Is Houston or Iowa City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Iowa City is safer than Houston (Safety Score 40/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 63% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Iowa City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 30.5x 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
Iowa City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Iowa City, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Iowa City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 1,995.2 | +3,446.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 321.3 | +826.9 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 54.0 | +19.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 50.0 | +224.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 217.3 | +570.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 1,673.8 | +2,619.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 156.7 | +488.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,389.4 | +1,556.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 127.7 | +575.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Iowa City safer?
Iowa City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,995 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Iowa City has 321.3. Iowa City 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 Iowa City, IA
Iowa City, home to the University of Iowa and its renowned Writers' Workshop, sits along the Iowa River. This vibrant Midwestern city in Johnson County boasts a diverse population, including a significant student presence. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 75,934, Iowa City has a total crime rate of 1,995.2 per 100,000 residents.