Contrasts abound in Houston, a thriving metropolis in Texas. Although there are many attractions and prospects there, there are also a lot of crime issues.
It is important for both locals and tourists to be informed of the city’s specific neighborhoods because some have greater crime rates than others. This article will examine the top ten neighborhoods in Houston in terms of crime in 2024 and offer insights into the causes of this high crime rates.
An Overview of Crime Statistics of Houston Neighborhoods
| Neighborhood | Crime Statistics |
| Pasadena | High crime rate; 1 in 175 chance of violent crime; 6 violent crimes per 1,000 residents |
| Sugarland | 1,228 violent offenses per 100,000 residents; Unemployment: 6.8% |
| East End | Crime rate 49% higher than national average; Violent crime 101% higher |
| Northwest | Crime rate 48% above national average; Violent crime rate 131% above national average; 1 in 29 chance |
| Northeast | Crime rate 63% above national average; Violent crime 197% above national average; 1 in 25 chance |
| Far North | 2,455 violent crimes per 100,000 residents; 60,000 population |
| Greenspoint | Still dangerous; Robberies down 16%, sex assaults down 14%, auto thefts down 4% |
| Sharpstown | Violent crime rate 35% higher than Houston’s average; Firearm-related crime 67% higher |
| MacGregor | 78 violent crimes per 1,000 residents; High rates of theft and violence |
| Sunnyside | 92 crimes per 1,000 residents; 1 in 11 chance of victimization; Common crimes: robbery, assault, murder |
10. Pasadena
Pasadena touches the bay to the southeast of central Houston. It provides attractions like the Bay Area Museum and the Armand Bayou Nature Center as part of this water access.
Despite having a median income of $64,381 and a 5% unemployment rate, Pasadena has an extremely high crime rate. Nonetheless, there is a 1 in 175 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Pasadena.
This neighborhood has a high rate of crimes like rape, murder, violent assault, and armed robbery—six crimes for per 1,000 residents.
9. Sugarland
One of Houston’s dangerous neighborhoods is Sugarland. Sugarland is situated in the Houston metro area’s southwest region. There is a 6.8% unemployment rate and a median income of $42,634.
Sugarland has 126,502 residents, and there are 1,228 violent offenses for per 100,000.
Sugarland has a lot of interesting places to see, like the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center and the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences. This location is ideal for a day excursion. But it isn’t a good environment to raise children.
8. East End
The history of Houston’s East End is lengthy and illustrious; one could even argue that the city developed around this area. This region was in the epicenter of Houston politics and had a flourishing economy as early as the 19th century.
But the region isn’t the same economic powerhouse it once was. In addition to having a crime rate that is 49% higher than the national average, Houston’s East End has a violent crime rate that is 101% higher than the US national average.
7. Northwest
With crime rates 48% higher than the national average, northwest Houston is among the city’s most hazardous neighborhoods. At 131% of the US average, violent crime rates are significantly higher.
The likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 29 for people living in Northwest Houston. In general, Northwest Houston is riskier than 86% of other Texas communities.
6. Northeast
With total crime rates that are 63% higher than the national average for the United States, the Northeastern part of Houston has a serious crime problem. The violent crime rate is much more concerning, as it is 197% more than the national average.
In Northeast Houston, the odds of becoming a victim of crime are roughly 1 in 25.
Crime is still a problem in the neighborhood, which is more unsafe than 90% of Texas regions, even if there are a number of surrounding attractions, like the Brock Park Golf Club.
Read Also: Danger Update 2024: 10 Neighborhoods in Chicago which are High on Crime
5. Far North
Far North’s high crime rate and dearth of opportunity make it one of Houston’s worst neighborhoods. Near the airport, Far North is located on the I-45 freeway heading out of town.
With a median income of $30,316, the neighborhood lacks economic potential. Real estate values are low, with a typical property value of $72,540, despite the neighborhood’s high level of retail and commercial activity.
About 60,000 people live there, and there are 2,455 violent crimes for every 100,000.
4. Greenspoint
Greenpoint, nicknamed “Gunpoint” by locals, is one of the most violent areas in Houston. Situated in the southeast of Houston, the neighborhood has seen an increase in crime rates for more than ten years, despite the Houston Police Department’s best efforts to maintain peace and order.
However, many evacuees landed in the Greenspoint region after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, and crime rates began to rise once more.
Greenspoint has seen a decrease in crime, yet it remains a particularly dangerous area in Houston. Robberies are down 16%, sex assaults are down 14%, auto thefts are down 4%, and burglaries are unchanged.
Read Also: Crime Surge in the Heartland: Small Illinois Town Rises to Most Dangerous Status
3. Sharpstown
Among Houston’s most violent areas is Sharpstown. When Sharpstown first started up, it was a fairly safe neighborhood with excellent schools and a lot of entertainment options.
But after a few decades, Sharpstown degenerated into a dilapidated and criminalized neighborhood. Among people aged 25 and older, 34% do not have a high school diploma.
Compared to Houston, Sharpstown had a 35% higher average violent crime rate per year. The violent crime rate using firearms was 67% more than Houston’s.
2. MacGregor
The MacGregor neighborhood, which is situated in the Third Ward in southeast Houston, is another of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods. The region is home to a well-funded research university and stunning historic homes.
However, a lot of violent crime and theft occur in the MacGregor neighborhood, which also has a large number of low-income dwellings.
There are 78 violent crimes for every 1000 residents. The neighborhood has been listed as one of the most hazardous in the United States because of how violent it is.
Read Also: North Carolina’s Hidden Danger: The Small Town No One Expected to Lead in Crime
1. Sunnyside
Sunnyside is Houston’s most hazardous neighborhood because of its incredibly high crime rate, which has only increased recently. With 17,751 residents, Sunnyside is a sizable neighborhood south of downtown Houston.
With a crime incidence of 92 per 1,000 residents, Sunnyside residents have a 1 in 11 probability of becoming victims of criminal activity. Robbery, assaults, and, to a lesser extent, murder are among the most frequent violent crimes in the neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
Houston is a bustling metropolis with a lot to offer, but it’s crucial to know which parts of the city have higher crime rates. Residents and tourists can enjoy the city in safety by being aware of the risks and taking the appropriate safety measures.
Additionally, it’s critical to support local projects that try to improve the quality of life and lower crime rates.
The Sources: Local and Regional News Sources for Specific Towns and Property Club
