Is Houston or Los Altos Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Los Altos is safer than Houston (Safety Score 63/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 76% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Los Altos has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 78.5x 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
Los Altos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Los Altos, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Los Altos | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 1,289.3 | +4,152.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 77.8 | +1,070.4 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 10.2 | +62.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 16.9 | +257.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 50.8 | +736.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 1,211.5 | +3,082.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 253.8 | +391.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 903.5 | +2,042.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 54.1 | +648.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Los Altos safer?
Los Altos is safer with a total crime rate of 1,289 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 76% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Los Altos has 77.8. Los Altos 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 Los Altos, CA
Los Altos, California, a suburban community in Santa Clara County, was incorporated in 1956. Known for its affluent residential areas and a charming downtown, it's situated at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay Area. With a safety score of 63/100 and a population coverage of 29,551, Los Altos has a total crime rate of 1,289.3 per 100,000 residents.