Houston, TX Crime Rate 2024 – Latest Statistics

Houston, TX, is a historical city with rich cultural, culinary, and musical offerings. Furthermore, there is a wealth of professional opportunities, as well as housing and investment options in the city and surrounding area. Individuals interested in moving to Houston or conducting business there are likely wondering about the safety of the area. By having a close look at the Houston, TX crime rate, interested parties can better understand whether the city is a fit for them.

Understanding Houston’s Crime Rate 2024

Houston is the largest city in Texas and one of the largest cities in the United States. It has consistently been an eclectic urban sprawl featuring a diverse population. Unfortunately, like other large cities, Houston faces challenges such as petty and organized crime. To clearly understand crime in the city, it is important to break it down into various categories, such as property and violent crime.

Houston’s Murder Rate

According to recent data from 2022, Houston had a murder rate of 19 per 100,000 people, which is the highest in the state of Texas. The city in Texas with the second highest murder rate was Dallas, with a rate of 16.6 per 100,000. For context, the city with the highest murder rate in 2022 was New Orleans, Louisiana, with a murder rate of 73.5 per 100,000. This means that while Houston’s rates are high for the state, they are not leading when compared with the country.

Furthermore, murders in Houston and surrounding Harris County decreased by 20% from 2022 to 2023, with the number of murders reported in 2023 being 348. The decrease in the murder rate can potentially be explained by increased economic activity after the COVID-19 pandemic and law enforcement efforts to curb violent crime in the city.

Violent Crime and Property Crime in Houston

According to a 2024 study leveraging data from the FBI’s 2021-22 Uniform Crime Report and various local and federal sources, Houston is the most dangerous city in Texas, with 6,241 violent crimes reported in the year 2020. This crime reporting amounts to a violent crime rate of 2.67 per 1000 residents in the city. Violent crimes include crimes such as sex crimes and assault crimes.

In 2022, 95,926 incidents of property crimes were reported, yielding a rate of 10.7 per 1000 residents. Overall, Houston’s crime rates are the highest in Texas. Individuals living in Houston have a one in 78 chance of falling victim to a violent crime and a one in 23 chance of being a property crime victim. Overall, crime rates in Houston are high compared to the state of Texas and some parts of the country.

Factors Impacting Houston’s Crime Rate

It is important to note that the crime rate in the city varies by area and neighborhood, as well as time of the year. Areas featuring higher median household income, greater access to education, and higher rates of employment generally see lower crime rates.

According to the 2022 American Community Survey one-year estimates, the median household income was $60,426 in Houston. This falls well below the median household income in Texas, which was $72,284 in 2022. Furthermore, Houston has a poverty rate of 20.7%, high when compared to the state’s rate of 14%. The lower median household income and higher rates of poverty in the city could explain why crime rates in Houston tend to be higher compared to the rest of the state.

Houston, TX Crime Rate FAQs

Q: How Do I Know Where It Is Safe to Live in Houston?

A: Determining safe areas in Houston is crucial if you are considering moving to the area. You can speak with the local police precinct near any homes you are interested in. You can also research crime rates and reported crimes if that information is available. Satellite and street views can also help you determine the appearance of the neighborhood as a whole. Pooling every available resource can help you make an informed decision.

Q: What Are the Odds of Being a Victim of a Crime in Houston?

A: According to a recent 2024 study, the odds of falling victim to a violent crime in Houston are one in 78. In terms of odds of falling victim to a property crime, the chances are one in 23. It’s critical to note that the odds of being a victim of a crime depend on various factors, including the areas of the city you commonly live and work, the type of crime, and the time of the year. While crime rates are high, many residents live and work in safe areas that have a lower risk of crime.

Q: Is Houston an Unsafe Place to Live?

A: Whether or not Houston is a safe place to live is an objective question that depends on lived experience and opinions. While Houston is generally considered to be the most dangerous city to live in Texas, certain crime rates, such as the murder rate, are not alarmingly high when compared with the rest of the country. Certain areas of Houston are relatively safer to live than others.

Q: Does Houston Have a Crime Problem?

A: Similar to other big metropolitan areas, Houston faces challenges with handling crime. Both violent crimes and property crimes are high compared to the rest of the state and parts of the country at large. City authorities and citizens are taking active steps to address crime in the city, including increased crime prevention programs, presence of law enforcement, and efforts of policing on behalf of the community.

Secure Comprehensive Legal Representation Against Your Houston Criminal Charges

If you are facing criminal charges in Houston, such as sex crimes or assault charges, it is critical to work with experienced legal counsel who can protect your rights and interests. An experienced Houston criminal defense lawyer from Segura & Kiatta is eager to work closely with you to understand the details of your case.

Based on your case details and legal goals, we can craft and mount an optimal defense strategy. Contact us today to get started building up your defense.