Is Austin or Joliet Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Joliet is safer than Austin (Safety Score 53/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 57% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Joliet has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 6.5x 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
Joliet — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Joliet, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Joliet | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,594.6 | +2,114.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 350.0 | +117.5 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 48.5 | +19.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 35.2 | +50.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 266.3 | +40.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,244.6 | +1,997.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 389.9 | +55.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 704.0 | +1,494.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 150.8 | +447.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Joliet safer?
Joliet is safer with a total crime rate of 1,595 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Joliet has 350.0. Joliet 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 Joliet, IL
Joliet, a former steel town on the Des Plaines River, boasts the historic Rialto Square Theatre. This city southwest of Chicago has a diverse population, with a significant Hispanic community. With a safety score of 53/100 and a population coverage of 150,569, Joliet has a total crime rate of 1,594.6 per 100,000 residents.