Is Houston or Manhattan Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Manhattan Beach is safer than Houston (Safety Score 25/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,683 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 51% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Manhattan Beach has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 70.9x 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
Manhattan Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Manhattan Beach, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Manhattan Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,683.1 | +2,758.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 149.7 | +998.5 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 3.1 | +10.7 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 15.3 | +57.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 48.9 | +225.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 82.5 | +704.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,533.3 | +1,760.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 409.5 | +235.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,894.6 | +1,051.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 229.2 | +473.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Manhattan Beach safer?
Manhattan Beach is safer with a total crime rate of 2,683 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Manhattan Beach has 149.7. Manhattan Beach 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 Manhattan Beach, CA
Manhattan Beach, a city in southwest Los Angeles County, is an affluent coastal community known for its pier, a popular surf spot since the early 1900s. It features a scenic Strand and boasts a median household income significantly above the county average. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 32,724, Manhattan Beach has a total crime rate of 2,683.1 per 100,000 residents.