It is a heavy topic, but if you live in the 210, you've probably noticed the headlines lately. Whether it is a local news alert about a highway wreck on I-35 or a report on the latest crime stats from Chief McManus, "deaths in San Antonio TX" is a phrase that carries a lot of weight for the community right now. People want to know if the city is getting safer, why the traffic seems more lethal than ever, and what the biggest health threats really are for families in Bexar County.
Honestly, the numbers for 2025 and 2026 tell a story that isn't just one thing. It's a mix. Some parts are actually improving quite a bit, while other trends are still pretty stubborn.
Deaths in San Antonio TX: The Reality of the Numbers
When we look at the raw data from the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Medical Examiner, the biggest headline is the drop in violent crime. It’s a real shift. After a massive spike during the pandemic years—peaking in 2022 with 231 homicides—the city has seen a consistent downward trend.
By the end of 2024, homicides had dropped to 127. That is a huge decrease from the 165 reported in 2023. As we moved through 2025, that momentum kept up, with Chief William McManus reporting a roughly 20% drop in the first half of the year alone. It’s weird to say "good news" when talking about loss of life, but the trend line is finally pointing in the right direction for public safety.
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But crime is only a small slice of the pie. If you look at the total number of deaths in San Antonio TX, the "silent killers" like heart disease and diabetes are still doing most of the damage. Bexar County has long struggled with higher-than-average rates of obesity and metabolic issues, which translates directly into the mortality tables.
Why the 78207 ZIP Code Still Struggles
You can't talk about San Antonio mortality without talking about geography. Data from recent years shows that the 78207 ZIP code on the West Side often records significantly more deaths—particularly homicides and preventable health complications—than other parts of the city.
In 2024, this single area saw almost double the homicides of the second-deadliest ZIP code. It is a stark reminder that where you live in the city often dictates your access to healthcare, fresh food, and safe streets.
The Roads: A Different Kind of Danger
While homicides are down, the situation on the asphalt is still kinda rough. San Antonio's Vision Zero program has been working to eliminate traffic fatalities, but 2025 was a tough year. By November of that year, the city had already surpassed 133 fatal crashes, resulting in 141 deaths.
- Pedestrians are at the highest risk. Over 50 people died just while walking across or along San Antonio streets in 2025.
- Nighttime is the danger zone. A huge chunk of these fatalities happen after dark, often involving high speeds or impairment.
- The "Big Three" Highways. I-35, Loop 410, and US 90 remain the most frequent sites for high-speed fatal accidents.
It’s a frustrating reality. Even as the city pours millions into sidewalk improvements and "street calming" projects, the sheer volume of cars and the speed of Texas driving keep the fatality rate higher than many would like to see.
The Fentanyl Factor in Bexar County
We also have to talk about the drug crisis. It hasn't skipped San Antonio. Texas health data shows that while the state has a lower overdose rate than places like West Virginia, the numbers are still tragic. In San Antonio, fentanyl-related deaths became a top priority for the Medical Examiner's office over the last two years.
Interestingly, the Hispanic population in San Antonio has historically shown a lower drug overdose mortality rate than other groups, but that gap has been closing rapidly. It’s no longer a "somewhere else" problem; it's a neighborhood problem.
What Leads to Most Deaths in San Antonio TX?
If we move away from the "external" causes like accidents and crime, the top causes of death in San Antonio look a lot like the rest of the country, just with a local flavor.
- Heart Disease: Still the number one killer. This is closely tied to the city's high rates of hypertension.
- Cancer: Particularly lung and colorectal cancers.
- Unintentional Injuries: This category includes those car accidents we mentioned, but also falls among the elderly and accidental overdoses.
- Stroke: A major issue in the local aging population.
- Alzheimer’s Disease: As the population in Bexar County ages, this has climbed higher on the list of mortality causes.
How to Actually Lower the Risk
Looking at all this data can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are clear "actionable" takeaways if you want to protect yourself and your family.
First, the traffic stuff is largely preventable. The Vision Zero data is clear: being vigilant at night and avoiding the most dangerous highway interchanges during peak "bar hours" (1:00 AM to 3:00 AM) significantly lowers your risk of being involved in a fatal wreck.
On the health side, San Antonio's Metro Health department has been pushing "Screening over Silence." Because diabetes and heart disease are so prevalent here, getting a simple A1C check or blood pressure reading at a local clinic can literally add a decade to your life. The city offers dozens of free or low-cost clinics specifically because our mortality rates for these issues are so high.
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Lastly, pay attention to the community. Programs like the "Violent Crime Reduction Plan" have actually worked to bring the homicide rate down. Supporting local neighborhood associations and youth programs isn't just "feel-good" work—it’s statistically proven to reduce the "crimes against people" that make up the most tragic headlines.
Practical Steps for San Antonians
- Check the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Public Portal: If you are looking for specific records or annual reports, their office on Louis Pasteur Drive is the official source. They release a full breakdown every year that includes everything from "manner of death" to age demographics.
- Use the Vision Zero Map: The City of San Antonio maintains an interactive map showing where fatal crashes occur. Avoiding these "high-injury networks" or advocating for better lighting in those spots can save lives.
- Get Screened: Use the San Antonio Metro Health resources for free blood pressure and glucose testing. In a city where heart disease is the top killer, these tests are your best defense.
- Report Hazards: If you see a dangerous intersection or a lack of pedestrian crossings, use the 311 app. The city is currently using "death data" to decide where to spend infrastructure money, so your report carries weight.
The data on deaths in San Antonio TX tells us that we are a city in transition. We are getting better at stopping violence, but we are still struggling with the way we drive and the way we manage chronic illness. Staying informed is basically the first step in changing those trends for the better.