Is Houston or Las Cruces Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Houston is safer than Las Cruces (Safety Score 3/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100,000 versus 5,594 for Las Cruces — 3% lower. Houston has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Cruces has a 79% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 20.0x 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
Las Cruces — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Las Cruces, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Las Cruces | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 5,594.2 | -152.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 720.8 | +427.4 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 12.1 | +1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 57.8 | +15.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 57.8 | +216.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 592.4 | +195.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 4,873.4 | -579.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 737.2 | -92.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 3,442.9 | -497.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 693.2 | +9.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Las Cruces safer?
Houston is safer with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100K vs 5,594 for Las Cruces — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Las Cruces has 720.8. Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces, NM
Nestled in the Chihuahuan Desert, Las Cruces is New Mexico's second-largest city, known for its vibrant Hatch chile industry. Home to New Mexico State University, it boasts a diverse population and a rich history influenced by Spanish and Mexican cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 115,977, Las Cruces has a total crime rate of 5,594.2 per 100,000 residents.