Is Houston or Huntington Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Huntington Beach is safer than Houston (Safety Score 35/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 60% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Huntington Beach has a 82% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 12.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Huntington Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Huntington Beach, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Huntington Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,196.4 | +3,245.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 207.3 | +941.0 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 2.6 | +11.2 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 34.7 | +38.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 51.0 | +223.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 118.9 | +668.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 1,989.2 | +2,304.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 201.0 | +443.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,644.0 | +1,301.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 144.2 | +558.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Huntington Beach safer?
Huntington Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Huntington Beach has 207.3. Huntington Beach has lower violent crime.
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.
About Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Beach, "Surf City, USA," stretches along the Pacific, a vibrant Orange County city with a significant tourist draw. Its lengthy pier and consistent waves attract a youthful, active population. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 190,081, Huntington Beach has a total crime rate of 2,196.4 per 100,000 residents.