Is Austin or Evanston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Evanston is safer than Austin (Safety Score 21/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,884 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 22% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Evanston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 13.3x 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
Evanston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Evanston, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Evanston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,883.6 | +825.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 141.6 | +325.9 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 31.0 | +36.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 55.3 | +30.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 55.3 | +252.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,742.1 | +499.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 451.6 | -6.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,054.5 | +143.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 235.9 | +362.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Evanston safer?
Evanston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,884 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 Evanston has 141.6. Evanston 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 Evanston, IL
Evanston, a Chicago suburb on Lake Michigan, is home to Northwestern University, a prestigious private institution. Its diverse population reflects a mix of students, families, and long-time residents. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 74,178, Evanston has a total crime rate of 2,883.6 per 100,000 residents.