Is Houston or National City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, National City is safer than Houston (Safety Score 26/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,635 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 52% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where National City has a 55% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 42.2x 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
National City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
National City, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | National City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,635.0 | +2,806.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 695.6 | +452.6 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 7.3 | +6.5 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 29.1 | +43.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 222.2 | +51.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 437.0 | +350.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 1,939.4 | +2,354.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 242.2 | +402.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,039.8 | +1,905.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 657.4 | +45.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or National City safer?
National City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,635 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while National City has 695.6. National 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 National City, CA
National City, San Diego County's second-oldest city, boasts a historic mile-long pier. This diverse South Bay community, bordering San Diego, is home to a significant Filipino population. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 54,915, National City has a total crime rate of 2,635.0 per 100,000 residents.