Is Houston or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Antonio is safer than Houston (Safety Score 3/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 5,219 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 4% lower. Houston has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where San Antonio has a 60% lower rate.
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 5,219.0 | +222.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 595.3 | +552.9 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 8.4 | +5.4 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 83.7 | -10.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 108.4 | +165.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 393.7 | +393.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 4,623.6 | -330.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 495.6 | +149.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 3,291.8 | -346.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 836.3 | -133.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or San Antonio safer?
San Antonio is safer with a total crime rate of 5,219 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 4% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. San Antonio 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 San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.