Is Wimberley Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Wimberley, Texas, offers a rural retreat in Hill Country, about halfway between Austin and San Antonio.

It offers a blend of natural beauty, artistic flair, and rich history.

Established in the 1850s, Wimberley started as a trading post near Cypress Creek and has since grown into a beloved small town.

The creek meanders through the heart of Wimberley.

Its clear, spring-fed waters originate from Jacob’s Well, one of the longest underwater caves in Texas.

The area is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the spring-fed waters of Blue Hole Regional Park and the breathtaking views from Old Baldy.

At night, the International Dark Sky Community offers some of the darkest skies in this part of Texas, perfect for stargazing on moonless nights.

If you want a little more life in your nightlife, check out the local live music scene for boot-scootin’ songs that keep you dancing through the night.

Wimberley is part cowboy town, part arts community, part natural wonder, and part foodie city.

Enjoy country life while the big city is just over the horizon.

Warnings & Dangers in Wimberley

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Wimberley and plenty to do to fill a long weekend, with even more places to not do anything if you just want to relax.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

A rental car is the most flexible option, but check out the Shuttle on the Square rides to see if that will suit your needs. Options include a golf cart shuttle, airport service, and e-bike rentals.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

11 pickpockets or purse snatchings have been reported in the past five years, but keep in mind that includes all the cities in Hays County. The risk is low, but you don't want to tempt fate. Limit what you carry with you to the bare essentials, and don't leave personal items in vehicles.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes are the biggest risks here. Storm season kicks off in spring, with severe weather possible into late fall. Extreme heat and wildfires are also risks that can happen, but all weather issues come with plenty of advance notice. Treat it with a medium risk to stay on top of the weather forecast. With so many activities to do outside in Hays County, lightning on the horizon can bring everything to a halt.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Over the past five years, half of the robberies here happened in private homes. Just five were muggings, averaging one per year. The risk is low but never low enough to let your guard down.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

International terrorism isn't a big concern here. Homeland Security issues a Terrorism Advisory Bulletin every few months to get a general overview of concerns, including domestic terrorism and mass shootings.

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 here target residents or the elderly, preying on people's good nature. When you learn the common signs of scammers, you can enjoy a low risk.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The risk is low as well for women, with all generations having great places to explore in Wimberley. Solo travelers should never go swimming or diving alone and always let someone know where they are going and when they plan to return.

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 2022 Water Quality Report for Wimberley shows no violations and full compliance.

Safest Places to Visit in Wimberley

The tourism website for Wimberley is visitwimberleywx.org.

The group also has a Facebook and Instagram page (@visitwimberleytexas and @visitwimberley).

The city’s website also has a section for tourists.

The Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce also has a website.

Then there’s the wimberleyarts.org for the music-friendly community.

Wimberley Square is the heart of the city, with shops and restaurants lining the streets.

It’s a walkable area with plenty of things to do, including antique shops, outdoor seating by the creek and fine dining.

On any given night, you’ll hear live music coming from various entertainment corners.

The Wimberley Valley Museum is a free, family-friendly attraction nearby, where you can see artifacts from the city’s past and learn more about its history.

Check out the Wimberley Institute of Cultures website for the historical attractions nearby, including the region’s oldest stone house.

The Pioneer Ranch is located at the 7A Ranch, which is also a place you can stay, with cottages, lodges, and RV sites to consider.

Here, you’ll find some shops, an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and a swimming hole with limited access daily.

The charming outdoor theater known as EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens hosts a variety of performances, including Shakespeare plays and musicals, in a beautiful garden setting.

The surrounding gardens feature walking paths, art installations, and a whimsical butterfly garden, making it a delightful spot for a leisurely afternoon.

Blue Hole Regional Park is a beloved spot with a famous swimming hole among the trails and picnic areas.

The clear, spring-fed waters of Cypress Creek invite swimmers to cool off, while the surrounding parkland offers shaded trails and open spaces for relaxation.

Jacob’s Well is a popular spot for swimming and diving, with crystal-clear water revealing a mesmerizing underwater cave system.

Guided tours and educational programs are also available for those interested in learning about the area’s unique geology and ecology.

For panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country, climb the 218 stone steps to the top of Old Baldy.

The short, steep hike is rewarded with breathtaking vistas, especially during sunrise or sunset.

If you want a bird’s eye view of the region, head to Wimberley Zipline Adventures.

A mix of ziplining and hiking over the scenic Hill Country landscape offers 10 zip lines, each offering stunning views of canyons, creeks, and wildlife.

It’s an exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Wimberley is home to several excellent wineries and breweries.

Wimberley Valley Winery and Middleton Brewing offer tastings and tours, providing a relaxing way to enjoy the region’s craft beverages and scenic views.

For a scenic drive with a bit of an edge, take a ride on the Devil’s Backbone, a 51-mile loop between Wimberley, Blanco, and Canyon Lake.

Stop at the famous Devil’s Backbone dive bar and hear the haunted stories of the road, or just enjoy the scenic views.

Places to Avoid in Wimberley

You won’t have to worry about ending up in a bad part of town or dangerous neighborhoods but respect private property.

While people across the country don’t want trespassers, Texans especially don’t like people on their land without permission.

You might read a bunch of articles, like I did, about racism in Wimberley.

Without leaning in either direction about this topic, because there are examples of outright racism mixed with statements of equality and diversity, it is worth noting that this is a conservative rural area where people are set in their ways.

They will expect you to abide by the noise ordinance.

They will report speeding, littering, or poaching.

Just remember you’re visiting a very tight-knit area and should respect the amenities and rules.

If you’re looking for a more liberal place to visit, consider San Marcos or Austin.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Wimberley

So... How Safe Is Wimberley Really?

Normally, I wouldn’t want to let the crime data for an entire county speak for a small town, but in this case, it punctuates the point.

While the county is home to 270,000 people and Wimberley just 2,800, the overall violent crime rate is 82% below national and state averages.

Theft rates in Hays County are also 84% below the national average.

About 40% of all thefts over the past five years were related to car break-ins and car accessory thefts.

That risk is easily lowered by simply locking your car doors and bringing personal items with you.

Even trying to do a manual search for crimes that might concern a tourist was challenging, with mostly storm damage and town accolades filling the headlines.

Sure, there’s an occasional burglary and some violent incidents with sheriff’s deputies if you go back far enough, but crime isn’t really the top concern here.

As long as you understand the wilderness and weather safety, you should enjoy your peaceful retreat to Wimberley, Texas.

How Does Wimberley 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. Also, 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. You won't find currency exchange options in Wimberley. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

Like most other Hill Country locations, the weather is mild in winter but really heats up in summer. At the hottest time of year, temperatures average 95°F before you figure in the humidity and "feels like" temperatures. Pack clothing that can handle sweat and outdoor activities. You'll want hiking boots that have been worn already. Bug spray will be needed, too.

Airports

Austin Bergstrom International Airport is 40 minutes away, and San Antonio International Airport is about an hour in the other direction.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance goes into effect as soon as you purchase it. Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind.

Wimberley Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Texas - Safety by City