Is Chicago or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Chicago is safer than Houston (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 26% lower. Chicago has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Chicago has a 53% lower rate.
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chicago | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.2 | 5,441.7 | -1,429.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 539.9 | 1,148.3 | -608.4 |
| Murder Rate | 17.5 | 13.8 | +3.7 |
| Rape Rate | 58.8 | 73.0 | -14.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 335.3 | 274.0 | +61.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 128.3 | 787.4 | -659.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,472.4 | 4,293.5 | -821.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 294.8 | 644.8 | -350.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,318.8 | 2,945.7 | -626.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 858.9 | 703.0 | +155.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Houston safer?
Chicago is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chicago has a violent crime rate of 539.9 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Chicago has lower violent crime.
About Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 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.