Central Southwest Neighborhood, Houston

Crime Rate & Statistics

B+

Above-average safety — lower crime than most neighborhoods

Safer than 48% of neighborhoods in Houston

Safety at a Glance

Overall Crime Low

Low 72 / 300 High

Violent Crime 95

5% below national avg

Property Crime 96

4% below national avg

City Ranking

48%

safer than other

Houston neighborhoods

Check a specific address

in Houston

Is Central Southwest Safe?

Yes — this neighborhood is safer than most. Central Southwest in Houston, TX has a safety grade of B+. The overall crime index is 72, which is 28% below the national average of 100. Central Southwest is safer than 48% of neighborhoods in Houston.

Compared to the Houston average (crime index 109), Central Southwest is 37% lower in overall crime. This neighborhood is significantly safer than Houston as a whole, making it an attractive option for safety-conscious residents.

Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 121, 21% above average), while assault is the lowest risk (index: 69).

Highest Risk

Rape · Index 121 (21% above avg)

Lowest Risk

Assault · Index 69 (31% below avg)

Central Southwest Crime Breakdown

Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Houston city average. Higher values mean more crime.

Crime Type	Index	vs National	vs Houston	Risk Level
Violent Crime
Murder	73	-27%	-33%	Low
Assault	69	-31%	-40%	Low
Robbery	118	+18%	+3%	Moderate
Rape	121	+21%	N/A	Moderate
Property Crime
Burglary	97	-3%	-14%	Average
Larceny / Theft	90	-10%	-27%	Average
Vehicle Theft	101	+1%	-14%	Moderate

How Central Southwest Compares

Crime index by category: Central Southwest vs Houston average vs national average.

Crime by Category

Overall Crime Comparison

Central Southwest Crime Map

Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.

Full Screen Map

Crime Level: Low Below Avg Average Above Avg High

See the crime score for a specific address

Central Southwest Demographics & Context

Population

70,758

Median Income

$61,624

Home Value

$204,230

Median Age

Pop. Density

2,983/mi²

Education

Bachelor's Degree 11.5%

Graduate Degree 5.5%

Housing

65%

35%

Owner-occupied Renter-occupied

Racial Demographics

White 27.6%

Black 47.2%

Hispanic 51.6%

Asian 2.6%

Nearby Neighborhoods

Willow Meadows / Willowbend Area Index: 123

B+

Westbury Index: 104

B+

South Main Index: 172

D-

Meyerland Area Index: 77

A-

Braeswood Index: 112

B+

Fondren Gardens Index: 107

B+

Astrodome Area Index: 162

C-

Sunnyside Index: 160

D+

Central Southwest Crime Map

Interactive crime heatmap for this neighborhood

Houston Crime Statistics

View all Houston neighborhoods & city-wide data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the crime rate in Central Southwest, Houston?

Central Southwest in Houston, TX has a crime safety grade of B+ as of 2026. The overall crime index is 72, which is 28% below the national average. Compared to the Houston average, crime in Central Southwest is 37% lower. Central Southwest is safer than 48% of neighborhoods in Houston.

Is Central Southwest a safe neighborhood in Houston?

Central Southwest is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Houston, earning a crime grade of B+. The highest concern is Rape (index: 121), while Assault is the lowest risk (index: 69).

How does Central Southwest compare to the rest of Houston?

Central Southwest's overall crime index is 72, compared to the Houston average of 109. This means crime in Central Southwest is 37% lower than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 95, and for property crime it is 96. 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 Southwest?

The most prevalent crime type in Central Southwest is Rape, with a crime index of 121 (21% 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 Southwest?

Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Willow Meadows / Willowbend Area, Westbury, Meyerland Area and Braeswood. These areas are close to Central Southwest and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.

What are the demographics of Central Southwest?

Central Southwest has a population of approximately 70,758. The median household income is $61,624. The median home value is $204,230. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.

How does Central Southwest crime compare to the national average?

Central Southwest's overall crime rate is 28% below the national average (index 72 vs 100). Within Houston, it is safer than 48% of neighborhoods. 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 April 2026.