Is Carrboro or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Carrboro is safer than Houston (Safety Score 37/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,110 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 61% lower. Carrboro has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Carrboro has a 93% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 110.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Carrboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Carrboro, NC
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Carrboro | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,109.8 | 5,441.7 | -3,332.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 180.6 | 1,148.3 | -967.7 |
| Murder Rate | 4.8 | 13.8 | -9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 23.8 | 73.0 | -49.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 19.0 | 274.0 | -255.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 133.1 | 787.4 | -654.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,929.2 | 4,293.5 | -2,364.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 285.1 | 644.8 | -359.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,387.5 | 2,945.7 | -1,558.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 256.6 | 703.0 | -446.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrboro or Houston safer?
Carrboro is safer with a total crime rate of 2,110 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Carrboro has a violent crime rate of 180.6 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Carrboro has lower violent crime.
About Carrboro, NC
Carrboro, a small town in Orange County adjacent to Chapel Hill, is historically a mill town known for its progressive politics and vibrant arts scene. Its population is notably diverse, with a significant student presence from UNC. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 21,045, Carrboro has a total crime rate of 2,109.8 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.