If you’re planning to move to Houston, it’s important to ensure that you choose a safe neighborhood to live in. Although Houston is generally considered a great place to live, it’s undeniable that there are certain areas that can be dangerous. In this article, we will highlight some of Houston’s most violent neighborhoods to help you make an informed decision when choosing where to live.
Is Houston Dangerous?
In recent years, crime in Houston has been on the rise, although the city itself is not considered particularly dangerous. Compared to other major cities, Houston’s crime rate is 126% higher than the national average. However, the main issue lies in the uptick in violent crime since 2020.
Based on crime statistics from 2021 and 2022, there are certain neighborhoods in Houston that are considered the worst in terms of safety. Although Houston has many areas that are relatively safe, these neighborhoods have a higher crime rate than others.
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Houston
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- Sunnyside
- MacGregor
- Sharpstown
- Greenspoint
- Far North
- Northeast
- Northwest
- East End
- Sugarland
- Pasadena
Sunnyside
Located South of downtown Houston, Sunnyside has earned the reputation of being the most dangerous neighborhood in the city. Unfortunately, the crime rate in Sunnyside has been on the rise in recent years, which has caused great concern among the residents. With a population of 17,751, the neighborhood has a crime rate of 91 per 1,000 people, which means that the chances of being a victim of a crime are 1 in 11. Regrettably, violent crimes such as robbery and assault are prevalent in Sunnyside, while murder occurs to a lesser degree.
MacGregor
The MacGregor neighborhood, situated in southeast Houston’s Third Ward, is known to be one of the most perilous areas in Houston. Despite being home to beautiful old mansions and a well-funded research university, the neighborhood comprises of many low-income apartments where violent crime and theft are rampant. Shockingly, the violent crime rate in this area is 76 per 1000 residents, which is alarmingly high. In fact, the MacGregor neighborhood has been ranked as one of the most dangerous areas in the United States.
In the Houston School District, public schools have received low ratings, indicating a significant need for improvement.
Sharpstown
In the mid-1950s, Frank Sharp developed Sharpstown as a community suitable for families. It quickly grew and became known for its entertainment options and safety, along with good schools. However, over the course of a few decades, the area deteriorated and became plagued by crime. Currently, more than a third of the population aged 25 and over have not graduated from high school. Moreover, the annual average violent crime rate in Sharpstown is 34% higher than that of Houston, with firearm-related violent crime being 65% higher than the rate in Houston.
Greenspoint
Residents of Greenpoint, a neighborhood located in the southeast of Houston, often refer to it as “Gunpoint” due to its high levels of violence. Despite efforts by the Houston Police Department to establish law and order, crime rates have continued to rise for over a decade. In the 1990s, the city converted low-income apartments into higher-end family housing, resulting in a decrease in crime. However, after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, many evacuees settled in the Greenspoint area, leading to a resurgence of crime. Currently, efforts are underway to clean up apartment complexes and revitalize the area, which has resulted in some improvements. While Greenspoint remains a dangerous part of Houston, there has been a reduction in crime, with auto thefts down 4%, robberies down 16%, sex assaults down 14%, and burglaries remaining flat.
Far North
Far North is considered one of the most unsafe areas in Houston, primarily because of its high crime rate and lack of opportunities. It is situated along the i-45 highway, leading out of the city, near the airport. The locality doesn’t present many economic prospects and has a median income of $30,316. Despite having a considerable amount of retail and commercial activity, the real estate prices in the area are relatively low. The median home value stands at $72,540. The neighborhood has a population of around 60,000, and the violent crime rate is 2,455 per 100,000 people.
Northeast
Crime rates in the Northeastern area of Houston are a major concern, with rates 63% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is even more alarming, being 197% higher than the national average.
The likelihood of falling prey to crime in Northeast Houston is approximately 1 in 25 for its residents.
The Brock Park Golf Club may be a popular nearby destination, but unfortunately, the neighborhood surrounding it is still grappling with crime. In fact, statistics show that the area is more dangerous than 90% of other neighborhoods in Texas.
Northwest
The crime rates in Northwest Houston are significantly higher compared to the national average. In fact, the area is considered one of the most dangerous in the city, with an alarming 48% increase in crime rates. The situation becomes even more concerning when it comes to violent crimes, which are at a staggering 131% of the US average. To put this into perspective, residents in Northwest Houston face a 1 in 29 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.
Compared to other neighborhoods in Texas, Northwest Houston is considered more dangerous, with a rating higher than 86%.
East End
The neighborhood of Houston’s East End has a rich and fascinating past, with the city itself growing around it. Once a thriving area with a booming economy and a central hub for Houston’s politics in the 19th century, it has since lost its economic dominance. Unfortunately, the East End now has a crime rate that surpasses the national average by 49%, and the incidence of violent crime is a staggering 101% higher than the US national average.
Located in the southwestern part of the Houston metro area, Sugarland is known to be one of the most perilous areas in Houston.
Sugarland
Sugarland has a median income of $42,634 and an unemployment rate of 6.8%. The population in this area is 126,502, and there are 1,228 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Sugarland offers many exciting places to visit, such as the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences and Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. However, it may not be the best place to raise children.
Located southeast of central Houston and touching the bay, Pasadena is a neighborhood that boasts of waterfront attractions like the Bay Area Museum and the Armand Bayou Nature Center. Despite having only a 5% unemployment rate and a median income of $64,381, Pasadena has a high crime rate. The chances of a person becoming a victim of violent crime in this neighborhood are 1 in 175. With a rate of 6 per 1,000 inhabitants, crimes such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder are prevalent in the area.
