Is Ann Arbor or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ann Arbor is safer than Houston (Safety Score 40/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,019 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 63% lower. Ann Arbor has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ann Arbor has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 19.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Ann Arbor — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Ann Arbor, MI
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Ann Arbor | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,019.1 | 5,441.7 | -3,422.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 303.3 | 1,148.3 | -844.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.8 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 49.1 | 73.0 | -23.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 20.3 | 274.0 | -253.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 233.0 | 787.4 | -554.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,715.7 | 4,293.5 | -2,577.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 156.8 | 644.8 | -488.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,471.7 | 2,945.7 | -1,474.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 87.3 | 703.0 | -615.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ann Arbor or Houston safer?
Ann Arbor is safer with a total crime rate of 2,019 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Ann Arbor has a violent crime rate of 303.3 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Ann Arbor has lower violent crime.
About Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a city in southeastern Michigan known for its vibrant arts scene. Its population is approximately 123,000, with a significant portion being students and young professionals. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 118,025, Ann Arbor has a total crime rate of 2,019.1 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.