Is Austin or Columbia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Columbia is safer than Austin (Safety Score 25/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,667 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 28% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Columbia has a 53% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 7.6x 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
Columbia — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Columbia, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Columbia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,666.6 | +1,042.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 349.1 | +118.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 10.0 | -3.4 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 38.4 | +29.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 39.9 | +45.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 259.3 | +47.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,317.5 | +924.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 332.9 | +112.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,605.6 | +592.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 379.0 | +219.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Columbia safer?
Columbia is safer with a total crime rate of 2,667 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Columbia has 349.1. Columbia 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 Columbia, MO
Columbia, home to the University of Missouri, is a vibrant college town in central Missouri's Boone County. Its "District" area features historic buildings and local businesses, reflecting its growth as a regional hub. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 130,354, Columbia has a total crime rate of 2,666.6 per 100,000 residents.