Is Ames or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ames is safer than Houston (Safety Score 51/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,654 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 70% lower. Ames has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ames has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 35.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ames — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ames, IA
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ames | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,653.8 | 5,441.7 | -3,787.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 148.3 | 1,148.3 | -1,000.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.8 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 70.3 | 73.0 | -2.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 7.6 | 274.0 | -266.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 70.3 | 787.4 | -717.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,505.5 | 4,293.5 | -2,787.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 172.7 | 644.8 | -472.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,244.2 | 2,945.7 | -1,701.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 88.7 | 703.0 | -614.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ames or Houston safer?
Ames is safer with a total crime rate of 1,654 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ames has a violent crime rate of 148.3 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Ames has lower violent crime.
About Ames, IA
Ames, Iowa, home to Iowa State University, is a city in Story County. This community in central Iowa has a significant student population, contributing to its vibrant academic atmosphere. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 65,426, Ames has a total crime rate of 1,653.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Houston, TX
Houston, the "Space City," is a sprawling metropolis in Southeast Texas, home to NASA's Johnson Space Center. Its diverse population makes it one of the most multicultural cities in the U.S., with significant Hispanic and Asian communities. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 2,319,160, Houston has a total crime rate of 5,441.7 per 100,000 residents.