Is Houston or Mason City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mason City is safer than Houston (Safety Score 27/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,546 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 53% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mason City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 86.6x 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
Mason City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Mason City, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Mason City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,546.1 | +2,895.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 224.0 | +924.3 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 100.8 | -27.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 14.9 | +259.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 108.3 | +679.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,322.1 | +1,971.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 313.6 | +331.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,937.6 | +1,008.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 70.9 | +632.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Mason City safer?
Mason City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,546 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Mason City has 224.0. Mason City 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 Mason City, IA
Mason City, Iowa, a regional hub in north-central Iowa, is known for its Prairie School architecture, including a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house. Its population of around 27,000 resides amidst fertile agricultural land. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 26,786, Mason City has a total crime rate of 2,546.1 per 100,000 residents.