Is Austin or Chattanooga Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Chattanooga (Safety Score 11/100 vs 4/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 4,767 for Chattanooga — 22% lower. Austin has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Austin has a 48% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 5.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Austin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Chattanooga — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Chattanooga, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Chattanooga | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 4,766.7 | -1,057.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 824.3 | -356.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 12.7 | -6.1 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 91.1 | -23.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 93.7 | -8.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 626.3 | -319.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 3,942.4 | -700.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 379.6 | +65.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,896.3 | -698.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 666.5 | -67.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Chattanooga safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 4,767 for Chattanooga — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Chattanooga has 824.3. Austin has lower violent crime.
About Austin, TX
Austin, the "Live Music Capital of the World," is a rapidly growing city in Central Texas. Situated on the Colorado River, it's the state capital and home to a diverse population, including many young professionals drawn to its tech industry. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 984,613, Austin has a total crime rate of 3,709.4 per 100,000 residents.
About Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga, nestled along the Tennessee River with Lookout Mountain forming part of its scenic backdrop, was a pivotal Civil War battleground. This mid-sized city boasts a diverse population exceeding 180,000 residents in its metropolitan area. With a safety score of 4/100 and a population coverage of 188,894, Chattanooga has a total crime rate of 4,766.7 per 100,000 residents.