Houston, Texas is a vast city with a population exceeding 2.3 million residents. It is renowned for its multiculturalism, thriving economy, and the presence of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. However, not everything is idyllic in this metropolis.
Houston has gained a reputation as one of the United States’ most perilous cities, experiencing elevated levels of both violent and property crimes. In this article, we will examine five neighborhoods in Houston that have been identified as particularly dangerous, relying on crime statistics and rankings from diverse sources.
Clinton Drive & Waco Street
The area where Clinton Drive and Waco Street intersect in Houston’s Fifth Ward has a reputation for being a dangerous place to live or visit. The public schools in this area, which belong to the Houston Independent School District, are also known to face significant challenges.
According to NeighborhoodScout, the violent crime rate in this area is 116 per 1,000 residents, which is 25 times higher than the national average. Additionally, the property crime rate is alarmingly high at 117 per 1,000 residents. The poverty rate in this neighborhood stands at 41%, with a median household income of only $21,000.
Also Read:
Far North
The Far North neighborhood in Houston is situated close to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport and spans a considerable area, encompassing multiple subdivisions. According to NeighborhoodScout, this neighborhood has a high incidence of violent crime, with a rate of 91 per 1,000 residents, as well as a property crime rate of 109 per 1,000 residents.
The most frequently occurring crimes in this area include robbery, assault, burglary, and theft. In terms of socioeconomic indicators, the Far North neighborhood has a poverty rate of 23% and a median household income of $38,000.
Also Read:
Sunnyside
Sunnyside, located in south central Houston and bordered by Loop 610 and Highway 288, is a historically African American neighborhood. It has been consistently identified as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country by reputable sources such as Forbes and NeighborhoodScout.
The rate of violent crime in Sunnyside is reported to be 91 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the rate of property crime is 101 incidents per 1,000 residents. The primary types of crimes in the area include murder, rape, robbery, and arson. Sunnyside also experiences a poverty rate of 29% and has a median household income of $27,000.
Also Read:
MacGregor
MacGregor is a neighborhood located in southeast Houston, close to the Texas Medical Center and the University of Houston. According to NeighborhoodScout, MacGregor has a high rate of violent crime, with 85 incidents per 1,000 residents, as well as a property crime rate of 96 incidents per 1,000 residents.
The most frequently reported crimes in this area include assault, burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft. Additionally, MacGregor has a poverty rate of 35% and a median household income of $28,000.
Also Read:
Sharpstown
Sharpstown is a sizable community located in the southwestern area of Houston. It is surrounded by Beltway 8 and Highway 59. According to NeighborhoodScout, Sharpstown has a relatively high rate of violent crime, with 76 incidents per 1,000 residents, as well as a property crime rate of 94 incidents per 1,000 residents.
The most commonly reported crimes in this neighborhood are robbery, assault, burglary, and theft. Sharpstown also has a poverty rate of 24% and a median household income of $37,000.
Conclusion
Houston is a lively and diverse city offering numerous attractions and opportunities. However, it also faces challenges in certain neighborhoods, where crime and poverty are prevalent.
These five areas in Houston are particularly dangerous, and it is advisable for both visitors and residents to exercise caution or avoid them altogether.
Although there are ongoing initiatives to rejuvenate and enhance these neighborhoods, they still have a significant journey ahead to achieve safety and livability.