Is Denton or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Denton is safer than Houston (Safety Score 42/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,949 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 64% lower. Denton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Denton has a 90% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 14.1x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Denton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Denton, TX
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Denton | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,948.8 | 5,441.7 | -3,492.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 204.2 | 1,148.3 | -944.1 |
| Murder Rate | 4.3 | 13.8 | -9.6 |
| Rape Rate | 57.7 | 73.0 | -15.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 26.1 | 274.0 | -247.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 116.1 | 787.4 | -671.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,744.6 | 4,293.5 | -2,548.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 133.1 | 644.8 | -511.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,470.5 | 2,945.7 | -1,475.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 141.0 | 703.0 | -562.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Denton or Houston safer?
Denton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,949 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 64% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Denton has a violent crime rate of 204.2 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Denton has lower violent crime.
About Denton, TX
Denton, home to two universities, is a growing city north of Dallas and Fort Worth. Its vibrant music scene, particularly its jazz heritage, is well-known. The population is diverse, with a notable student presence. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 164,565, Denton has a total crime rate of 1,948.8 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.