Is Houston or Johnson City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Johnson City is safer than Houston (Safety Score 24/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,707 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 50% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Johnson City has a 88% 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.
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Johnson City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Johnson City, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Johnson City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,707.4 | +2,734.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 404.9 | +743.4 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 5.4 | +8.4 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 75.6 | -2.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 33.7 | +240.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 287.5 | +499.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,302.5 | +1,990.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 203.8 | +441.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,924.6 | +1,021.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 174.1 | +528.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Johnson City safer?
Johnson City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,707 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Johnson City has 404.9. Johnson 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 Johnson City, TN
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Johnson City is a regional hub with a vibrant downtown, home to East Tennessee State University. It's known for its role in the early country music scene. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 74,093, Johnson City has a total crime rate of 2,707.4 per 100,000 residents.