Is Columbus or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbus is safer than Houston (Safety Score 22/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,844 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 48% lower. Columbus has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Columbus has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 11.5x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Columbus — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Columbus, GA
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Columbus | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,843.9 | 5,441.7 | -2,597.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 608.3 | 1,148.3 | -540.0 |
| Murder Rate | 12.9 | 13.8 | -0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 25.4 | 73.0 | -47.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 50.7 | 274.0 | -223.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 514.8 | 787.4 | -272.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,235.6 | 4,293.5 | -2,057.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 353.6 | 644.8 | -291.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,635.8 | 2,945.7 | -1,309.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 246.2 | 703.0 | -456.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus or Houston safer?
Columbus is safer with a total crime rate of 2,844 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Columbus has a violent crime rate of 608.3 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Columbus has lower violent crime.
About Columbus, GA
Columbus, Georgia, a city on the Chattahoochee River, is home to Fort Moore, a major US Army installation. Its population of over 200,000 residents enjoys a vibrant arts scene and a rich industrial heritage. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 201,061, Columbus has a total crime rate of 2,843.9 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.