Is Houston or Wichita Falls Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wichita Falls is safer than Houston (Safety Score 20/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,971 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 robbery, where Wichita Falls has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 22.6x 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
Wichita Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston, TX
Wichita Falls, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Houston | Wichita Falls | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,441.7 | 2,970.9 | +2,470.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 1,148.3 | 352.3 | +796.0 |
| Murder Rate | 13.8 | 8.8 | +5.0 |
| Rape Rate | 73.0 | 63.3 | +9.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 274.0 | 59.4 | +214.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 787.4 | 219.0 | +568.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,293.5 | 2,618.7 | +1,674.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 644.8 | 444.7 | +200.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,945.7 | 1,928.7 | +1,017.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 703.0 | 245.2 | +457.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Houston or Wichita Falls safer?
Wichita Falls is safer with a total crime rate of 2,971 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 Wichita Falls has 352.3. Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls, home to Sheppard Air Force Base, is a North Texas city near the Oklahoma border. The "City of Bridges" has a population of around 103,000, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 102,762, Wichita Falls has a total crime rate of 2,970.9 per 100,000 residents.