Is El Paso or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Paso is safer than Houston (Safety Score 47/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 67% lower. El Paso has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where El Paso has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 3.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
El Paso — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
El Paso, TX
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | El Paso | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,773.0 | 5,441.7 | -3,668.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 279.0 | 1,148.3 | -869.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.0 | 13.8 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 0.6 | 73.0 | -72.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.1 | 274.0 | -236.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 237.8 | 787.4 | -549.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,494.0 | 4,293.5 | -2,799.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 140.2 | 644.8 | -504.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,072.4 | 2,945.7 | -1,873.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 281.4 | 703.0 | -421.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Paso or Houston safer?
El Paso is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 67% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
El Paso has a violent crime rate of 279.0 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. El Paso has lower violent crime.
About El Paso, TX
Nestled at the base of the Franklin Mountains, El Paso is a large border city with a rich Tejano heritage. Its unique position makes it the largest binational metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere, boasting a vibrant blend of American and Mexican cultures. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 678,860, El Paso has a total crime rate of 1,773.0 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.