Is Austin or Gastonia Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Gastonia (Safety Score 11/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 4,364 for Gastonia — 15% lower. Austin has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Austin has a 45% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 11.6x 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
Gastonia — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Gastonia, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Gastonia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 4,363.7 | -654.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 849.5 | -382.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 4.7 | +1.9 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 37.6 | +30.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 123.4 | -38.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 683.8 | -376.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 3,514.2 | -272.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 512.3 | -67.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,587.2 | -389.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 414.8 | +183.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Gastonia safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 4,364 for Gastonia — a 15% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Gastonia has 849.5. 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 Gastonia, NC
Gastonia, North Carolina, a city with a rich textile history, sits west of Charlotte in Gaston County. Its population of over 80,000 residents reflects a diverse mix of backgrounds. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 85,112, Gastonia has a total crime rate of 4,363.7 per 100,000 residents.