Is Austin or Knoxville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Knoxville is safer than Austin (Safety Score 13/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 7% lower. Austin has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Austin has a 40% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 4.9x 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
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Knoxville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 3,461.6 | +247.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 740.3 | -272.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 11.0 | -4.4 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 64.9 | +2.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 81.8 | +3.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 582.7 | -275.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,721.3 | +520.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 328.8 | +116.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,013.9 | +184.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 378.6 | +220.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Knoxville safer?
Knoxville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,462 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 7% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Knoxville has 740.3. Austin 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 Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, is a city of just under 200,000 residents. It boasts a rich musical heritage, notably as the birthplace of the Everly Brothers. The Tennessee River flows along its downtown, a reminder of its historical role in trade and industry. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 200,457, Knoxville has a total crime rate of 3,461.6 per 100,000 residents.