Is Austin or Galveston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Galveston is safer than Austin (Safety Score 21/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,917 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 21% lower. Austin has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Galveston has a 27% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 18.5x 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
Galveston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Galveston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Galveston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,917.1 | +792.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 536.7 | -69.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 5.7 | +0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 150.7 | -83.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 107.3 | -21.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 273.1 | +34.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,380.4 | +861.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 261.8 | +183.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,853.1 | +345.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 265.5 | +333.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Galveston safer?
Galveston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,917 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Galveston has 536.7. 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 Galveston, TX
Galveston, a barrier island city, boasts a rich history with its Strand Historic District and Victorian architecture. Its population is diverse, reflecting a mix of long-time residents and a growing tourism industry. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 53,100, Galveston has a total crime rate of 2,917.1 per 100,000 residents.