Is Bristol or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Bristol is safer than Houston (Safety Score 99/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 243 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 96% lower. Bristol has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Bristol has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 104.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Bristol — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Bristol, RI
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Bristol | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 242.6 | 5,441.7 | -5,199.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 27.0 | 1,148.3 | -1,121.3 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.8 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 4.5 | 73.0 | -68.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 0.0 | 274.0 | -274.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 22.5 | 787.4 | -764.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 215.6 | 4,293.5 | -4,077.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 13.5 | 644.8 | -631.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 179.7 | 2,945.7 | -2,766.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 22.5 | 703.0 | -680.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bristol or Houston safer?
Bristol is safer with a total crime rate of 243 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 96% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Bristol has a violent crime rate of 27.0 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Bristol has lower violent crime.
About Bristol, RI
Bristol, Rhode Island, a charming coastal town, boasts a rich maritime history, home to the oldest continuously celebrated Fourth of July parade. Situated on a peninsula, it offers picturesque waterfront views and a population of around 22,000. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 22,262, Bristol has a total crime rate of 242.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Houston, TX
Houston, the "Space City," is a sprawling metropolis in Southeast Texas, home to NASA's Johnson Space Center. Its diverse population makes it one of the most multicultural cities in the U.S., with significant Hispanic and Asian communities. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 2,319,160, Houston has a total crime rate of 5,441.7 per 100,000 residents.