Is Houston or Key West Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Key West is safer than Houston (Safety Score 26/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,612 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 52% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Key West has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 93.9x 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
Key West — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Key West, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Key West | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,611.7 | +2,830.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 352.3 | +796.0 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 52.6 | +20.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 32.4 | +241.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 267.2 | +520.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,259.4 | +2,034.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 214.6 | +430.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,988.1 | +957.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 56.7 | +646.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Key West safer?
Key West is safer with a total crime rate of 2,612 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Key West has 352.3. Key West 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 Key West, FL
Key West, a remote island city, is the southernmost point in the continental U.S. and home to Ernest Hemingway's former residence. Its transient population often includes a mix of tourists and long-term residents. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 24,697, Key West has a total crime rate of 2,611.7 per 100,000 residents.