Is Houston or Norton Shores Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norton Shores is safer than Houston (Safety Score 38/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,076 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 62% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norton Shores has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 92.8x 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
Norton Shores — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Norton Shores, MI
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Norton Shores | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,075.9 | +3,365.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 192.0 | +956.3 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 40.0 | +33.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 4.0 | +270.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 148.0 | +639.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 1,883.9 | +2,409.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 172.0 | +472.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,507.9 | +1,437.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 204.0 | +499.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Norton Shores safer?
Norton Shores is safer with a total crime rate of 2,076 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 62% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Norton Shores has 192.0. Norton Shores 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 Norton Shores, MI
Norton Shores, Michigan, a community named for early settler John Norton, extends along Lake Michigan's eastern shore near Muskegon. Its landscape is shaped by the lake and numerous inland waterways, attracting residents and visitors to its natural beauty. With a safety score of 38/100 and a population coverage of 25,001, Norton Shores has a total crime rate of 2,075.9 per 100,000 residents.