Is Houston or San Marcos Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Marcos is safer than Houston (Safety Score 26/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,617 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 52% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Marcos has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 31.9x 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
San Marcos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
San Marcos, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | San Marcos | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,616.8 | +2,824.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 358.9 | +789.4 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 96.3 | -23.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 37.1 | +236.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 225.5 | +561.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,257.9 | +2,035.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 266.8 | +378.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,600.6 | +1,345.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 390.5 | +312.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or San Marcos safer?
San Marcos is safer with a total crime rate of 2,617 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while San Marcos has 358.9. San Marcos 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 Marcos, TX
San Marcos, a city in Hays County, is known for the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Spring Lake, home to several endangered species. Its population is primarily students attending Texas State University. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 72,723, San Marcos has a total crime rate of 2,616.8 per 100,000 residents.