Is Houston or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Houston is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 3/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 18% lower. Houston has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Tacoma has a 33% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 10.4x 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
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 6,666.7 | -1,225.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 1,063.0 | +85.2 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 9.8 | +4.0 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 67.9 | +5.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 184.4 | +89.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 801.0 | -13.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 5,603.6 | -1,310.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 669.7 | -24.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 3,521.3 | -575.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 1,412.6 | -709.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Tacoma safer?
Houston is safer with a total crime rate of 5,442 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Houston has a violent crime rate of 1,148.3 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Tacoma 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 Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, nestled on Commencement Bay, boasts a rich industrial past, once a major port for timber and rail. Today, this diverse city, home to over 200,000 residents, features a vibrant arts scene and stunning views of Mount Rainier. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 223,980, Tacoma has a total crime rate of 6,666.7 per 100,000 residents.