Is Chicago Heights or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chicago Heights is safer than Houston (Safety Score 9/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,965 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 27% lower. Chicago Heights has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Chicago Heights has a 36% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 89.9x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chicago Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago Heights, IL
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago Heights | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,964.8 | 5,441.7 | -1,476.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,232.5 | 1,148.3 | +84.2 |
| Murder Rate | 19.4 | 13.8 | +5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 46.5 | 73.0 | -26.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 263.6 | 274.0 | -10.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 903.0 | 787.4 | +115.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,732.4 | 4,293.5 | -1,561.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 674.4 | 644.8 | +29.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,465.0 | 2,945.7 | -1,480.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 593.0 | 703.0 | -110.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago Heights or Houston safer?
Chicago Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 3,965 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago Heights has a violent crime rate of 1,232.5 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Houston has lower violent crime.
About Chicago Heights, IL
Chicago Heights, once home to the Illinois Steel Company, is a diverse southern suburb of Chicago. Its population is predominantly Black and Hispanic, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures. With a safety score of 9/100 and a population coverage of 25,802, Chicago Heights has a total crime rate of 3,964.8 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.