Is Chelmsford or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chelmsford is safer than Houston (Safety Score 65/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 77% lower. Chelmsford has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chelmsford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 63.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Chelmsford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chelmsford, MA
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Chelmsford | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,250.2 | 5,441.7 | -4,191.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 122.3 | 1,148.3 | -1,026.0 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.8 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 16.3 | 73.0 | -56.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 2.7 | 274.0 | -271.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 103.3 | 787.4 | -684.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,127.9 | 4,293.5 | -3,165.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 116.9 | 644.8 | -527.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 975.7 | 2,945.7 | -1,970.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 35.3 | 703.0 | -667.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chelmsford or Houston safer?
Chelmsford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 77% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Chelmsford has a violent crime rate of 122.3 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Chelmsford has lower violent crime.
About Chelmsford, MA
Chelmsford, incorporated in 1655, is a suburban town northwest of Boston. It's home to a diverse population, with a notable East Asian community. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 36,795, Chelmsford has a total crime rate of 1,250.2 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.