Is Austin or Lakes Area Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lakes Area is safer than Austin (Safety Score 83/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 761 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 79% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Lakes Area has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 91.3x 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
Lakes Area — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Lakes Area, MN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Lakes Area | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 760.6 | +2,948.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 102.0 | +365.5 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 46.4 | +21.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 0.0 | +85.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 55.7 | +251.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 658.6 | +2,583.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 37.1 | +408.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 593.6 | +1,604.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 27.8 | +570.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Lakes Area safer?
Lakes Area is safer with a total crime rate of 761 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 79% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Lakes Area has 102.0. Lakes Area 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 Lakes Area, MN
The Lakes Area of Minnesota, known for its abundant freshwater lakes popular with tourists and retirees, is home to Brainerd, a city established during the Northern Pacific Railway's westward expansion. This region, predominantly White, experiences seasonal population shifts. With a safety score of 83/100 and a population coverage of 10,781, Lakes Area has a total crime rate of 760.6 per 100,000 residents.