Is Houston or Scottsdale Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Scottsdale is safer than Houston (Safety Score 40/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 63% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Scottsdale has a 97% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 9.5x 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
Scottsdale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Scottsdale, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Scottsdale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,028.7 | +3,413.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 153.3 | +994.9 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.4 | +13.4 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 33.8 | +39.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 22.0 | +252.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 96.2 | +691.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 1,875.3 | +2,418.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 182.3 | +462.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,534.8 | +1,410.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 158.2 | +544.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Scottsdale safer?
Scottsdale is safer with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 63% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Scottsdale has 153.3. Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, Arizona, a vibrant Sonoran Desert city, is known for its luxurious resorts and the historic influence of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. Located east of Phoenix, it's a popular destination for affluent residents and tourists seeking outdoor recreation and upscale amenities. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 245,237, Scottsdale has a total crime rate of 2,028.7 per 100,000 residents.