Is Houston or Lake Forest Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake Forest is safer than Houston (Safety Score 87/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 646 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 88% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lake Forest has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 119.8x 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
Lake Forest — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Lake Forest, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Lake Forest | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 645.8 | +4,796.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 20.7 | +1,127.6 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 5.2 | +67.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 0.0 | +274.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 15.5 | +771.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 625.1 | +3,668.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 206.6 | +438.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 361.6 | +2,584.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 56.8 | +646.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Lake Forest safer?
Lake Forest is safer with a total crime rate of 646 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 88% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Lake Forest has 20.7. Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest, IL
Nestled on Chicago's North Shore, Lake Forest is an affluent suburban community home to esteemed institutions like Lake Forest College. Its tree-lined streets and historic mansions, many dating back to the late 19th century, reflect a long-standing commitment to preserving its architectural heritage. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 19,357, Lake Forest has a total crime rate of 645.8 per 100,000 residents.