Is Atwater or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Atwater is safer than Houston (Safety Score 21/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,904 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 47% lower. Atwater has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Atwater has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 72.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Atwater — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Atwater, CA
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Atwater | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,904.1 | 5,441.7 | -2,537.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 710.4 | 1,148.3 | -437.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.2 | 13.8 | -7.6 |
| Rape Rate | 56.1 | 73.0 | -16.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 56.1 | 274.0 | -217.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 592.0 | 787.4 | -195.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,193.6 | 4,293.5 | -2,099.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 271.1 | 644.8 | -373.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,748.0 | 2,945.7 | -1,197.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 174.5 | 703.0 | -528.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atwater or Houston safer?
Atwater is safer with a total crime rate of 2,904 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Atwater has a violent crime rate of 710.4 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Atwater has lower violent crime.
About Atwater, CA
Atwater, in Merced County, is a Central Valley city with roots in agriculture and the former Castle Air Force Base. Its diverse population reflects a blend of rural and suburban influences. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 32,093, Atwater has a total crime rate of 2,904.1 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.