10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Houston (2024 Crime Report)

Published June 17, 2025 by TNJ Staff
Travel
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The importance of safety in the locality and our homes can be understood when you lock your house before going somewhere, or when you lock your house when you get to sleep at night. Every person’s basic needs are food, shelter, and clothing, but when you don’t feel safe at your shelter, how are your basic needs being fulfilled? You will end up feeling restless now and then, in fear of something bad happening. Such is a situation in the neighborhood of Houston where crime rates have spiked high in the sky.

The 10 Most Dangerous Neighbourhoods in Houston 

As per the 2024 survey, the overall crimes happening in areas of Houston were 5723 crimes per 100,000 people who became the prey of unwanted crimes. Nobody wants to face such situations where they have to become a case number in the files of the Police Department. 

To protect you from being a part of this number, we have formulated a list of the 10 most dangerous neighborhoods in Houston where you should never set foot for settlement. 

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1. Sunnyside

Despite the high crime rates so high, Sunnyside is considered the second most dangerous neighborhood in the US. Moreover, the highest crime recorded is homicidal murders, which happen frequently every month. Other than homicidal murders, this area also has a reputation for violent crimes, rapes, and drug dealing within the city. When the area is the second most dangerous neighborhood in the US, then how can you not expect it to be second in the prison rate too? The prison rate in Sunnyside is 33 new prisoners per 1000 people, which shows the condition of the city. Therefore, it is safe to say that you must not settle in this area if you value your life.

2. MacGregor

MacGregor is widely known not for its tourism, education, or beautiful streets, but for its high rate of Homicides. This is the reason why you wouldn’t dare to set foot on an empty street, as it could happen to you. On a scale, the average homicide rate in the US is considered to be 4, but in MacGregor, it is 6, which tells you how safe this area is. Several other crimes are reported in the area, including weaponry, robbery, vandalism, and sexual assault, which is another reason why this area is not livable. The high crime rates are also because of the increased number of low-income groups in the area, which makes it prone to frequent robbery. In addition, the education provided in the schools is not close to average, which makes people less aware of right and wrong. 

3. South Park

Wondering what made this area enter the list of the most dangerous neighborhoods of Houston? The reason for its entrance on this list is its crime rates, which never seem to get lower. Moreover, the highest crime in this area is gang violence, which has made it highly unsafe to walk on the streets without tension. Other than this, many other crimes take place in the area, including night shootings, fights, and drug dealing, which is the reason for the crime score reaching 7. This crime score is much higher than the average crime score permissible in the US. 

4. Alief

This town is not a place to roam alone in a secluded place. The more you stay in the crowd, the more protected you’ll feel. Moreover, this town has a crime rate of 92 crimes per 1000 residents which you can use to estimate the vulnerability. It is mainly badmouthed for its violent crimes in the town but is also prevalently known for shootings, homicides, etc. 

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5. Sharpstown

This town is known for its violent gun crimes, and thus, it enters the list of one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Houston. Other than that, it is also reputed for its violent car thefts, which will make you think twice before stepping out of your house. Moreover, the town is also home to a moderate risk of vandalism and property crimes, which you must not have even thought of in your daydreams. 

6. Greater Third Ward

To be very honest, this neighborhood is utterly tired of the frequent gunshots they have to bear now and then. However, that is not it; it has a reputation for constant shootings, assaults, robbery, and drug dealing crimes. Even after many efforts by the Houston Police Department, significant change is observed in the crime rates of the Greater Third Ward. 

7. East End

This neighborhood is rated high in the violent crime rates in the US, i.e. violent crime rates being 101% higher than the National Average and also includes crimes like assaults, robbery, rape, and murder. All these points are enough to state this area as one of the most unsafe and dangerous neighborhoods in Houston. 

8. Greenspoint

This neighborhood is also known for violent crimes, along with cases of car theft, burglaries, and property crimes. The main reason for high crime rates in this area is poverty and limited resources, due to which lower-income groups are compelled to be involved in crimes. Moreover, many times, cases like assaults and domestic violence are also reported to police in this area. 

9. Pasadena

The C of Crime is capitalized for a reason here. As pleasant as the name of this neighborhood sounds, the more alarming are the crimes here. It is observed that this area reports a new crime every 1 and a half hours, which shows how unsafe it is here. Moreover, the crime rate here is 36.57 out of 1000 residents, which screams at you to stay as far as possible from here. 

10. Greater Fifth Ward

It is also known as ‘Bloody Fifth’ because of the disturbing crime scenes that have flashed in the national news as well. The main reason is the presence of a low-income group, which makes it a high-crime ‘red’ area. It is known for its high crime rates in property crimes, violent crimes, and vandalism. 

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Conclusion

So, we have gone through the most unsafe and dangerous neighborhoods of Houston and why you should avoid moving in here. The high crime rates have made it evident that you can not stay in these places without getting into depression. 

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TNJ Staff

TNJ Staff is a team of experienced writers and editors dedicated to delivering insightful and engaging content across various topics. With expertise in research-driven journalism, TNJ Staff ensures accuracy, clarity, and value in every piece they publish.