Is Evanston or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Evanston is safer than Houston (Safety Score 21/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,884 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 47% lower. Evanston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Evanston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 31.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Evanston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Evanston, IL
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Evanston | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,883.6 | 5,441.7 | -2,558.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 141.6 | 1,148.3 | -1,006.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.8 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 31.0 | 73.0 | -42.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 55.3 | 274.0 | -218.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 55.3 | 787.4 | -732.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,742.1 | 4,293.5 | -1,551.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 451.6 | 644.8 | -193.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,054.5 | 2,945.7 | -891.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 235.9 | 703.0 | -467.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evanston or Houston safer?
Evanston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,884 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Evanston has a violent crime rate of 141.6 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Evanston has lower violent crime.
About Evanston, IL
Evanston, a Chicago suburb on Lake Michigan, is home to Northwestern University, a prestigious private institution. Its diverse population reflects a mix of students, families, and long-time residents. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 74,178, Evanston has a total crime rate of 2,883.6 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.