Houston is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, boasting a low cost of living, numerous job opportunities, and a rich cultural atmosphere. In 2025, Houston’s population growth rate ranked first in the country. The continuous growth of the population has also made people begin to care about the safety of the community. There are many safest neighborhoods in Houston for people to choose from. Here is our detailed introduction to this topic:
How Safe is Houston?
Houston has many communities, each with its characteristics, attracting different types of residents to live there. If you consider safety as the top priority when looking for a suitable community, then next, we will provide you with a detailed introduction to how safe the Houston is:
CrimeGrade indicates that the Houston crime rate exceeds the average for American cities, making it safer than only 20% of American cities. But don’t worry. Just like in other cities, your chances of becoming a crime victim are closely related to the environment of your neighborhoods in Houston, ranging from 1/17 in the central community to 1/33 in the northwest community. In terms of the total number of crimes, the central part of Houston has the highest number of criminal cases, with approximately 47,368 cases each year, while the southern part has the fewest, with about 17,702 cases each year. Therefore, all in all, Houston can become a livable, safe city.
| Statistic | Reported Incidents |
Houston /100k People |
Texas /100k People |
National /100k People |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total crime | 177 | 5,599 | 2,644 | 2,281 |
| Murder | 0 | 14.9 | 6 | 5.7 |
| Rape | 1 | 61.1 | 49.5 | 38 |
| Robbery | 6 | 295.7 | 68.8 | 66.5 |
| Assault | 5 | 720 | 281.7 | 264.1 |
| Violent crime | 12 | 1,092 | 406 | 364 |
| Burglary | 22 | 606.3 | 303.9 | 250.7 |
| Theft | 118 | 33,034.50 | 1,524.50 | 1,347.20 |
| Vehicle theft | 25 | 866.7 | 409.9 | 318.7 |
| Property crime | 165 | 4,508 | 2,238 | 1,917 |
The Safest Neighborhoods in Houston
There are many safest neighborhoods in Houston for you to stay. They have a low crime rate, complete facilities and excellent locations, which can meet the living needs of different types of residents.
1. Kingwood
- Crime rate: 37% less than Houston overall
- Average rent monthly: $1,375
- Feature: Family-friendly and has rich green environment
Kingwood is one of Houston safest neighborhoods with the lowest crime rate. The incidence rates of specific crime types such as assault, robbery and theft are lower than the national average. Kingwood has a strong sense of community and a high level of law enforcement. You can study and work here with peace of mind.
It is located in the northeastern part of the city, about a 30-minute drive from the city center. It also close to the international airport, with very convenient transportation. Niche once rated it as one of the top ten best communities in Houston for raising a family. Here are schools with strong teaching staff, providing students with a good education and also making parents very at ease. Kingwood was once hailed as the “Livable Forest” and is an ideal community for those who love outdoor sports. Not only that, the Clubs of Kingwood, Lake Houston Wilderness Park, Foster Mill Village Pool, and Heron’s Rest are all great entertainment venues suitable for residents of all ages.
2. West University Place, TX
- Crime rate: 50% less than Houston overall
- Average rent monthly: $2,225
- Feature: A strong sense of community and having an excellent university
West University Place is one of the safest Houston neighborhoods. Crime data shows that it is safer than 38% of American cities. Here you have a 1/36 chance of becoming a crime victim.
It is also the wealthiest community, featuring a variety of exquisite residences. The streets are clean, the houses are well-maintained. Moreover, It enjoys a superior location, close to I-69 and I-610, with convenient transportation. It only takes you 15 minutes to reach the city center. West University Place belongs to the Houston Independent School District and has many high-quality schools with abundant educational resources. Rice University and the world’s largest Texas Medical Center are just a few steps away. Colonial Park, Judson Park, and Whitt Johnson Park are outstanding green parks within the community, allowing you to exercise and enjoy outdoor time at any time.
Best off-campus housing near Rice University:
If you live in West University Place, you can reach Rice University by walking or cycling every day. A low crime rate, convenient transportation, and bustling neighborhoods will bring you a comfortable student life.
- Hanover Rice Village: It is directly on the Rice Village/Greenbriar shuttle route, offering luxurious, convenient access for socializing and allowing you to enjoy nightlife and shopping whenever you like.
- Windsor at West University: It is less than 1.5 miles from Rice. A 7-minute bike ride down Bissonnet St gets you straight to the campus entrance. You can usually walk to H-E-B Buffalo Market (grocery shopping is convenient).
3. Bellaire
- Crime rate: 18% less than Houston overall
- Average rent monthly: $1,900
- Feature: "City of homes" features student safety programs and neighborhood watch intiatives
Bellaire is the safest neighborhood in Houston, TX, providing every resident with a sufficient sense of security. It is in the southwest and is known as the “City of Homes“, with a relatively low crime rate. The rate of violent crime here is very low, with almost no murder cases, but the proportion of property crime and theft is relatively high. This is usually also caused by stolen vehicles recovered by external agencies, but it is still included in the crime statistics.
It is located along I-610, just 8 miles from downtown. It takes only 10 minutes by car to reach The Uptown high-end business district (with The Galleria shopping center, which is the seventh largest shopping center in the United States). If you want to go to the airport and the seaside, it only takes 40 to 60 minutes by car. Here, there are 14 parks, a water sports center, a nature exploration center and a library, etc., allowing you to fully relax your body and mind.
4. Midtown
- Crime rate: 60% less than Houston overall
- Average rent monthly: $1,725
- Feature: Located in the city center, it has a lively atmosphere and is surprisingly safe
Midtown is one of the safest neighborhoods in Houston.The crime rate in Midtown is approximately 2,014 per 100,000 residents, which is over 22% lower than the national average. Here, multiple public safety projects have been implemented, with an annual investment of over 2.2 million US dollars in safety and cleanliness, creating a comfortable environment for people’s lives.
It is situated in the central area of the city, located between the city center and the museum district, with excellent transportation. You can easily reach the two major employment centres in Houston – the downtown area and the medical centre, making commuting convenient. Popular bars, live music performances, and rooftop lounges are all great places for relaxation. There are also various gourmet restaurants here. For example, The Breakfast Klub and Himalaya Restaurant are both good choices. Not only that, there are also many galleries, theaters, and modern apartment centers here, making it one of the most fashionable areas in Houston.
Best off-campus housing near Rice University:
- Midtown Arbor Place Apartment Homes: It is a luxurious apartment that can provide you with comfortable 1B and 2B. It offers comprehensive student-friendly amenities, including a swimming pool, a gym, and a pet park.
5. North Spring Branch
- Crime rate: 90% less than Houston overall
- Average rent monthly: $2,069
- Feature: Diversified and affordable, with a wide range of housing options
The North Spring Branch is one of Houston safest neighborhoods. It has a good record of public security, thanks to community policing and the high participation of people. Residents claim that police can be seen everywhere in the neighborhood, giving them the best sense of security.
The educational resources are of high quality, including many highly-rated public and private schools, such as those in the Spring Branch Independent School District. The natural environment is superior, close to green Spaces such as Mercer Botanic Gardens, providing a rich variety of outdoor activities. The commercial facilities are complete. The shopping center, The Woodlands Mall, is nearby, making life convenient. In addition, the transportation is convenient, close to Highway 45 and Highway 99, making commuting easy.
6. Sugar Land, TX
- Crime rate: 18% less than Houston overall
- Average rent monthly: $1,625
- Feature: The economy is strong and the teaching level is outstanding
Sugar Land is one of the safest Houston neighborhoods for you. It was once rated as one of the safest medium-sized cities in the United States. Among them, theft is the most common, followed by burglary and motor vehicle theft. Therefore, you should not place valuable items in conspicuous positions.
The city has top public schools (such as Clements High School, which has a 9/10 rating in GreatSchools), abundant parks, recreational facilities (such as Sugar Land Memorial Park), and high-standard medical resources (including Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital). The abundant resources make this place very suitable for families to live. The business here is prosperous. It has the First Colony Mall and numerous high-end communities.
7. The Woodlands
- Crime rate: 54% less than Houston overall
- Average rent monthly: $1,675
- Feature: The crime rate is low and law enforcement is strict
The Woodlands is one of the safest neighborhood in Houston, TX, with a crime rate far below the national average. Specifically, the violent crime rate in The Woodlands is 199 cases per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate is 1,058 cases per 100,000 people. Therefore, its rates of violent crime and property crime are 57% and 59% lower than the state’s average, respectively.
Not only is the security here strict, but it is also very suitable for families to live in. Niche once rated it as “the best city in the United States to support a family”. It’s home to a first-rate public school system and offers an abundance of outdoor amenities. You’ll have access to 3,000 acres of green space, 60 miles of tree-lined trails, and playgrounds for kids. Its proximity to Highway 45 means you can easily get to where you need to go. In addition, The Woodlands is clean and tidy with fresh air, and is known as the “city in the Forest“.
8. Memorial
- Crime rate: 41% less than Houston overall
- Average rent monthly: $2,056
- Feature: Economically prosperous, with first-class schools and shopping centers
Memorial is one of the safest neighborhoods in Houston. The overall crime rate is 51% lower than the average crime rate in Texas. Among them, community-funded security patrols and community crime reduction forums help maintain a relatively low rate of violent crime. The relatively high crime rate of property also reflects the high population density in this area.
This community blends suburban and urban atmospheres and is a large one. It has top public schools with an A+ rating, such as Memorial High School, which can reassure parents to bring their children here to live. Not only that, the community is shaded by green trees and close to large green Spaces such as Memorial Park. You can obtain abundant outdoor leisure Spaces. You can go to Memorial City Mall and high-end shopping centers to meet your daily life needs. In addition, Memorial is conveniently located, close to Highways I-10 and 610, allowing you to reach your destination easily at any time.
9. Friendswood
- Crime rate: 41% less than Houston overall
- Average rent monthly: $1,323
- Feature: Have a strong sense of community and a peaceful living environment
Friendswood is renowned for its extremely low crime rate and is one of the Houston safest neighborhoods. Movoto once ranked it as the third “safest city in Texas”. Data shows that its violent crime rate is only 41 cases per 100,000 people, far below the average level of Texas.
The city has high-quality school districts with an A-level rating (Friendswood ISD score of 92/100), ranking among the top three in the Houston area. The intense academic atmosphere is very suitable for family living. The community is very close to the main road and the city center, but it has a rural atmosphere and is quiet and leisurely. Not only that, the cost of living in the community is reasonable, and it was ranked 33rd in the United States as “the best suburb to support a family” by GoBankingRates. Residents can conveniently reach Galveston Beach (a 30-minute drive) and enjoy a livable environment with well-planned public facilities and green Spaces.
10. Pasadena
- Crime rate: 39% less than Houston overall
- Average rent monthly: $1,100
- Feature: Economical and convenient
Pasadena is one of the safest Houston neighborhoods, featuring excellent community planning and an efficient policing system to ensure safety at all times. Data shows that the rate of violent crime is lower than the average level in Houston, but the rate of property crime is relatively high and requires vigilance.
It combines the quiet living atmosphere and the convenience of a busy area. Pasadena is well equipped with several parks and leisure centres, which are suitable for family life. In addition, it is near the Port of Houston and the Johnson Space Centre, which offers a large number of job opportunities. It is close to the downtown area of Houston, and transportation is convenient. The cost of living is relatively reasonable, making it a cost-effective choice for residence.
How to Enhance Houston Neighborhood Safety?
To enhance community security, we recommend focusing on community participation, upgrading community hardware facilities, and selecting an effective crime prevention strategy to reduce the crime rate in this area. The following are the specific classifications:
Community participation
- Neighborhood Watch Program: You can participate in or organise the community to carry out the Neighborhood Watch program. This plan needs to be combined with local law enforcement departments to cultivate community awareness and vigilance.
- Community activities: You can organise gatherings in the community to establish deep connections with your neighbors, maintain friendly social relationships, and thus better understand the surrounding environment.
- Social media and communication: You can also use online platforms to share the information you have observed, thereby promoting communication with your neighbors.
Improve community facilities
- Street lighting: It is necessary to ensure that all public places in the community have sufficient lighting, especially at night, when the surrounding environment can be seen.
- CPTED: Communities can enhance their security through measures like beautifying the landscape, designing buildings, and optimising surveillance systems.
- Traffic calming: Speed bumps and other deceleration devices can be installed in the community to enhance the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
Personal action
- Home security: For individuals, installing facilities like door locks, alarms, and security cameras in your home is essential to protect your house’s safety.
- Get to know your neighbors: Introduce yourself and exchange contact information to learn about the residents in the community.
- Report suspicious activities: If you discover any suspicious behaviour or potential crime, you need to report it to the police or the neighborhood supervision department promptly.
- Personal safety: Educate your children to prioritise their safety, avoid walking alone at night, and remain aware of their surroundings.
- Participate in community activities: Attend community meetings and events promptly to stay informed about the latest developments.
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FAQ
What part of Houston to stay away from?
Sunnyside, Sharpstown, and parts of the Fifth Ward are all dangerous areas in Houston. The crime rate in these areas is relatively high, especially violent crimes and gang activities.
What is the nicest part of Houston to live in?
The Heights, River Oaks, and West University Place are the most livable places in Houston. This place is suitable for walking, with a strong historical charm and a vibrant dining environment. According to reports, these communities are all very ideal for people to live in.
What is the #1 safest city in Texas?
The city of Fulshear is often hailed as one of the safest cities in Texas. This place is located in the suburbs of Houston, with a low crime rate and a family-friendly atmosphere.
What is the cheapest place to live in Houston?
Sugar Land, Spring Branch, and Kingwood are all quite affordable options. The environment here is beautiful, the housing is cheap, and the transportation is convenient. It is an ideal choice.
Is East Downtown Houston safe?
East Downtown is generally regarded as a safe area, especially when compared with other parts of Houston. Just like any other area, you need always to pay attention to the surrounding environment to ensure your safety.
What is the safest neighborhood in Houston that doesn't flood?
Because The Heights, West University, and certain areas of Memorial are located at higher altitudes and close to flood control infrastructure, they are less likely to be affected by floods.Because The Heights, West University, and certain areas of Memorial are located at higher altitudes and close to flood control infrastructure, they are less likely to be affected by floods.
What is the safest suburb of Houston?
Sugar Land, Friendswood, and The Woodlands are renowned for their safety. These areas have a relatively low crime rate and are very popular among people.
