Is Austin or El Cajon Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Cajon is safer than Austin (Safety Score 42/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 48% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where El Cajon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 9.7x 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
El Cajon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
El Cajon, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | El Cajon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,934.6 | +1,774.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 434.4 | +33.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 26.5 | +41.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 105.9 | -20.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 302.0 | +5.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,500.3 | +1,741.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 154.0 | +291.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,083.5 | +1,114.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 262.8 | +335.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or El Cajon safer?
El Cajon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while El Cajon has 434.4. El Cajon 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 El Cajon, CA
Nestled in a valley east of San Diego, El Cajon boasts a rich history as a stop along the old wagon trails. Today, it's a diverse community with a significant Chaldean American population, reflecting its unique cultural tapestry. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 101,983, El Cajon has a total crime rate of 1,934.6 per 100,000 residents.