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United States · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Houston scores 63/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Houston is a large US city where normal security precautions are advised for travelers. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
United States · Assessed 13 October 2026
63
/ 100
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
No advisory against travel
“This travel advice also covers American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and United States Virgin Islands. Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe.”
Updated 2026-10-07T10:48:24Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for United States: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-10-10T19:41:02.6992267-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWorry about mugging or robbery is a significant concern for residents, and violent crime is seen as a local problem.
Pickpocketing
ModerateProperty crime is considered a local problem, and vigilance is advised in crowded areas.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly Negative
57/100
Residents report feeling unsafe walking alone at night and express significant worry about mugging and robbery. Property crime and drug dealing are also seen as considerable local issues.
Houston is a large US city where normal security precautions are advised for travelers.
While official advisories indicate normal precautions, Houston has a higher crime rate than many developed nations. Travelers should be aware of both violent and property crime risks, particularly in certain areas or at night.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
Houston presents a mixed safety picture for travelers. While official advisories from Canada and the UK suggest exercising normal security precautions, local sentiment and crime statistics indicate a need for heightened awareness. Residents report feeling significantly unsafe walking alone at night and express considerable worry about mugging and robbery.
Recent reports from August 2026 noted a decrease in violent crime during the first half of the year, according to the Houston Chronicle. However, property crime and drug dealing are still viewed as significant local problems by residents. Incidents involving gang members and law enforcement actions, such as ICE arrests and a fatal shooting in July 2026 that led to protests, highlight ongoing security concerns in the city.
Travelers should remain vigilant, especially after dark, and avoid poorly lit or less populated areas. Keeping valuables secure and out of sight is advisable, and using reputable transportation services can mitigate risks. Be aware of potential scams, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, and stay informed about any public health notices, such as those previously issued regarding Ebola screening at airports.
Was this Houston, United States report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Our field research rated 6 Houston districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution. See them plotted on the Houston safety map.
DowntowncautionHigh foot traffic can attract pickpockets; be aware of surroundings, especially at night.
MidtowncautionPopular nightlife area, can experience increased petty crime and requires vigilance after dark.
Galveston (nearby island)cautionCoastal area, can experience higher rates of petty theft, particularly in tourist zones.
Museum DistrictsaferGenerally safe with good lighting and police presence, but maintain awareness of personal belongings.
MontrosesaferKnown for its vibrant atmosphere, generally safe but exercise standard precautions, especially after dark.
The HeightssaferA historic and residential area, considered safe for visitors.
07 · After Dark
60% of people in United States say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2023).
Worry about mugging or robbery is a significant concern for residents, and violent crime is seen as a local problem.
After dark, be most careful around Downtown, Midtown, Galveston (nearby island). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Houston is a large US city where normal security precautions are advised for travelers. While official advisories indicate normal precautions, Houston has a higher crime rate than many developed nations. Travelers should be aware of both violent and property crime risks, particularly in certain areas or at night. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Safety is not one number, and this Houston report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Certain areas south of Downtown and east of Midtown have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially after dark.. See the district-by-district safety map.
Houston ranks #9 of 9 United States destinations we've assessed, scoring 63/100. See the United States safety overview for the full list.
The score blends 13+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight (and U.S. reports lean more on the latest field research); the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: houston.json (CC BY 4.0).
