Is Houston or Port Townsend Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Port Townsend is safer than Houston (Safety Score 44/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 65% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Port Townsend has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 218.5x 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
Port Townsend — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Port Townsend, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Port Townsend | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 1,884.3 | +3,557.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 471.1 | +677.2 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 37.7 | +35.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 28.3 | +245.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 405.1 | +382.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 1,413.2 | +2,880.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 169.6 | +475.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,177.7 | +1,768.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 66.0 | +637.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Port Townsend safer?
Port Townsend is safer with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 65% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Port Townsend has 471.1. Port Townsend 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 Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport on the Olympic Peninsula, is home to many artists and retirees. Its historic downtown, a National Historic Landmark, features well-preserved 19th-century architecture. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 10,614, Port Townsend has a total crime rate of 1,884.3 per 100,000 residents.