Houston is one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing cities in the U.S., but like any major urban center, it has areas with higher crime rates. If you’re relocating or simply visiting, knowing the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Houston can help you stay informed and safe. This 2025 guide is based on recent crime data, public safety reports, and local insights.
Table of Contents
🔎 Key Takeaways
- The Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Houston are identified based on violent crime rates, property crimes, and community reports.
- Areas with high poverty, gang activity, and underfunded public services tend to have higher crime.
- Data sources include FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), Houston Police Department statistics, and NeighborhoodScout crime indexes.
🔹 Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Houston
1. Sunnyside
Crime Level: Extremely High
Sunnyside consistently ranks among the Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Houston due to high rates of aggravated assaults, robberies, and homicides.
2. Greenspoint (aka “Gunspoint”)
Crime Level: Very High
Nicknamed for its frequent violent incidents, Greenspoint has high levels of gang-related crime, carjackings, and drug trafficking.
3. Sharpstown
Crime Level: High
This neighborhood faces challenges with burglary, vehicle theft, and occasional shootings.
4. South Park
Crime Level: High
With limited access to social services and education, South Park struggles with high violent crime and narcotics-related incidents.
5. Fifth Ward
Crime Level: High
One of Houston’s historic neighborhoods, the Fifth Ward has long faced systemic poverty and crime, especially armed robberies.
6. Alief
Crime Level: Moderate to High
Although diverse and densely populated, parts of Alief see frequent domestic violence calls, drug arrests, and theft.
7. East End
Crime Level: Moderate
Known for industrial zones, East End experiences high property crimes and illegal dumping, especially in under-policed blocks.
8. Third Ward
Crime Level: Moderate to High
This gentrifying area still sees crime hotspots—mainly burglary and gun violence in older sectors.
9. Gulfton
Crime Level: Moderate
Gulfton has high-density housing and limited infrastructure, contributing to rising property and drug-related crimes.
10. Northside/Northline
Crime Level: High
Gang activity and family-related violence are common, along with robberies and occasional shootings.
📊 Crime Data Comparison Table
| Neighborhood | Crime Level | Notable Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Sunnyside | Extremely High | Assaults, Robbery, Homicide |
| Greenspoint | Very High | Gang activity, Carjackings |
| Sharpstown | High | Burglary, Auto Theft |
| South Park | High | Drug Crimes, Assault |
| Fifth Ward | High | Armed Robbery, Poverty |
| Alief | Moderate-High | Domestic Violence, Drug Offenses |
| East End | Moderate | Theft, Poor Infrastructure |
| Third Ward | Moderate-High | Burglaries, Gun Crime |
| Gulfton | Moderate | Street Crimes, Drugs |
| Northside | High | Robbery, Gangs |
🕵️♂️ Why Are These Houston Neighborhoods So Dangerous?
- High unemployment and poverty rates
- Presence of gangs and drug trafficking
- Underfunded public safety initiatives
- Lack of access to quality education and healthcare
While some of these areas are improving thanks to local initiatives, many residents still report feeling unsafe due to frequent police reports and neighborhood-level crimes.
If you’re considering moving to Houston, CrimeGrade.org’s Houston crime maps offer a visual look at danger zones you may want to avoid.
🏡 Tips for Staying Safe in Houston
- Use real-time apps like Citizen or Nextdoor for neighborhood alerts.
- Research local crime heatmaps before signing leases or visiting.
- Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas.
- If relocating, work with a real estate agent who understands safe zones.
Also, consider reading this in-depth guide from NeighborhoodScout on Houston crime statistics for a more analytical view.
📖 FAQ: Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Houston
What is the most dangerous neighborhood in Houston?
Sunnyside is often considered the most dangerous neighborhood due to its high rates of violent crime and homicides.
Is Greenspoint still unsafe in 2025?
Yes, Greenspoint (“Gunspoint”) remains a high-crime area with persistent issues like gang activity and drug trafficking.
Are there safe places to live near these high-crime areas?
Yes, nearby neighborhoods like The Heights, Midtown, and West University Place offer much safer living conditions.
Has crime in Houston increased recently?
According to Houston PD’s 2025 Crime Report, some categories like auto theft and robbery have increased in specific districts.
Can crime rates in these neighborhoods improve?
Yes, many local organizations and city initiatives are focused on improving safety, infrastructure, and access to resources in these areas.
