Is Austin or Dekalb Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dekalb is safer than Austin (Safety Score 21/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,907 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 22% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dekalb has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 24.5x 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
Dekalb — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Dekalb, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Dekalb | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,907.4 | +802.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 393.0 | +74.5 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 151.7 | -84.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 34.8 | +50.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 206.4 | +100.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,514.4 | +727.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 338.2 | +106.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,124.0 | +74.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 52.2 | +546.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Dekalb safer?
Dekalb is safer with a total crime rate of 2,907 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Dekalb has 393.0. Dekalb 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 Dekalb, IL
DeKalb, Illinois, home to Northern Illinois University, is a city in DeKalb County, about 65 miles west of Chicago. It's known as the "Barb City" due to Joseph Glidden's invention of barbed wire here. The population is diverse, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 40,208, Dekalb has a total crime rate of 2,907.4 per 100,000 residents.