Laredo named Safest City in Texas, Leaders Cite collaborative Efforts
laredo, TX – Laredo has been recognized as the safest city in Texas, a distinction city leaders attribute to strong cooperation between local, county, and federal agencies.The ranking comes from a recent study by GOBankingRates.com, which also named Laredo the most livable and affordable city in the United States.
While the study considered a range of financial and safety metrics, Laredo excelled in several key areas. the city finished at No. 3 nationally in metrics including fraud and other complaints, job security, and underemployment. It also ranked No. 8 for personal bankruptcy filings, No. 14 for employment growth, and No.34 for identity-theft complaints.
The study also noted areas where Laredo lagged, including a foreclosure rate of No. 160, a poverty rate of No.153,a debt-to-income ratio of no. 151, and No. 143 for houses spending at least 35% of income on housing. Data was unavailable for households with emergency savings, retirement plan access and participation, or unbanked households.
Mayor Pete Trevino emphasized the meaning of the ranking, stating, “Laredo, alongside being named the most affordable city to live in the United States, will now reaffirm our place as being the safest community in the state.” He further noted the achievement is especially noteworthy given Laredo’s location as a border city, challenging what he described as a “national narrative that we often hear – that the border is a lawless war zone.”
Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar highlighted the collaborative spirit driving the city’s safety. “I appreciate all the agencies working together,” he said. “We continue to have one of the safest cities because of the cooperation. Its never about who gets the credit. Everyone puts their ego aside and does what is best for the community. We’ve developed a great relationship with Chief Rodriguez and the Laredo Police Department, along with the state and federal agencies.”
Laredo Police Chief Alberto Rodriguez echoed this sentiment, adding, “Together, we will continue to build on this success and ensure that laredo remains a safe place for all who call it home.”
