Is Houston or Las Vegas Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Las Vegas is safer than Houston (Safety Score 37/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 61% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Las Vegas has a 86% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 181.0x 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 Vegas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Las Vegas, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Las Vegas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,122.4 | +3,319.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 655.4 | +492.8 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 7.8 | +6.0 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 23.4 | +49.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 39.0 | +235.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 585.2 | +202.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 1,466.9 | +2,826.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 249.7 | +395.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,108.0 | +1,837.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 109.2 | +593.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Las Vegas safer?
Las Vegas is safer with a total crime rate of 2,122 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Las Vegas has 655.4. Las Vegas 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 Vegas, NM
Las Vegas, NM, a city with a rich Wild West past and over 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, sits at 6,431 feet in elevation. Its diverse population reflects a blend of Hispanic and Anglo cultures. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 12,816, Las Vegas has a total crime rate of 2,122.4 per 100,000 residents.