Austin, TX Crime Rates

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.

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