Is Austin or Fairbanks Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Fairbanks (Safety Score 11/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 4,167 for Fairbanks — 11% lower. Austin has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Austin has a 36% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 31.1x 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
Fairbanks — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Fairbanks, AK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Fairbanks | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 4,167.2 | -457.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 704.0 | -236.5 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 6.3 | +0.3 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 120.0 | -52.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 132.6 | -47.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 438.8 | -131.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 3,463.2 | -221.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 296.8 | +148.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,847.6 | -649.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 318.9 | +279.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Fairbanks safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 4,167 for Fairbanks — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Fairbanks has 704.0. Austin 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 Fairbanks, AK
Fairbanks, Alaska, a city founded on gold mining, sits just 190 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Its population of roughly 32,000 residents experiences extreme seasonal light variations, from near-total darkness to the midnight sun. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 31,676, Fairbanks has a total crime rate of 4,167.2 per 100,000 residents.