Is Harrisonburg or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Harrisonburg is safer than Houston (Safety Score 41/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,960 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 64% lower. Harrisonburg has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Harrisonburg has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 45.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Harrisonburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Harrisonburg, VA
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Harrisonburg | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,960.2 | 5,441.7 | -3,481.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 267.2 | 1,148.3 | -881.1 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.8 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 56.6 | 73.0 | -16.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 21.5 | 274.0 | -252.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 189.2 | 787.4 | -598.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,693.0 | 4,293.5 | -2,600.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 134.6 | 644.8 | -510.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,472.6 | 2,945.7 | -1,473.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 85.8 | 703.0 | -617.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisonburg or Houston safer?
Harrisonburg is safer with a total crime rate of 1,960 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Harrisonburg has a violent crime rate of 267.2 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Harrisonburg has lower violent crime.
About Harrisonburg, VA
Nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is home to James Madison University and a vibrant downtown. It boasts a diverse population, with a significant Hispanic community contributing to its unique character. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 51,270, Harrisonburg has a total crime rate of 1,960.2 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.