Is Chesapeake or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chesapeake is safer than Houston (Safety Score 38/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 62% lower. Chesapeake has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Chesapeake has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 9.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chesapeake — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chesapeake, VA
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chesapeake | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,083.6 | 5,441.7 | -3,358.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.4 | 1,148.3 | -808.9 |
| Murder Rate | 4.7 | 13.8 | -9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 23.3 | 73.0 | -49.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 44.7 | 274.0 | -229.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 266.7 | 787.4 | -520.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.2 | 4,293.5 | -2,549.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 185.0 | 644.8 | -459.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,446.5 | 2,945.7 | -1,499.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 112.7 | 703.0 | -590.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chesapeake or Houston safer?
Chesapeake is safer with a total crime rate of 2,084 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chesapeake has a violent crime rate of 339.4 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Chesapeake has lower violent crime.
About Chesapeake, VA
Chesapeake, a sprawling South Hampton Roads city, incorporates rural and suburban areas. Its numerous waterways, like the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, are integral to its geography. The city was formed in 1963 through a merger of Norfolk County and South Norfolk. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 257,248, Chesapeake has a total crime rate of 2,083.6 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.