Is Detroit or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Houston is safer than Detroit (Safety Score 3/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100,000 versus 6,087 for Detroit — 11% lower. Detroit has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Houston has a 56% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 3.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Detroit — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Detroit, MI
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Detroit | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 6,086.9 | 5,441.7 | +645.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,781.6 | 1,148.3 | +633.3 |
| Murder Rate | 31.2 | 13.8 | +17.4 |
| Rape Rate | 92.9 | 73.0 | +19.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 183.5 | 274.0 | -90.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 1,473.7 | 787.4 | +686.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,305.3 | 4,293.5 | +11.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 703.0 | 644.8 | +58.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,343.9 | 2,945.7 | -601.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,258.4 | 703.0 | +555.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit or Houston safer?
Houston is safer with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100K vs 6,087 for Detroit — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Detroit has a violent crime rate of 1,781.6 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Houston has lower violent crime.
About Detroit, MI
Detroit, once the "Motor City" and heart of the American auto industry, sits on the Detroit River, bordering Canada. This major Midwest city has a diverse population, with a significant African American heritage shaping its vibrant culture. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 651,171, Detroit has a total crime rate of 6,086.9 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.