Is Houston or Mendota Heights Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mendota Heights is safer than Houston (Safety Score 71/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,069 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 80% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mendota Heights has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 201.6x 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
Mendota Heights — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Mendota Heights, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Mendota Heights | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 1,069.5 | +4,372.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 191.3 | +957.0 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 52.2 | +20.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 8.7 | +265.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 130.4 | +656.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 878.2 | +3,415.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 156.5 | +488.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 660.8 | +2,284.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 60.9 | +642.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Mendota Heights safer?
Mendota Heights is safer with a total crime rate of 1,069 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 80% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Mendota Heights has 191.3. Mendota Heights 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 Mendota Heights, MN
Mendota Heights, a suburb south of St. Paul, is home to the historic Pilot Knob, a sacred Dakota site. This affluent community, bordered by the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, primarily consists of single-family homes. With a safety score of 71/100 and a population coverage of 11,501, Mendota Heights has a total crime rate of 1,069.5 per 100,000 residents.