Is Houston or Marco Island Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Marco Island is safer than Houston (Safety Score 93/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 471 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 91% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Marco Island has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 141.7x 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
Marco Island — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Marco Island, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Marco Island | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 470.6 | +4,971.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 61.1 | +1,087.1 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 30.6 | +42.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 0.0 | +274.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 30.6 | +756.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 409.5 | +3,884.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 6.1 | +638.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 385.0 | +2,560.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 18.3 | +684.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Marco Island safer?
Marco Island is safer with a total crime rate of 471 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 91% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Marco Island has 61.1. Marco Island 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 Marco Island, FL
Marco Island, Florida, a barrier island in Collier County, is known for its Gulf beaches and intricate waterways. Once home to the Calusa people, it's now a popular winter destination for retirees. With a safety score of 93/100 and a population coverage of 16,362, Marco Island has a total crime rate of 470.6 per 100,000 residents.