Is Houston or Rainbow City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Rainbow City is safer than Houston (Safety Score 74/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,013 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 81% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Rainbow City has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 223.8x 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
Rainbow City — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Rainbow City, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Rainbow City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 1,013.3 | +4,428.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 86.9 | +1,061.4 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 19.3 | +53.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 0.0 | +274.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 67.6 | +719.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 926.5 | +3,367.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 96.5 | +548.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 762.4 | +2,183.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 67.6 | +635.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Rainbow City safer?
Rainbow City is safer with a total crime rate of 1,013 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Rainbow City has 86.9. Rainbow 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 Rainbow City, AL
Rainbow City, Alabama, named for a local legend of a rainbow arcing over the river, sits in Etowah County. This small city, with a population around 10,000, lies on the Coosa River, offering scenic views. With a safety score of 74/100 and a population coverage of 10,362, Rainbow City has a total crime rate of 1,013.3 per 100,000 residents.