Is Houston or Modesto Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Modesto is safer than Houston (Safety Score 18/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,070 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 44% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Modesto has a 77% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 10.6x 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
Modesto — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Modesto, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Modesto | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 3,070.5 | +2,371.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 655.7 | +492.5 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 3.2 | +10.6 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 56.2 | +16.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 113.3 | +160.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 483.1 | +304.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,414.7 | +1,878.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 267.1 | +377.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,818.8 | +1,126.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 328.8 | +374.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Modesto safer?
Modesto is safer with a total crime rate of 3,070 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Modesto has 655.7. Modesto 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 Modesto, CA
Modesto, seat of Stanislaus County, is known for its agricultural roots and as the birthplace of filmmaker George Lucas. Situated in California's Central Valley, it's a diverse city with a significant Hispanic population. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 218,990, Modesto has a total crime rate of 3,070.5 per 100,000 residents.