If you live in Houston, TX, youāve likely wondered how safe the city truly is. With millions of residents and a fast-growing metropolitan area, Houston experiences significant variation in crime from one neighborhood to another. Understanding the real numbersĀ rather than relying on headlinesĀ is essential for anyone living in, moving to or visiting the city.
Is Houston safe? In this guide, we break down theĀ Houston crime rate statisticsĀ of 2024 and compare Houstonās standing with other major U.S. cities. Youāll also discover which neighborhoods rank as the safest, which areas require extra caution and practical tips for staying safe while living in or exploring Houston. Dive in now!
What Is the Latest Houston Crime Rate?
Is Houston, Texas, safe?
Houstonās 2024 crime data reveals one of the highest crime totals among major U.S. cities. With 2,319,160 residents, Houston recorded 26,628 violent crimes and 99,572 property crimes in 2024. These figures place the city far above national averages and illustrate the scale of crime that affects daily life across the metro area. While crime does not impact all neighborhoods equally, the overall volume underscores substantial challenges in public safety heading into the new years.
On a per-capita basis, the picture becomes even clearer. Houstonās violent crime rate is approximately 1,148 incidents per 100,000 residents, more than double the national average and among the highest for a U.S. city of its size. The violent crime category is driven largely by 18,260 aggravated assaults, followed by 6,355 robberies, 1,693 rapes, and 320 murders. This imbalance, where aggravated assault dominates the violent crime profile, suggests persistent issues with interpersonal violence rather than primarily homicide-driven danger.
Property crime continues to be Houstonās most dominant problem. With a property crime rate of roughly 4,294 incidents per 100,000 residents, Houston sits well above the national average, fueled mainly by 68,315 larceny-theft cases and 16,304 motor-vehicle thefts. High rates of stolen vehicles, break-ins and theft-related offenses shape much of the cityās day-to-day crime experience.
How Does Houstonās Crime Rate Compare to Other U.S. Cities?
When comparing Houston to other major U.S. cities of similar size in the datasetāChicago, Las Vegas, and Phoenixāthe numbers show that Houston experiences notably higher crime levels across nearly every category.
Chicago is the closest comparison in both population and urban structure. Despite its national reputation for violence, Chicago reported 14,245 violent crimesāfar fewer than Houston. Its violent crime rate sits at 539 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is less than half of Houstonās 1,148 per 100,000. Property crime shows the same pattern: Chicago logged 91,626 property crimes, still below Houstonās 99,572, even with a slightly larger population.
Las Vegas, another major Sun Belt city, reported 7,378 violent crimes and 45,021 property crimes, yielding a violent crime rate of 430 per 100,000 and a property crime rate far lower than Houstonās. Even though Las Vegas is known for heavy tourism and nightlife activity, its per-capita crime burden remains significantly lighter than Houstonās.
Phoenix also trails well behind Houston. With 13,296 violent crimes and 38,666 property crimes, its per-capita ratesāabout 799 violent crimes per 100,000āremain substantially below Houstonās levels. This reinforces that even large, fast-growing cities with similar demographic and economic profiles tend to experience less crime per resident.
In fact, if we zoom out across the entire United States, Houstonās violent crime rate is higher than about 98% of cities in the 2024 dataset, and its property crime rate is higher than roughly 96% of them. That combination places Houston in the top few percent of the most crime-affected cities nationwide.
Which Houston Neighborhoods Are the Safest &Ā Which to Watch?
While itās tempting to answer ānoā to the question āIs Houston a safe city?ā, it must not be overlooked that Houston is a vast, diverse city where safety levels can vary significantly from one neighborhood to the next.
Several communities consistently stand out for their low crime rates and strong sense of stability. Areas such as Kingwood, West University Place, Sugar Land and Friendswood are often ranked among the safest in the metro region. These neighborhoods benefit from well-maintained residential zones, active community associations, strong schools and steady policing.
However, some areas of Houston require more caution. Neighborhoods including Sunnyside, MacGregor, South Park and certain sections of Meyerland are frequently noted for higher crime activity, especially involving theft, vehicle break-ins and assaults. Many of these communities face long-term challenges such as aging infrastructure, economic disparities and denser housing patterns, all of which can increase the likelihood of criminal activity.
Is downtown Houston safe? Downtown Houston sits in the middle when it comes to safety. Itās generally safe during the daytime, especially around business centers, major attractions and well-patrolled areas. At night, however, the risk of theft, vehicle break-ins and occasional violent incidents rises, particularly near bars, transit hubs and quieter streets.
How to Live or Visit Safely in Houston
Given Houstonās elevated crime rate, taking a few practical precautions can make daily lifeĀ or even a short visitĀ much safer and more predictable. The following tips help you protect your home, belongings and personal safety while navigating one of the largest and busiest cities in Texas.
Safety Tips for Residents
- Use security cameras
Install outdoor security camerasĀ to monitor driveways, entry points and side yards. A system with 24/7 recording and AI detection can deter theft, identify suspicious activity and provide evidence when needed.
For a strong recommendation, the eufyCam S4Ā is an excellent choice. It offers 4K PTZ capability and built-in solar charging for continuous power. When paired with the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max, you gain extended storage, smart search features and a more seamless, enhanced security experience.Ā
- Add a video doorbell
A smart video doorbellĀ helps you screen visitors, track package deliveries and receive instant alertsāeven when you're not home.
The eufy Video Doorbell E340Ā is a great example, offering crisp 2K clarity, rapid motion notifications and reliable two-way audio. You can see whoās at the door, speak to them instantly and deter potential intruders with ease.
- Reinforce home entry points
Upgrade door locks, install window sensors and use motion-activated lights to discourage break-ins.
- Secure your vehicle
Auto theft and break-ins are common in Houston. Lock doors, remove valuables, use a steering-wheel lock and park in well-lit or monitored areas.
- Improve indoor monitoring
Placing an indoor camera like the eufy Indoor Cam S350Ā near main hallways or common areas can help ensure full-home coverage, especially if you travel frequently.
- Stay aware at night
Avoid isolated streets, stick to well-lit routes and inform someone of your whereabouts when returning home late.
Safety Tips for Visitors
- Stay alert in busy districts:Downtown, Midtown, Montrose and tourist corridors can see higher theftākeep bags closed and phones secured.
- Choose accommodation wisely:Opt for safer, well-reviewed areas such as the Galleria/Uptown, West University, Memorial or Energy Corridor.
- Be cautious on public transit:Keep belongings close, avoid showing valuables and remain aware of your surroundings.
- Protect rental vehicles:Store items in the trunk before arriving at your destination. Never leave laptops, bags or chargers visible.
- Use well-lit routes at night: Whether heading back to your hotel or exploring nightlife, stick to busy streets rather than quiet side roads.
Conclusion
The Houston crime rate landscapeĀ remains higher than the national average, with notable challenges in both violent and property offenses. Understanding the latest dataĀ and how Houston compares to cities of similar sizeĀ gives youĀ a clearer picture of where caution is most needed and which neighborhoods offer more stability.Ā
Meanwhile, by taking practical measures such as investing in reliable security systems, using video doorbells, staying aware of your surroundings, etc, you can significantly reduce risk and move through Houston with greater confidence and protection.
FAQs
Is Houston, Texas a safe city to live in?
Houston can be safe depending on the neighborhood, but it has higher-than-average violent and property crime rates compared to many major U.S. cities. Residents often rely on security systems (such as the eufy ExpertSecure System), awareness and choosing safer communities to maintain a comfortable level of safety.
Is Houston's crime rate increasing?
Houstonās crime rate has shifted rather than steadily risen. Violent crime has generally trended downward recently, while several property-crime categories have increased. Early 2025 data shows declines in homicides and robberies but slight rises in aggravated assaults and sexualĀ assault cases.
Does Houston or Chicago have a higher crime rate?
Houston reports a higher overall crime rate than Chicago in recent datasets. While both cities struggle with violent and property crime, Houston records a greater volume per capita, especially in aggravated assaults, theft and motor-vehicle crime, placing it above Chicago in total crime exposure.
