Is Houston or Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Portland is safer than Houston (Safety Score 23/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,746 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 50% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Portland has a 82% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 33.5x 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
Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,745.6 | +2,696.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 266.9 | +881.3 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 7.2 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 41.8 | +31.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 50.5 | +223.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 167.4 | +620.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,478.7 | +1,814.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 145.7 | +499.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 2,177.2 | +768.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 155.8 | +547.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Portland safer?
Portland is safer with a total crime rate of 2,746 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Portland has 266.9. Portland 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 Portland, ME
Portland, Maine, a coastal city with a deep maritime history, is the most populous city in the state. Its working waterfront and vibrant arts scene reflect its heritage and modern demographic mix. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 69,310, Portland has a total crime rate of 2,745.6 per 100,000 residents.