Is Austin or Helena Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Helena is safer than Austin (Safety Score 92/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 507 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 86% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Helena has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 43.8x 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
Helena — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Helena, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Helena | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 507.3 | +3,202.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 71.2 | +396.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 8.9 | +58.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 0.0 | +85.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 62.3 | +244.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 436.1 | +2,805.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 53.4 | +391.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 329.3 | +1,868.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 53.4 | +545.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Helena safer?
Helena is safer with a total crime rate of 507 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 86% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Helena has 71.2. Helena 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 Helena, AL
Helena, once a bustling railroad town, sits along the Cahaba River in Shelby County. This picturesque community, part of the Birmingham metropolitan area, has experienced significant population growth in recent decades. With a safety score of 92/100 and a population coverage of 22,470, Helena has a total crime rate of 507.3 per 100,000 residents.