Is Austin or Lacey Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lacey is safer than Austin (Safety Score 25/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,655 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 28% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lacey has a 60% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 16.7x 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
Lacey — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Lacey, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Lacey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,654.9 | +1,054.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 186.9 | +280.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 3.4 | +3.2 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 20.4 | +47.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 34.0 | +51.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 129.1 | +178.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,468.1 | +773.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 380.5 | +64.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,883.8 | +314.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 203.8 | +394.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Lacey safer?
Lacey is safer with a total crime rate of 2,655 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Lacey has 186.9. Lacey 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 Lacey, WA
Lacey, Washington, a suburban city in Thurston County, is known for its many parks and proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Once a timber town, it now boasts a diverse population and a significant retail presence. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 58,872, Lacey has a total crime rate of 2,654.9 per 100,000 residents.