Is Austin or Des Plaines Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Des Plaines is safer than Austin (Safety Score 64/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,260 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 Des Plaines has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 17.2x 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
Des Plaines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Des Plaines, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Des Plaines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,260.1 | +2,449.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 120.6 | +346.9 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 19.2 | +48.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 24.5 | +60.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 76.9 | +230.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,139.5 | +2,102.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 417.7 | +27.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 601.2 | +1,596.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 120.6 | +478.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Des Plaines safer?
Des Plaines is safer with a total crime rate of 1,260 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 Des Plaines has 120.6. Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines, IL
Des Plaines, home to the first McDonald's restaurant, sits along the Des Plaines River in Cook County. This suburban city, with a population around 58,000, is a diverse community northwest of Chicago. With a safety score of 64/100 and a population coverage of 57,218, Des Plaines has a total crime rate of 1,260.1 per 100,000 residents.