Is Athens or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Athens is safer than Houston (Safety Score 7/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,288 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 21% lower. Athens has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Athens has a 83% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 155.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Athens — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Athens, TN
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Athens | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,287.9 | 5,441.7 | -1,153.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 622.1 | 1,148.3 | -526.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.7 | 13.8 | -7.1 |
| Rape Rate | 33.5 | 73.0 | -39.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 46.8 | 274.0 | -227.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 535.2 | 787.4 | -252.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,665.8 | 4,293.5 | -627.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 434.8 | 644.8 | -210.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,930.0 | 2,945.7 | -15.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 301.0 | 703.0 | -402.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens or Houston safer?
Athens is safer with a total crime rate of 4,288 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Athens has a violent crime rate of 622.1 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Athens has lower violent crime.
About Athens, TN
Athens, nestled in McMinn County, is home to Tennessee Wesleyan University, founded in 1857. This small city in East Tennessee sits amidst the Appalachian foothills, reflecting a blend of academic heritage and rural charm. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 14,949, Athens has a total crime rate of 4,287.9 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.