Is Houston or San Rafael Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Rafael is safer than Houston (Safety Score 19/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,015 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 45% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Rafael has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 39.3x 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 Rafael — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
San Rafael, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | San Rafael | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 3,015.1 | +2,426.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 559.0 | +589.3 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 1.7 | +12.1 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 50.8 | +22.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 149.1 | +125.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 357.4 | +430.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,456.1 | +1,837.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 264.2 | +380.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,770.1 | +1,175.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 421.8 | +281.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or San Rafael safer?
San Rafael is safer with a total crime rate of 3,015 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while San Rafael has 559.0. San Rafael 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 Rafael, CA
Nestled in Marin County, San Rafael is a Bay Area city with a rich history, home to Mission San Rafael Arcángel, one of California's original missions. Its diverse population of over 60,000 residents reflects a blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 59,037, San Rafael has a total crime rate of 3,015.1 per 100,000 residents.