Is Houston or Oakland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Houston is safer than Oakland (Safety Score 3/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100,000 versus 9,156 for Oakland — 41% lower. Houston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Houston has a 60% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 5.3x 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
Oakland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Oakland, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 9,155.7 | -3,714.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 1,925.3 | -777.1 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 18.6 | -4.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 68.0 | +5.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 680.4 | -406.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 1,158.3 | -370.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 7,230.3 | -2,936.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 786.8 | -142.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 4,164.7 | -1,219.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 2,278.9 | -1,575.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Oakland safer?
Houston is safer with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100K vs 9,156 for Oakland — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Oakland has 1,925.3. Houston 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 Oakland, CA
Oakland, a diverse East Bay city, boasts a rich history of activism and art, including its vibrant jazz scene. Geographically, it sits on the San Francisco Bay's eastern shore, home to a significant port and varied topography. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 435,042, Oakland has a total crime rate of 9,155.7 per 100,000 residents.