Is Houston or Oxford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Oxford is safer than Houston (Safety Score 23/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,804 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 48% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Oxford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 105.1x 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
Oxford — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Oxford, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Oxford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,804.2 | +2,637.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 145.0 | +1,003.3 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 4.5 | +68.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 4.5 | +269.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 135.9 | +651.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,659.2 | +1,634.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 222.0 | +422.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 2,324.0 | +621.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 113.3 | +589.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Oxford safer?
Oxford is safer with a total crime rate of 2,804 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Oxford has 145.0. Oxford 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 Oxford, AL
Oxford, Alabama, nestled in Calhoun County at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, is home to the historic Oxford Performing Arts Center. This growing city on I-20 has a population of over 22,000 residents. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 22,074, Oxford has a total crime rate of 2,804.2 per 100,000 residents.