Is Houston or St. Louis City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Houston is safer than St. Louis City (Safety Score 3/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100,000 versus 7,076 for St. Louis City — 23% lower. Houston has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Houston has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 8.4x 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
St. Louis City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
St. Louis City, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | St. Louis City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 7,075.9 | -1,634.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 1,368.9 | -220.7 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 54.1 | -40.3 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 58.1 | +14.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 249.6 | +24.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 1,005.4 | -218.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 5,706.9 | -1,413.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 819.7 | -175.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 3,412.3 | -466.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 1,475.0 | -772.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or St. Louis City safer?
Houston is safer with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100K vs 7,076 for St. Louis City — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while St. Louis City has 1,368.9. Houston 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 St. Louis City, MO
St. Louis City, Missouri, a major port on the Mississippi River, is home to the iconic Gateway Arch. With a population exceeding 300,000, it's a vibrant Midwestern hub with a rich German heritage. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 277,294, St. Louis City has a total crime rate of 7,075.9 per 100,000 residents.