F
78%
Total crime NAT. AVG.
46%
Violent crime NAT. AVG.
84%
Property crime NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2022 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2023; this is the most current data available.
StatisticReportedincidents/100k peopleAustin/100k peopleTexas/100k peopleNational/100k people
Total crime39,865n/a (estimate)4,1302,7322,324
Murder69n/a7.16.76.3
Rape528n/a54.750.040.0
Robbery939n/a97.370.566.1
Assault3,679n/a381.2304.7268.2
Violent crime5,215n/a (estimate)540432370
Burglary4,816n/a498.9334.3269.8
Theft24,481n/a2,536.31,634.41,401.9
Vehicle theft5,353n/a554.6331.2282.7
Property crime34,650n/a (estimate)3,5902,3001,954

An Overview of Crime Rates in Austin, TX

Crime can be categorized into two primary types: violent and property crimes. Violent crimes encompass offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and assault, whereas property crimes involve acts like burglary, theft, and vehicle theft. The overall crime rate in Austin is 77.7% higher than the national average. Specifically, there were 5215 violent crimes reported in Austin, equivalent to 540 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national average by 46.1%. Additionally, Austin recorded 34650 property crimes, amounting to 3590 per 100,000 people, higher than the national average by 83.7%.

With a total of 4130 crimes per 100,000 people, the Austin crime rates stand at 77.7 higher than the national average. Consequently, the area grapples with one of the nation's highest total crime rates. Addressing this challenge is crucial for enhancing the safety and livability in Austin, making it a priority to reduce crime through community engagement, effective law enforcement, and collaborative efforts to secure a better future for residents and prospective residents.

With a property crime rate of 3590 crimes per 100,000 people, Austin unfortunately has the distinction of being among the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities reporting crime. The likelihood of falling victim to property crime in Austin is alarmingly high, estimated at 1 in 28, significantly surpassing the national average. This data emphasizes the city's pressing need for concerted efforts to address and reduce property crime, ensuring a safer environment for its residents.

The occurrence of vehicle thefts has been increasing nationwide, and Austin faces one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the United States. In the latest reported crime year, there were a reported 5353 vehicle thefts, translating to 555 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents. This places Austin in the bottom 10% among all cities, signifying that 90% of cities have less stolen vehicles. The likelihood of experiencing a vehicle theft is 1 in 181.

What Do the Locals Say About Crime in Austin?

AreaVibes conducted surveys inquiring about the safety perception of Austin residents. Out of the respondents (246 in total), 49% expressed a strong sense of security, believing that crime rates in Austin were low, and they felt comfortable walking alone at night. Conversely, 51% held a contrasting viewpoint, expressing concerns about safety in the area and feeling uncomfortable walking alone during the nighttime hours.

Is Austin a Safe Place to Live?

Determining whether Austin is a place to live may not always yield a simple answer, given the city's varying safety levels across different areas. Nonetheless, comprehending the city's overall crime rate can be a valuable asset. In broad terms, Austin has an overall crime rate that is 78% higher than the national average. When we take a look at crime on a daily basis, this translates into 109.22 daily occurrences, comprising 14.29 violent crimes and 94.93 property crimes. Scrutinizing these statistics provides a foundation for a more informed assessment of the suitability of Austin as a potential place to establish residency.

Has Crime in Austin Increased Since Last Year?

Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Austin crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Austin has increased by 2.3% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 4.4% and property crime has increased by 1.9%.

Austin Neighborhood Crime Rates

The Austin region comprises an array of over 60 distinct neighborhoods, each characterized by its unique crime rate influenced by factors including location and socioeconomic conditions. Typically, neighborhoods situated near the city center or downtown core exhibit higher crime rates owing to their higher population density. Conversely, neighborhoods on the city's outskirts tend to boast lower population density, along with reduced unemployment and poverty rates, contributing to a safer environment. Among the secure neighborhoods in Austin are exemplars such as Downtown, University Of Texas and Crestview, whereas Mlk, Riverside and Saint Johns grapple with an above-average reported crime rate. This underscores the necessity for thorough evaluation across multiple neighborhoods, given their notable variations in crime rates.

Potential Causes for Crime in Austin

Regions characterized by high population density frequently encompass expansive urban hubs that offer diverse economic prospects. In such areas, income inequality can be exacerbated, creating pockets of poverty alongside affluence. Economic disparities within these regions may correlate with elevated property crimes and, in certain instances, violent crimes. Conversely, areas with low population density numbers generally exhibit reduced Austin crime rates. Austin registers a population density of 3019 people per square mile, in contrast to the national average of 90.6 people per square mile.

The educational level achieved in any given city can influence crime rates significantly. Greater educational achievement is frequently associated with decreased crime rates, as it offers individuals improved job prospects and alternatives to engaging in crime related activities. Conversely, lower educational attainment rates tend to coincide with elevated crime rates. In Austin, 85.3% of residents have successfully graduated from high school, in contrast to the national average where 83% have achieved high school graduation.

In Austin, the cost of living is 6.54% higher than the national average. A substantial cost of living can burden residents, particularly those with constrained financial means. When individuals contend with steep housing expenses, grocery bills, utility costs, healthcare and essential needs that strain their budgets, they may turn to criminal activities, such as theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities characterized by a more affordable cost of living may alleviate economic pressures, which could potentially lead to decreased crime rates.

Austin crime map



The Austin crime map provides a detailed overview of all crimes in Austin as reported by the local law enforcement agencies. Based on the color coded legend above, the crime map outlines the areas with lower crime compared to the areas with higher crime. The Austin crime heat map offers insight into the total crimes on a block group level. Please note that the red areas on the Austin crime map does not always indicate that it is a dangerous area for its residents. Areas on the heat map could be inflated if they are located in high traffic areas like airports, sports centers or large parks. Other areas on the heat map could see increased crime rates if they are located in major tourist areas like the downtown core.
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      Crime Quick Facts

      • Austin crime rates are 78% higher than the national average
      • Violent crimes in Austin are 46% higher than the national average
      • In Austin you have a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim of crime
      • Austin is safer than 11% of the cities in the United States
      • Year over year crime in Austin has increased by 8%

      Austin, TX Crime Quiz

         

        Safest Places to Live in and Around Austin

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        Daily Crime In Austin (per 100,000 people)

        The number of daily crimes per 100,000 residents in Austin, Texas is displayed in the graph above. As you can see, the daily crimes for Austin are 1.51 times more than the Texas average and 1.78 times more than the national level. Daily violent crimes in Austin are 1.25 times more than than Texas and 1.46 times more than the national mean. While daily property crimes in Austin are 1.56 times more than than Texas and 1.84 times more than the national average.

        How Safe is Austin (higher is better)

        When comparing the safety of Austin to every other city in Texas, as well as the entirety of the United States, is Austin safe? The gauges above illustrate that Austin is safer than 7% of every city located within Texas along with 11% of the all the cities located in the United States. The results of these graphs are created after analyzing each of the cities in Texas and in the United States as a whole. As a result, Austin, TX is ranked below average when compared to the rest of the US cities.

        Chance of Being A Victim of Crime in Austin

        The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Austin is 1 in 186
        The chance of being a victim of property crime in Austin is 1 in 28
        The chance of being a victim of crime in Austin is 1 in 25
        How likely are you to become a victim of crime? In Austin, Texas you have a 1 in 186 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. Violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery and assault. With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 28 chance of becoming a victim. Property crimes include burglary, theft and vehicle theft. Overall, you have a 1 in 25 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Austin.

        Year Over Year Crime In Austin (per 100,000 people)

        The year over year change in crime per 100,000 people helps to understand whether crime in Austin, TX is on the rise or declining. The violent crime rate in Austin has increased by 10%, while the property crime rate in Austin has increased by 7% year over year. Summing up the numbers, Austin has increased by 8% with regards to total crimes year over year.

        Austin police department

        Item Austin Texas National
        Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians)2,25246,020558,732
        Police officers & civilians /1000 residents2.73.03.3
        There are a total of 2,252 Austin police officers. This results in 2.7 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 10.1% less than the Texas average and 16.8% less than the National average.

        Sex offenders in Texas

        State Total offenders Texas /100K National /100K
        Texas95,281443266
        There are a total of 95,281 sex offenders in Texas. This yields a total of 443 sex offenders in Texas per 100,000 residents which is 67% greater than the national average.

        Nearby Cities With Low Crime Rates

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        The Hills, TX2,39768361429
        Hudson Bend, TX2,43868361429
        Barton Creek, TX2,39582438520
        Lago Vista, TX7,21293529623
        Lost Creek, TX1,123112597710
        Shady Hollow, TX3,833112597710
        Manchaca, TX1,370116619736
        Austin, TX965,8725403,5904,130

        Cities with similar population

        City Population Violent crime/100k people Property crime/100k people Total crime/100k people
        Jacksonville, FL902,4883872,3392,726
        San Jose, CA1,029,4095272,6513,178
        Fort Worth, TX892,2215022,7403,242
        Columbus, OH889,0794503,4843,934
        San Francisco, CA874,7846966,2466,942
        Austin, TX965,8725403,5904,130
        Source: The Austin, TX crime data displayed above is derived from the FBI's uniform crime reports for the year of 2022. The crime report encompasses more than 18,000 city and state law enforcement agencies reporting data on property and violent crimes. The uniform crime reports program represents approximately 309 million American residents, which results in 98% coverage of metropolitan statistical areas.