Is Austin or Fort Collins Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Fort Collins is safer than Austin (Safety Score 30/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,429 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 murder, where Fort Collins has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 5.8x 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
Fort Collins — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Fort Collins, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Fort Collins | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,429.2 | +1,280.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 273.9 | +193.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 1.8 | +4.8 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 22.9 | +44.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 24.6 | +60.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 223.5 | +83.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,155.3 | +1,086.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 228.7 | +216.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,742.4 | +455.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 184.2 | +414.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Fort Collins safer?
Fort Collins is safer with a total crime rate of 2,429 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 Fort Collins has 273.9. Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins, CO
Fort Collins, home to Colorado State University, is a vibrant city nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Its economy benefits from a strong craft brewing industry and a young, educated population. With a safety score of 30/100 and a population coverage of 170,509, Fort Collins has a total crime rate of 2,429.2 per 100,000 residents.