Houston, TX Crime Rate and Statistics [2024 Updated]

According to statistics from the FBI and Security.org, Houston, Texas, remains the fourth most dangerous city in the United States when it comes to violent crimes, with 25,609 violent crimes reported since 2017. The Houston, TX, crime rate tends to hover fairly high, as it does with most major U.S. cities, especially since the pandemic. A knowledgeable Houston criminal lawyer could help you figure out what to do with this information.

Is Houston’s Crime Rate Really Dropping?

According to several sources within the Houston jurisdiction, the crime rate appears to be steadily dropping since the COVID-19 pandemic crime boost that most major cities around the world felt. During the summer of 2023, Houston’s police chief held a press conference to announce the violent crime rate in Houston had dropped by 12%. In the same speech, he said the overall crime rate had dropped by 6%. These are small numbers, but they are still significant in such a densely populated city.

Houston’s crime rate has only risen in two specific categories:

• Property Crimes/Auto Thefts – Increase by 14%
• Burglaries – Increase by 2%

In other areas, the Houston crime rate has begun to show steady and sure improvement:

• Homicide – Decrease by 27%
• Human Trafficking – Decrease by 23%
• Kidnapping – Decrease by 19%
• Aggravated Assault – Decrease by 12%
• Robbery – Decrease by 10%
• Theft – Decrease by 10%
• Rape – Decrease by 6%
• Non-Violent Crime – Decrease by 5%

This gradual but definite decrease in violent crime in Houston is often largely attributed to the actions of then Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who started the One Safe Houston initiative in an effort to greatly reduce the violent crime rate in the city. Houstonians see crime as one of the most, if not the most, significant issues on the voting ballot, and they saw fit to elect a new mayor in November 2023 despite Mayor Turner’s effect on crime.

The Murder Rate

When last reported in 2023, Houston’s murder rate was 19 murders per 100,000 people. Houston has a population of 2.3 million people. In 2023, there were 348 murders total within the city limits, which is a substantial 20% decrease from 2022, which saw 434 murders reported in Houston.

As of January 2024, there were 18 murders committed in the Houston area. In that same amount of time, in January 2023, there were 17 murders. In January 2022, there were 23 murders.

In January 2024, in a poll conducted by PropertyClub, Houston was voted the most dangerous city to live in Texas, with San Antonio coming in second and Lubbock coming in third. The city’s violent crime rate is 2.67 per 1,000 people. The chances of being involved in a violent crime in Houston is roughly 1 in 78.

The city’s violent crime rate may be dropping, but the numbers are still high enough to be of concern. Take precautions when walking alone, try not to go out at night, and be aware of your surroundings.

FAQs

Q: Is Houston or Dallas safer?

A: Dallas is likely the safer city than Houston. Houston experiences a higher volume of violent crime incidents than Dallas does. The violent crime in both cities exceeds the national average, but Houston’s is still higher. Every major city has elements of crime to contend with. Some cities’ crime rates are higher than others, but that does not automatically mean you will be a victim of violent crime if you visit Houston or Dallas.

Q: What Is the Safest Big City in Texas?

A: As of March 2024, the safest big city to live in in Texas is Allen, a major suburb just north of Dallas. It has an estimated population of around 100,000 people and a crime rate 47% lower than the national average. The estimated crime rate is 10 per 1,000 people, which means your chances of being involved in a crime in Allen are 1 in 99. Allen is a growing town with a solid reputation.

Q: Is Houston a Safe City to Live In?

A: Statistically speaking, Houston is not one of the safer cities to live in when you rank it among every major city in the United States. However, its high crime rates are largely relegated to specific neighborhoods. If you go out of your way to avoid those neighborhoods with high crime rates, there is no reason why you should not be safe. If you plan to visit Houston and walk around at night, do not go alone. Stay in well-lit areas, and stay vigilant.

Q: Is Downtown Houston Safe at Night?

A: Downtown Houston is generally considered to be safe at night, so long as you stay within the city center and don’t go venturing into neighborhoods with bad reputations. Downtown Houston has many clubs, bars, and restaurants that you can frequent in the evening hours. It is not a city just defined by its unfortunately high violent crime rate. Still, you may want to have a plan in place if you get separated or find yourself in a dark alleyway.

A Houston Criminal Lawyer Can Help You

Houston, Texas, has garnered a bit of a rough reputation over the years. It has an unusually high violent crime rate when compared not just to other major cities in the United States but to other major cities in Texas as well. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began to slow down, so did violent crime in Houston. There have been substantial decreases in violent crimes since 2022, and the numbers are projected to continue to drop in 2024.

If you have been involved in a violent crime in the Houston area, reach out to The Law Office of Joseph Ruiz, PLLC, today. We are prepared to provide you with solid legal counsel who can create a quality defense tailored to your particular situation. Dealing with a criminal charge can be stressful and daunting, but you do not have to face it alone. We can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.