To learn whether perceptions of personal danger in urban settings might be more closely related to crime rates or to population density, Toronto (four times greater crime rate) and Hong Kong (four times denser) were compared. Former residents are queried on numerous crime and security aspects of their urban experience. Toronto residents reported significantly more personal memories of crime, yet felt significantly safer than Hong Kong residents. In a present, shared environment, the two groups felt equally safe. Present evidence suggests crowding may be more associated with fears for personal safety than with crime rates, although more research is necessary.