| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Houston/100k people | Missouri/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 115 | n/a (estimate) | 5,178 | 2,403 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 7.8 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 5 | n/a | 225.1 | 45.2 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 51.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 8 | n/a | 360.2 | 357.5 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 13 | n/a (estimate) | 585 | 462 | 359 |
| Burglary | 8 | n/a | 360.2 | 236.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 91 | n/a | 4,097.3 | 1,306.5 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 3 | n/a | 135.1 | 398.4 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 102 | n/a (estimate) | 4,593 | 1,941 | 1,760 |
Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Houston is 144.3% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Houston, there were 13 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 585 per 100,000 individuals, 63% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 102 property crimes, amounting to 4593 per 100,000 residents, 160.9% higher than the U.S. average.
With a crime rate of 5178 per 100,000 residents, Houston has a crime rate that is 144.33% higher than the national average. This results in one of the highest total crime rates in the entire country. This does not necessarily mean that the entire city is unsafe. As with any area, there are some pockets in Houston that are much safer than others. A little research will go a long way in determining which areas could potentially offer a safer living environment.
During the most recently reported crime year, Houston experienced a total of 0 reported murders. This statistic paints it as a beacon of security when it comes to severe violent crimes. Such an achievement not only instills a profound sense of security for its residents but also sets a high standard for other communities striving to create similarly secure environments. It underscores the area as a place where safety is a top priority, enhancing its appeal as a desirable location to live and thrive.
Houston faces some of the nation's most elevated property crime rates, recording 4593 incidents per 100,000 people. This places the city among the worst 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime. Regrettably, the likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Houston stands at 1 in 22, significantly surpassing the national average. These statistics underscore the imperative need for bolstered community safety measures to mitigate property crimes and enhance the well-being of its residents.
AreaVibes surveyed 5 local residents in Houston to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 80% of people answered that there was very little crime in Houston and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 20% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Houston is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Houston has a total crime rate that is 144% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.32 daily crimes (0.04 violent daily crimes and 0.28 daily property crimes) in Houston.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Houston crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Houston has decreased by 0.9% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 18.2% and property crime has decreased by 2.9%.
The economic prosperity of a city's inhabitants exerts substantial influence on crime stats. Elevated poverty rates and income inequality can precipitate heightened criminal activity, as individuals may turn to illicit means to fulfill their fundamental requirements. While lower poverty rates could lead to lower Houston crime rates. In Houston, the poverty rate stands at 26.4%, diverging from the national average of 15.1%.
Rising cost of living expenses, including increased housing costs, grocery, utility and healthcare expenditures, can induce financial strain on individuals and families, particularly those with limited financial resources. Such economic stress may propel individuals towards crime, including theft or burglary, as a means of addressing their financial hardships. Conversely, cities characterized by a lower cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, potentially resulting in a reduced crime rate. In Houston, the cost of living is 19.28% lower than the national average, reflecting a more affordable economic environment that could contribute to a decrease in crime levels.
Law enforcement and community policing efforts can play a pivotal role in shaping crime rates. Establishing a robust and cooperative partnership between the police and the community can act as a deterrent to criminal behavior and enhance overall safety. In Houston, the ratio of police officers and civilians per 1,000 residents differs from the national average, with 2.89 officers and civilians per 1,000 residents compared to 3.25 nationally. Effective law enforcement often hinges on community policing strategies that prioritize the cultivation of trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community. It's not solely about the quantity of officers but also the quality of their engagement with the community.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Item | Houston | Missouri | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 6 | 12,115 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.9 | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Missouri /100K | National /100K |
| Missouri | 19,657 | 344 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Cabool, MO | 2,676 | 244 | 0 | 244 |
| Licking, MO | 2,704 | 266 | 1,119 | 1,385 |
| Plato, MO | 59 | 528 | 2,217 | 2,745 |
| Raymondville, MO | 648 | 696 | 2,923 | 3,619 |
| Houston, MO | 3,003 | 585 | 4,593 | 5,178 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Shenandoah, VA | 3,003 | 121 | 242 | 363 |
| Spring Lake, NJ | 3,003 | 36 | 1,131 | 1,168 |
| Seymour, TX | 3,003 | 272 | 155 | 428 |
| McQueeney, TX | 3,003 | 125 | 655 | 780 |
| La Fayette, AL | 3,002 | 191 | 1,034 | 1,226 |
| Houston, MO | 3,003 | 585 | 4,593 | 5,178 |
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