Is Houston or Panama City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Panama City is safer than Houston (Safety Score 22/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,838 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 robbery, where Panama City has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 63.3x 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
Panama City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Panama City, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Panama City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,838.0 | +2,603.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 649.5 | +498.8 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 8.2 | +5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 57.3 | +15.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 24.6 | +249.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 559.4 | +227.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,188.5 | +2,104.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 401.1 | +243.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,681.0 | +1,264.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 106.4 | +596.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Panama City safer?
Panama City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,838 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 Panama City has 649.5. Panama 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 Panama City, FL
Panama City, Florida, a popular tourist destination, sits on St. Andrew Bay, connecting to the Gulf of Mexico. Its economy heavily relies on tourism, fishing, and Tyndall Air Force Base, a significant local employer. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 36,646, Panama City has a total crime rate of 2,838.0 per 100,000 residents.