Is Houston or South Portland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Portland is safer than Houston (Safety Score 59/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 74% lower. Houston has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Portland has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 86.1x 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
South Portland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
South Portland, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | South Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 1,433.3 | +4,008.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 63.1 | +1,085.1 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 0.0 | +13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 7.4 | +65.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 18.6 | +255.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 37.1 | +750.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 1,370.2 | +2,923.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 81.7 | +563.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,173.4 | +1,772.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 115.1 | +587.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or South Portland safer?
South Portland is safer with a total crime rate of 1,433 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 74% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while South Portland has 63.1. South Portland 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 South Portland, ME
South Portland, Maine, a coastal city across the harbor from Portland, is home to Bug Light Park, a popular spot for its picturesque lighthouse. Its population of over 26,000 residents reflects a mix of residential areas and commercial districts. With a safety score of 59/100 and a population coverage of 26,931, South Portland has a total crime rate of 1,433.3 per 100,000 residents.