Is Houston or Palm Springs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Palm Springs is safer than Houston (Safety Score 10/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,821 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 30% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Palm Springs has a 47% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 51.1x 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
Palm Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Palm Springs, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Palm Springs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 3,821.1 | +1,620.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 607.9 | +540.4 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 11.0 | +2.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 68.3 | +4.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 147.6 | +126.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 376.6 | +410.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 3,213.2 | +1,080.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 385.4 | +259.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 2,354.3 | +591.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 473.5 | +229.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Palm Springs safer?
Palm Springs is safer with a total crime rate of 3,821 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Palm Springs has 607.9. Palm Springs 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 Palm Springs, CA
Nestled in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is an iconic desert resort known for its mid-century modern architecture and as a playground for Hollywood's elite. Its population swells seasonally, attracting snowbirds and tourists seeking warm weather and leisure. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 45,406, Palm Springs has a total crime rate of 3,821.1 per 100,000 residents.