Central City Neighborhood, Houston
Last updated: May 7, 2026
Crime Rate & Statistics
Below-average safety — crime is somewhat above average
Summary: Central City, Houston Crime Rate (2026)
Central City in Houston, TX has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 157, which is 57% above the national average.
Data source: FBI UCR & local law enforcement data. Last updated: May 7, 2026.
Safety at a Glance
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in Houston
Is Central City Safe?
Not really — crime is above the national average. Central City in Houston, TX has a safety grade of C-. The overall crime index is 157, which is 57% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Houston average (crime index 109), Central City is 48% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, robbery is the most elevated concern (index: 194, 94% above average), while rape is the lowest risk (index: 93).
Central City Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Houston city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
181 | +81% | High | |
|
Assault
|
171 | +71% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Rape
|
93 | -7% | Average | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
167 | +67% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
193 | +93% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
180 | +80% | High | |
How Central City Compares
Crime index by category: Central City vs Houston average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central City Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central City Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central City, Houston?
Central City in Houston, TX has a crime safety grade of C- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 157, which is 57% above the national average. Compared to the Houston average, crime in Central City is 48% higher.
Is Central City a safe neighborhood in Houston?
Central City has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C-. Residents should take standard precautions. The highest concern is Robbery (index: 194), while Rape is the lowest risk (index: 93).
How does Central City compare to the rest of Houston?
Central City's overall crime index is 157, compared to the Houston average of 109. This means crime in Central City is 48% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 160, and for property crime it is 180. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Central City?
The most prevalent crime type in Central City is Robbery, with a crime index of 194 (94% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Central City?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Medical Center Area, Museum Park and University Place. These areas are close to Central City and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central City?
Central City has a population of approximately 103. The median household income is $70,609. The median home value is $477,360. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central City crime compare to the national average?
Central City's overall crime rate is 57% above the national average (index 157 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated May 2026.