Houston, TX Crime Rates

An Overview of Crime Rates in Houston, TX

The Houston crime rates are 146.2% higher than the national average. There are two main categories of crime - violent crime and property crime. Violent crime consists of murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. There were a total of 25987 violent crimes in Houston (1142 per 100,000 people), which is 208.7% higher than the national average and there were a total of 104304 property crimes (4582 per 100,000 residents) which is 134.4% higher than average.

Having a crime rate of 5723 per 100,000 residents, Houston experiences a crime rate that is 146.24% higher when compared to the national average, leading to one of the highest overall crime rates in the nation. It's important to clarify that this doesn't imply the entire city is unsafe. Like any area, Houston contains neighborhoods with varying safety levels and you can find areas that are notably safer than others, emphasizing the need for targeted crime prevention efforts and community engagement initiatives.

Houston has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous cities in the United States, given its alarming violent crime rate of 1142 crimes per 100,000 people. In fact, Houston falls within the lowest 10% among cities reporting violent crimes last year, resulting in a concerning 1 in 88 likelihood of experiencing a violent crime. It's important to note that safety levels may vary across different areas within the city, and this statistic doesn't necessarily reflect the entire city's situation regarding violent crime.

Although murder rates are essentially half of what they used to be 30+ years ago, some cities still struggle with higher rates than others. Houston is one of those cities. In the last reported crime year, there were a total of 433 murders in Houston, which equates to 19 murders per 100,000 people. This results in Houston being a very dangerous place to live.

Houston has some of the highest property crime rates in the country with 4582 crimes per 100,000 people - this ranks in the bottom 10% of all American cities that reported crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Houston is 1 in 22, which is far higher than the national average.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Houston faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 17344 vehicle thefts, translating to 762 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Houston in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 132.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Houston?

What do the local residents think about crime in Houston? Well, based on a recent survey of 428 people (conducted by AreaVibes), 36% of Houston residents said that there was virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night. Another 64% of respondents said that there was too much crime in the area and they did not feel safe walking alone at night.

Is Houston a Safe Place to Live?

To get a feel for the safety of living in Houston, it's essential to analyze both the overall crime rate and the daily incident count. Houston presents a total crime rate that is 146% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. Consequently, Houston experiences an average of 356.96 daily crimes, comprising 71.2 violent incidents and 285.76 property-related offenses. This evaluation offers a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape, aiding individuals in making informed decisions when considering relocation.

Has Crime in Houston Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime rates in Houston has increased by 4.8% in the last reported crime report. Comparing crime rates from one year to another offers some insight into whether or not Houston is becoming a safer or more dangerous place to live. Crime rates are categorized by violent and property crime. Year-over-year violent crime has decreased by 8.3%, while property crime has increased by 8.6%. This analysis equips individuals with crucial information for making informed decisions about living in Houston.

Houston Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Houston area comprises a diverse array of over 26 distinct neighborhoods, each exhibiting a unique crime rate influenced by location and various socioeconomic factors. Generally, neighborhoods situated in proximity to the city center, characterized by higher population density, often report elevated crime rates. Conversely, the outlying neighborhoods, marked by lower population density and reduced unemployment and poverty rates, tend to experience lower crime incidence. Some neighborhoods with lower crime rates include: West University, Greater Memorial and Far Northeast which foster a strong sense of safety. Conversely, neighborhoods such as Far North, Northeast and North exhibit crime rates above the average, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive research when evaluating different Houston neighborhoods, given their considerable variation in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Houston

Houston has a poverty rate of 19.6, while the national average is 15.1. In the past, there has been a direct correlation between high or low poverty rates and high or low crime stats. Elevated poverty levels and income disparities can contribute to heightened criminal activity, as individuals may resort to unlawful means to address their fundamental necessities. While lower poverty levels have led to a reduction in typical crime levels compared to other areas.

In Houston, the cost of living is 8.29% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.

The quality of housing and neighborhood conditions can influence crime rates. Neglected or run-down neighborhoods with poorly maintained properties may be more susceptible to criminal activities. In areas with housing affordability challenges, crime can emerge as a prominent issue. Certain individuals and families may find themselves residing in cramped or inadequate housing settings, amplifying stress levels and potentially fostering domestic conflicts and associated criminal incidents. It's worth noting that the median home price in Houston stands at $186,800, a contrast to the national average of $184,700.

Houston crime map