Odessa Has 2X the Crime Rate of Midland. Here's the Real Reason Odessa's violent crime rate is roughly double Midland's. People say it's because Odessa is more dangerous. But crime correlates with poverty. Odessa has lower income, higher unemployment, fewer resources. Midland has higher incomes, better services, more investment. Money prevents crime. Poverty creates it. The question isn't why Odessa is more dangerous. It's why Odessa has more poverty. Comment if you feel safe in your city. Texas