Is Carlsbad or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carlsbad is safer than Houston (Safety Score 49/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 69% lower. Carlsbad has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Carlsbad has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 20.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Carlsbad — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carlsbad, CA
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carlsbad | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,710.3 | 5,441.7 | -3,731.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 199.1 | 1,148.3 | -949.2 |
| Murder Rate | 0.9 | 13.8 | -12.9 |
| Rape Rate | 6.2 | 73.0 | -66.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 34.5 | 274.0 | -239.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 157.5 | 787.4 | -629.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,511.2 | 4,293.5 | -2,782.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 236.2 | 644.8 | -408.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,166.1 | 2,945.7 | -1,779.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 108.8 | 703.0 | -594.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlsbad or Houston safer?
Carlsbad is safer with a total crime rate of 1,710 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carlsbad has a violent crime rate of 199.1 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Carlsbad has lower violent crime.
About Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad is a coastal city in northern San Diego County, known for LEGOLAND California, which opened in 1999. Its affluent population enjoys a Mediterranean climate and seven miles of picturesque beaches. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 113,023, Carlsbad has a total crime rate of 1,710.3 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.