Is Austin or Katy Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Katy is safer than Austin (Safety Score 13/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 3,480 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 6% lower. Austin has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Katy has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 35.4x 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
Katy — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Katy, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Katy | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 3,480.3 | +229.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 226.5 | +241.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 46.7 | +20.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 61.1 | +24.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 118.7 | +188.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 3,253.8 | -11.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 248.1 | +197.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,721.7 | -523.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 284.0 | +314.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Katy safer?
Katy is safer with a total crime rate of 3,480 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 6% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Katy has 226.5. Katy 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 Katy, TX
Katy, a growing city west of Houston, was once known for its rice production. This suburban community, home to a diverse population, spans parts of three counties. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 27,814, Katy has a total crime rate of 3,480.3 per 100,000 residents.