Is Austin or Ellensburg Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ellensburg is safer than Austin (Safety Score 30/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 35% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ellensburg has a 75% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 53.3x 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
Ellensburg — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Ellensburg, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Ellensburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,409.1 | +1,300.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 227.4 | +240.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 5.4 | +1.2 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 92.0 | -24.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 21.7 | +63.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 108.3 | +199.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,181.7 | +1,060.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 243.6 | +201.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,856.9 | +341.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 81.2 | +517.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Ellensburg safer?
Ellensburg is safer with a total crime rate of 2,409 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 35% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Ellensburg has 227.4. Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg, WA
Ellensburg, a Kittitas Valley city, is home to Central Washington University and a rich rodeo tradition. Its location east of the Cascade Mountains contributes to its drier climate and agricultural roots, with a population around 20,000. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 18,472, Ellensburg has a total crime rate of 2,409.1 per 100,000 residents.