Is Austin or Lake Forest Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake Forest is safer than Austin (Safety Score 87/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 646 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 83% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lake Forest has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 50.9x 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
Lake Forest — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Lake Forest, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Lake Forest | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 645.8 | +3,063.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 20.7 | +446.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 5.2 | +62.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 0.0 | +85.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 15.5 | +291.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 625.1 | +2,616.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 206.6 | +238.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 361.6 | +1,836.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 56.8 | +541.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Lake Forest safer?
Lake Forest is safer with a total crime rate of 646 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 83% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Lake Forest has 20.7. Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest, IL
Nestled on Chicago's North Shore, Lake Forest is an affluent suburban community home to esteemed institutions like Lake Forest College. Its tree-lined streets and historic mansions, many dating back to the late 19th century, reflect a long-standing commitment to preserving its architectural heritage. With a safety score of 87/100 and a population coverage of 19,357, Lake Forest has a total crime rate of 645.8 per 100,000 residents.