Is Golden or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Golden is safer than Houston (Safety Score 28/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,511 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 54% lower. Golden has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Golden has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Houston is 114.8x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Golden — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Golden, CO
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Golden | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,510.8 | 5,441.7 | -2,930.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 123.8 | 1,148.3 | -1,024.5 |
| Murder Rate | 0.0 | 13.8 | -13.8 |
| Rape Rate | 5.0 | 73.0 | -68.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 14.9 | 274.0 | -259.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 104.0 | 787.4 | -683.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,387.0 | 4,293.5 | -1,906.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 252.6 | 644.8 | -392.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,832.3 | 2,945.7 | -1,113.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 302.1 | 703.0 | -400.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Golden or Houston safer?
Golden is safer with a total crime rate of 2,511 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Golden has a violent crime rate of 123.8 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. Golden has lower violent crime.
About Golden, CO
Nestled in the foothills of the Rockies, Golden is home to Coors Brewery, a major employer since 1873. This historic city, with a population around 20,000, sits along Clear Creek, just west of Denver. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 20,193, Golden has a total crime rate of 2,510.8 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.