Is Colton or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Colton is safer than Houston (Safety Score 28/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,498 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 54% lower. Colton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Colton has a 66% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 43.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Colton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Colton, CA
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Colton | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,498.5 | 5,441.7 | -2,943.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 393.2 | 1,148.3 | -755.1 |
| Murder Rate | 5.6 | 13.8 | -8.2 |
| Rape Rate | 22.6 | 73.0 | -50.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 105.4 | 274.0 | -168.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 259.6 | 787.4 | -527.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,105.2 | 4,293.5 | -2,188.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 301.0 | 644.8 | -343.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,418.6 | 2,945.7 | -1,527.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 385.7 | 703.0 | -317.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Colton or Houston safer?
Colton is safer with a total crime rate of 2,498 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Colton has a violent crime rate of 393.2 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Colton has lower violent crime.
About Colton, CA
Colton, California, a historic railroad town, lies in the Inland Empire. It's home to the oldest operating McDonald's restaurant, a landmark reflecting its mid-20th century growth. The city is primarily a working-class community with a diverse population. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 53,153, Colton has a total crime rate of 2,498.5 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.