Is Houston or Philadelphia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Houston is safer than Philadelphia (Safety Score 3/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100,000 versus 5,458 for Philadelphia — 0% lower. Houston has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Philadelphia has a 21% lower rate.
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Philadelphia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Philadelphia, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 5,458.5 | -16.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 910.3 | +238.0 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 16.9 | -3.1 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 46.1 | +26.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 273.2 | +0.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 572.5 | +214.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 4,548.2 | -254.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 319.0 | +325.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 3,223.6 | -277.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 1,005.6 | -302.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Philadelphia safer?
Houston is safer with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100K vs 5,458 for Philadelphia — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Philadelphia has 910.3. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence, is Pennsylvania's largest city. Situated along the Delaware River, its diverse population contributes to a rich urban tapestry. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,549,259, Philadelphia has a total crime rate of 5,458.5 per 100,000 residents.