Is Austin or Chicago Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Chicago (Safety Score 11/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Chicago — 8% lower. Austin has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Austin has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Chicago is 2.7x 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
Chicago — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Chicago, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Chicago | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 4,012.2 | -302.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 539.9 | -72.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 17.5 | -10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 58.8 | +8.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 335.3 | -249.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 128.3 | +178.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 3,472.4 | -230.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 294.8 | +150.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,318.8 | -120.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 858.9 | -260.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Chicago safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 4,012 for Chicago — a 8% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Chicago has 539.9. 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 Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois, a major Midwest hub and birthplace of the skyscraper, sits on Lake Michigan's shores. Its diverse population of over 2.7 million people contributes to its vibrant arts and culture scene. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 2,638,698, Chicago has a total crime rate of 4,012.2 per 100,000 residents.