Is Austin or Chelmsford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Chelmsford is safer than Austin (Safety Score 65/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 66% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Chelmsford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 26.8x 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
Chelmsford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Chelmsford, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Chelmsford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,250.2 | +2,459.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 122.3 | +345.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 16.3 | +51.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 2.7 | +82.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 103.3 | +204.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,127.9 | +2,114.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 116.9 | +328.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 975.7 | +1,222.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 35.3 | +563.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Chelmsford safer?
Chelmsford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,250 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Chelmsford has 122.3. Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford, MA
Chelmsford, incorporated in 1655, is a suburban town northwest of Boston. It's home to a diverse population, with a notable East Asian community. With a safety score of 65/100 and a population coverage of 36,795, Chelmsford has a total crime rate of 1,250.2 per 100,000 residents.