Is Cookeville or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Cookeville is safer than Houston (Safety Score 42/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,957 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 64% lower. Cookeville has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Cookeville has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 62.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Cookeville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Cookeville, TN
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Cookeville | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,957.2 | 5,441.7 | -3,484.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 295.3 | 1,148.3 | -852.9 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.8 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 56.4 | 73.0 | -16.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 8.1 | 274.0 | -266.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 228.2 | 787.4 | -559.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,661.8 | 4,293.5 | -2,631.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 171.8 | 644.8 | -472.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,353.1 | 2,945.7 | -1,592.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 136.9 | 703.0 | -566.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cookeville or Houston safer?
Cookeville is safer with a total crime rate of 1,957 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Cookeville has a violent crime rate of 295.3 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Cookeville has lower violent crime.
About Cookeville, TN
Cookeville, Tennessee, home to Tennessee Tech University, sits on the Highland Rim. Its population of around 35,000 residents enjoys a vibrant community with historic downtown and numerous outdoor attractions. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 37,248, Cookeville has a total crime rate of 1,957.2 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.