Is Austin or Lafayette Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lafayette is safer than Austin (Safety Score 20/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,953 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 20% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lafayette has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 32.3x 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
Lafayette — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Lafayette, CO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Lafayette | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,953.2 | +756.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 272.7 | +194.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 62.4 | +5.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 19.7 | +65.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 190.5 | +116.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,680.5 | +561.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 489.5 | -44.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,951.3 | +246.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 239.8 | +358.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Lafayette safer?
Lafayette is safer with a total crime rate of 2,953 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Lafayette has 272.7. Lafayette 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 Lafayette, CO
Lafayette, Colorado, a former coal mining town, sits in southeastern Boulder County. Its rich history and proximity to Boulder and Denver attract a diverse mix of residents. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 30,442, Lafayette has a total crime rate of 2,953.2 per 100,000 residents.