Is Schulenburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Schulenburg, Texas, a charming small town located halfway between Houston and San Antonio along Interstate 10, is a hidden gem in Fayette County.

Known as the “Home of the Painted Churches,” Schulenburg boasts German and Czech heritage, which is vividly reflected in its culture and architecture.

Founded in 1873 by European immigrants drawn by the promise of fertile land and opportunity, the town quickly grew into a bustling hub for farmers and ranchers when the railroad arrived two years later.

One of Schulenburg’s most endearing qualities is its preservation of historical and cultural sites.

The Painted Churches, stunning 19th-century structures scattered in the surrounding countryside, are adorned with intricate frescoes and stained glass.

While 2,600 people live here, Schulenburg does have the feel of a ghost town in more ways than one.

In fact, isn’t it worth pulling off the interstate to drive by Sengelmann’s Dance Hall to see if the ghosts are really playing polka music?

And if a woman in a polka dot dress stops to ask for directions… that’s probably Mrs. X.

I would also recommend you see if the Von Minden Hotel has been restored.

As of this publication, it’s being renovated, whether the ghosts like it or not.

Warnings & Dangers in Schulenburg

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Schulenburg, but also not a whole lot to do. Be sure to explore towns around Fayette County for a more robust agenda.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

You'll need a vehicle to get to Schulenburg, as it's about 100 miles between San Antonio and Houston. Taxis and rideshares will be available, though it's not a big business here in a small town. The risk is low with any option, but you'll be limited without a vehicle of your own.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Over the past five years, just one pickpocket has been reported. That's a low risk, but be sure to extend your safety habits to your vehicle. No town is safe enough to leave your vehicle unlocked or windows rolled down unless you're in the car.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

This is a medium risk, with a wide range of potential problems. Flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, high winds, wildfires, and extreme heat are all potential risks. Even as I write this near Memorial Day weekend, there's an excessive heat warning with "feels like" temperature getting near 113°F.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There hasn't been a robbery in Schulenburg since at least 2016, so the risk is low. However, it's a transient town being right off the interstate, so don't let your guard down.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, as it's such a small town that it likely wouldn't be on the map if the interstate didn't pass through.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams, but most are garden variety focused on the residents. If you've learned the common tactics of scammers, this shouldn't be an issue for you.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, with most crimes that could keep a woman from wanting to visit all happening between people who know each other. While you want to use basic security steps and be prepared for the long road between stops in this part of the state, there's no reason to be afraid to stop and explore.

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. Schulenburg's 2022 Water Quality Report shows no violations and full compliance.

Safest Places to Visit in Schulenburg

To find tourism information, you can check out the Fayette County tourism site (visitfayettecounty.com), the Chamber of Commerce website (Schulenburgchamber.org), or the city website (schulenburgtx.org).

Most of the things to do in Schulenburg involve food, churches, museums, or cemeteries.

The Chamber of Commerce doubles as a tourism center, so you can stop there to learn about the different places to visit.

I’ll go through the highlights for you.

To learn about the Czech, German, and Polish heritage, stop by the Schulenburg Historical Museum.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

One of the premier stops in Schulenburg is Momma’s at Senglemann Hall.

This is one of the original Texas Dance Halls.

A restaurant and beer garden bring lively entertainment throughout the week.

Airplane enthusiasts should visit the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum.

You might be familiar with the models built by local brothers Victor and Joe Stanzel, but if not, read their book Defying Gravity before you visit.

The Texas Polka Music Museum is a barrel of fun.

If you get that joke, you’ll love this place, and if you don’t, you’ll learn why it’s (kinda) funny.

Its website is pretty outdated, so call ahead for specific hours and events.

Two wineries are in Shulbenburg, with special tastes in Texas vineyards.

Moravia Vineyards & Winery is open on Saturdays only.

Majek Vineyard & Winery has more hours, from Thursday through Sunday, starting at noon and ending at 6 pm.

The Painted Churches tour is one of the most common reasons people visit this area, with five options to explore.

Guided tours are available by calling (979) 743-4514.

The churches might seem average from the outside, but just wait until you see the intricate decorations inside.

These are still active churches, so tours on weekends might be limited.

However, you are welcome to attend any service.

Schulenburg’s annual Sausagefest is held every April and the town festival spans three days in August.

Places to Avoid in Schulenburg

You don’t need to worry about bad parts of town or anything here.

This community is safe to explore, but remember it’s a small town of just 2,600 people.

If you want to be more centrally located in Fayette County, you might want to consider staying in La Grange.

Finally, if you’re visiting during one of the festivals in Schulenburg, book your hotel early as there are just a handful here that will sell out quickly.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Schulenburg

So... How Safe Is Schulenburg Really?

Statistically, Shulenburg’s violent crime rate is 76% higher than the state average and 91% higher than the national average.

However, the town’s population is so small that even a handful of crimes can make it seem more dangerous than it really is.

For example, those percentages above are calculated by taking the number of crimes and the population, then doing the math to figure out how many crimes per 100,000 people.

In 2023, the percentages look high – even though the raw number of crimes was 20.

When we look at 2022 crime statistics, when 13 violent crimes were reported, those percentages became 14% higher than the state average and 25% higher than the national average.

What’s more important to look at is the crime victims.

Between 2018 and 2022, just one stranger was the victim of a violent crime.

That exponentially lowers the risk for someone visiting Schulenburg.

Thefts are 16% lower than the national average, but when you look at the raw crime count, there were 34 thefts in all of 2023.

Over the past five years, car break-ins and accessory thefts were responsible for 48% of all thefts.

Even looking at news headlines over the past few years for the city and county, a few high-profile incidents stood out that are a little too gruesome to detail here, but all among people who know each other.

Whether you’re just stopping by on a road trip or staying for a few days, Schulenburg is safe.

Exciting?

Not so much.

How Does Schulenburg Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Start by checking your passport - if it's within six months of expiring from the day you leave the U.S., get it renewed. Then, check the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You’ll quickly find out if you qualify for a visa or need a visa waiver.

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

Late fall through early spring are relatively mild, with high temperatures in the 60s or 70s. This gives way to a hot summer, with highs easily reaching the mid-90s. Humidity is intense during the hottest times of the year, with "feels like" temperatures getting into the triple digits. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and bring bug spray and sunscreen.

Airports

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston is two hours from Shulenburg. San Antonio International Airport is slightly closer, but only by a few miles. Austin Bergstrom International Airport can be reached by car in about an hour.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance goes into effect as soon as you purchase it, making last-minute cancelations fully covered. Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind. Be sure your rental car insurance has roadside assistance since you'll be in a relatively remote area.

Schulenburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Texas - Safety by City