Is Austin or Key West Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Key West is safer than Austin (Safety Score 26/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,612 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 30% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Key West has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 39.9x 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
Key West — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Key West, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Key West | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,611.7 | +1,097.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 352.3 | +115.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 52.6 | +15.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 32.4 | +53.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 267.2 | +40.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,259.4 | +982.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 214.6 | +230.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,988.1 | +210.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 56.7 | +541.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Key West safer?
Key West is safer with a total crime rate of 2,612 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 30% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Key West has 352.3. Key West 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 Key West, FL
Key West, a remote island city, is the southernmost point in the continental U.S. and home to Ernest Hemingway's former residence. Its transient population often includes a mix of tourists and long-term residents. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 24,697, Key West has a total crime rate of 2,611.7 per 100,000 residents.