Is Austin or Ferguson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Ferguson (Safety Score 11/100 vs 7/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 4,211 for Ferguson — 12% lower. Austin has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Austin has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 55.2x 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
Ferguson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Ferguson, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Ferguson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 4,210.8 | -501.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 712.1 | -244.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 33.6 | -27.0 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 28.0 | +39.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 123.4 | -37.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 527.1 | -219.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 3,498.7 | -256.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 555.1 | -109.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,040.9 | +157.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 902.7 | -304.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Ferguson safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 4,211 for Ferguson — a 12% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Ferguson has 712.1. 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 Ferguson, MO
Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, has a rich history rooted in its founding in 1894 as a railroad stop. Today, its diverse population of around 18,000 residents reflects a community with a median age in the early 30s. With a safety score of 7/100 and a population coverage of 17,835, Ferguson has a total crime rate of 4,210.8 per 100,000 residents.