A study done by Famers Insurance Group ranked the McAllen-Mission-Edinburg area as the number 12 most ‘secure place’ in the nation.

For border cities that most people associate with high crime because of their proximity to the border, this ranking might change that misconception.

"Here are three areas, two that are border areas in Texas that made this list,” said McAllen police Chief Victor Rodriguez.,  “So I think it speaks well of McAllen, Mission and Edinburg--it speaks well of all three cities and we're proud to be part of that."

Mission police chief, Leo Longoria told Action 4 news that relationship is what helps them keep the area secure and families protected.

"For this particular area, the McAllen, Mission and Edinburg area, one of the strongest characteristics we have is we have a very strong working relationship,” said Longoria. “We have a plan in place between all three communities that mirror each other so there is no redundancy in our crime efforts...as far as reducing the crime."

Mission Mayor, Norberto Salinas, said because all three cities continue to crack down on crime they are able to bring in more people-- allowing the area to grow and strengthen the economy.
 
"We've had an increase in people buying homes and investing in businesses here in Mission," said Salinas. 

Other Texas cities that made the list:

El Paso came in at number 8
Midland came in at number 11 as on of the most secure towns under 150,000 people.