Is Brainerd or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Brainerd is safer than Houston (Safety Score 35/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,210 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 59% lower. Brainerd has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Brainerd has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 158.7x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Brainerd — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Brainerd, MN
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Brainerd | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,210.1 | 5,441.7 | -3,231.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 431.1 | 1,148.3 | -717.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.8 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 68.4 | 73.0 | -4.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 41.1 | 274.0 | -233.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 321.6 | 787.4 | -465.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,779.0 | 4,293.5 | -2,514.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 184.7 | 644.8 | -460.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,546.4 | 2,945.7 | -1,399.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 47.9 | 703.0 | -655.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brainerd or Houston safer?
Brainerd is safer with a total crime rate of 2,210 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Brainerd has a violent crime rate of 431.1 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Brainerd has lower violent crime.
About Brainerd, MN
Brainerd, a city in Crow Wing County, is known for its Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues. Situated in north-central Minnesota, it's a regional hub for the Brainerd Lakes Area, attracting seasonal visitors. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 14,615, Brainerd has a total crime rate of 2,210.1 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.