Is Austin or Harlingen Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Harlingen is safer than Austin (Safety Score 20/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,977 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 20% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Harlingen has a 79% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 13.8x 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
Harlingen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Harlingen, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Harlingen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,976.7 | +732.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 257.8 | +209.7 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 1.4 | +5.2 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 15.4 | +52.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 40.6 | +44.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 200.3 | +106.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,718.9 | +522.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 344.6 | +100.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,066.2 | +132.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 308.2 | +290.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Harlingen safer?
Harlingen is safer with a total crime rate of 2,977 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Harlingen has 257.8. Harlingen 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 Harlingen, TX
Harlingen, a Rio Grande Valley city, is known for its proximity to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, attracting birdwatchers. Historically, it served as a major railway hub. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 71,388, Harlingen has a total crime rate of 2,976.7 per 100,000 residents.