How Does Houston Rank in Terms of Crime Activity Nationally?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the City of Houston has a population of over 2.3 million people. Covering 671 square miles[1], Houston is one of the most populated cities in the nation. Multiple reports indicate that Houston has a higher than average crime rate but recently released data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and reported on by the Houston Chronicle indicates that overall crime may be declining in the metroplex. While the data shows that nonviolent crime and the city’s overall crime rate has dropped, it also indicates an increase in the number of violent crimes.[2]
Houston Ranked as 21 in Most Dangerous Cities in America
CBS News ranked Houston as 21 in its 25 most dangerous cities in 2017. The ranking is based on the violent crime rate. At the time, Houston’s crime rate was 1,095 per 100,000 residents, according to the media giant. The previous year, Houston was not in the top 25 most dangerous cities, but an increase in violent crime was enough to put the metroplex on the map.[3]
Good News for Houston Residents
While violent crime may be on the uptick, property crime is lower than the national average of similarly sized cities. According to U.S. News & World Report, Houston ranked #30 in the Best Places to Live, scoring a 6.8/10 and #29 in Best Places to Retire. Property crime in the metroplex significantly declined between 2016 and 2017.
Safest Neighborhoods in the Houston Area
Niche ranks neighborhoods based on their Public Schools and Crime & Safety. According to Niche some of the Best Places to live in the Houston Area that rank as safe neighborhoods are:
- University Place
- Astrodome Area
- Kingwood Area
- Lake Houston
- Addicks Park Ten
- Westbranch
Learn more about Houston Crime Rates
Houston Criminal Defense Attorney James Alston is a former prosecutor with the Harris County District Attorney. He has been recognized as one of Houston’s leading attorneys by a number of organizations, including Super Lawyers, Houston’s Top Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association, Texas Monthly Magazine, and Best Lawyers in America. With over 25 years of experience practicing law at both the state and federal level, Mr. Alston is a highly-trained litigator. Contact James Alston Law today for a case evaluation.
[1] https://www.houstontx.gov/planning/Demographics/
[2] https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/FBI-Overall-crime-fell-in-Houston-in-2018-14492820.php
[3] https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-most-dangerous-cities-in-america/11/