| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | South Houston/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 451 | n/a (estimate) | 2,873 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 1 | n/a | 6.4 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 14 | n/a | 89.2 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 25 | n/a | 159.3 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 69 | n/a | 439.6 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 109 | n/a (estimate) | 694 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 43 | n/a | 274.0 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 201 | n/a | 1,280.6 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 98 | n/a | 624.4 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 342 | n/a (estimate) | 2,179 | 2,041 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in South Houston is 35.6% higher than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In South Houston, there were 109 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 694 per 100,000 individuals, 93.4% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 342 property crimes, amounting to 2179 per 100,000 residents, 23.8% higher than the U.S. average.
Recently, vehicle thefts have seen an upward trend across the United States, and South Houston ranks among the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates in the country. Last year, there were 98 vehicle thefts, amounting to 624 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places South Houston within the worst 10% of all cities, indicating that 90% of cities fare better in terms of vehicle theft rates. The likelihood of your vehicle being stolen stands at 1 in 161.
AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of South Houston residents. Out of the respondents (13 in total), 38% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in South Houston were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 62% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.
Is South Houston a safe place to live? While the answer may not be straightforward due to variations in safety levels across the city, gaining an understanding of the overall crime rate can prove to be advantageous. In general, South Houston has a crime rate that is higher than the national average by 36%. Breaking this down on a daily basis, it translates to 1.24 daily incidents, encompassing 0.3 violent crimes and 0.94 property crimes. Evaluating these statistics can aid in forming a more informed perspective on the safety of South Houston as a potential place to call home.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in South Houston crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in South Houston has decreased by 0.2% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 9% and property crime has decreased by 2.8%.
In South Houston, the current unemployment rate stands at 4.8%, diverging from the national average of 4.9%. The availability of job opportunities is a pivotal factor influencing unemployment and underemployment rates. Communities where individuals contend with limited employment prospects or a preponderance of low-wage positions may witness elevated rates of joblessness and income inadequacy, which can contribute to heightened crime levels driven by financial insecurity. Conversely, areas characterized by robust employment rates often experience a reduction in overall South Houston crime rates.
The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In South Houston, 47.5% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.
High rental costs can limit economic mobility, making it difficult for individuals to save money, invest in education, or access better job opportunities. This can perpetuate a cycle of poverty and increase the risk of involvement in criminal activities. In summary, high rental costs can create economic challenges, overcrowding, and neighborhood dynamics that may increase the likelihood of certain types of crime, particularly property crimes. In South Houston, the average rental rates are $1,485 per month, compared to the national average of $1,444.

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| Item | South Houston | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 36 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Texas /100K | National /100K |
| Texas | 95,281 | 443 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| El Lago, TX | 2,887 | 61 | 320 | 381 |
| Taylor Lake Village, TX | 3,832 | 74 | 389 | 463 |
| Shoreacres, TX | 1,589 | 67 | 400 | 467 |
| Friendswood, TX | 40,785 | 101 | 545 | 645 |
| Brookside Village, TX | 1,460 | 106 | 553 | 659 |
| Iowa Colony, TX | 5,492 | 96 | 594 | 690 |
| Galena Park, TX | 11,097 | 109 | 789 | 898 |
| South Houston, TX | 17,971 | 694 | 2,179 | 2,873 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Iselin, NJ | 17,973 | 203 | 1,332 | 1,535 |
| Kingstowne, VA | 17,967 | 89 | 641 | 730 |
| Anoka, MN | 17,962 | 244 | 1,187 | 1,432 |
| Hannibal, MO | 17,980 | 358 | 2,404 | 2,762 |
| Tillmans Corner, AL | 17,980 | 391 | 1,698 | 2,089 |
| South Houston, TX | 17,971 | 694 | 2,179 | 2,873 |