Explore Weslaco” section to see that.

Downtown Weslaco is one of those charming collections of stores and restaurants you would find in any small town.

To find out more about events and activities there, follow the Facebook page @downtownWeslacoTX.

Be sure to visit the Weslaco Museum while you’re there.

Rarely will I tell you to go see a fire department in a city, but the one in Weslaco is epic.

It has intricate details that anyone who appreciates architecture and design should see.

Now, the historic water tower?

I’ll leave that up to you.

There is an attached theater, appropriately called the Tower Theater, with locally-produced performances throughout the year.

For outdoor adventures, choose from one of three nature parks – Estero Llano Grande State Park, Valley Nature Center, and Frontera Audubon.

In fact, go visit them all.

Each one has its own special twist of natural wonders.

At night, take in a movie at the Wes Mer Drive-In Theatre, with top blockbusters shown in a nostalgic setting.

Places to Avoid in Weslaco

Weslaco police posted a heat map showing the higher crime vs. lower crime areas of the city.

You can find that on the Crime Stats section of the department’s website.

Keep in mind that the higher crime rates don’t mean it’s too dangerous to visit, as popular areas will have more crime simply because more people go there.

The area around the Weslaco Walmart has been the topic of several big news headliners, including a gunman who went into the store with two guns and was ultimately shot and killed by the police after he fired at them.

Some people prefer to go to the Donna Walmart, which is about four miles away.

If you like going down internet rabbit holes, you should also know that Walmart is a neighbor with a fenced community known as Outer Dimensional Forces.

It’s a group (ahem… cult) that believes aliens are coming sometime (soon?).

The group has been here since the 1960s and was founded by Orville Gordon.

The fenced and tree-filled property is reportedly home to the “Armageddon Time Ark Base.”

Do NOT go there, approach the front gate or try to scale the fence.

Nobody is allowed in.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Weslaco

So... How Safe Is Weslaco Really?

Violent crime rates are 5% higher than the national average but still 4% lower than the national average.

Back in 2012 through 2014, Weslaco experienced a crime increase that was two to three times the number in 2023.

Since then, there haven’t been more than 200 violent crimes in a year.

It’s worth adding that about one in five victims of a violent crime is a stranger, so the risk is lower than it appears at first glance.

The number of crimes that happen in private homes has hovered around 51% over the past five years.

The theft rate is a mind-boggling 167% higher than the national average.

A decade ago, that number was 54% higher!

That number is partially fueled by shoplifting, which accounts for 41% of all thefts.

Another 30% is either stolen car accessories, like catalytic converters, or car break-ins.

Here’s an example of why it’s important to check the latest crime statistics in addition to the information we provide.

In 2022, Weslaco had 34 car thefts.

By 2023, that number was up to 98.

The last time the numbers got that high was in 2016.

The police said in late 2023 that Chevy and GMC trucks were being targeted.

About one in five people in Weslaco live in poverty.

Add in the gang and cartel presence in the city, and your visit could go one of two ways – you either have no idea crime is happening, or you become an unwitting victim of theft.

After researching this city for quite a while, it’s clear that most thefts are targeted at high-value items like construction equipment.

It can also be a crime of convenience, like needing a car to get across the border for illegal activity.

If you are diligent with personal safety steps relentlessly, and you avoid the drug or gang scene, there is no reason to avoid Weslaco.

However, you might enjoy a trip to McAllen a little bit more.

If nothing else, you’ll sleep a little better at night.

How Does Weslaco 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. The same rules apply if you're flying into town or crossing the border. 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. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

Even the coldest days will likely have highs in the 70s in Weslaco, but by May, those temps go into the 90s and continue through September. It's hot and muggy, with summer lows that don't cool you off much, only dropping to the upper 70s. Wear clothing that you are okay sweating in, and maybe throw in a few extra T-shirts to avoid doing laundry. Bug spray and sunscreen will be needed.

Airports

You have two options from Weslaco. Either head 20 miles west to McAllen International Airport or 25 miles east to Harlingen, where Valley International Airport is located. Given how far south Weslaco is, driving to places like Houston or San Antonio isn't really feasible.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind. Make sure you know if you get the same level of coverage in Mexico as you would in the U.S.

Weslaco Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Texas - Safety by City