Is Austin or El Paso Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Paso is safer than Austin (Safety Score 47/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 52% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where El Paso has a 57% lower rate.
Austin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
El Paso — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
El Paso, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | El Paso | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,773.0 | +1,936.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 279.0 | +188.5 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 3.0 | +3.7 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 0.6 | +67.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 37.1 | +48.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 237.8 | +69.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,494.0 | +1,747.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 140.2 | +304.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,072.4 | +1,125.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 281.4 | +317.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or El Paso safer?
El Paso is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while El Paso has 279.0. El Paso 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 Paso, TX
Nestled at the base of the Franklin Mountains, El Paso is a large border city with a rich Tejano heritage. Its unique position makes it the largest binational metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere, boasting a vibrant blend of American and Mexican cultures. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 678,860, El Paso has a total crime rate of 1,773.0 per 100,000 residents.