Is Austin or Lancaster Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lancaster is safer than Austin (Safety Score 43/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,914 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 48% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lancaster has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 17.3x 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
Lancaster — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Lancaster, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Lancaster | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,914.2 | +1,795.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 462.3 | +5.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 3.5 | +3.1 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 31.6 | +36.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 28.1 | +57.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 397.3 | -90.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,451.9 | +1,790.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 107.2 | +337.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,181.2 | +1,016.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 163.5 | +435.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Lancaster safer?
Lancaster is safer with a total crime rate of 1,914 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 48% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Lancaster has 462.3. Lancaster 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 Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA, known as the Red Rose City, is a historic city in south-central Pennsylvania. Its diverse population of nearly 60,000 residents includes a significant Amish presence, contributing to its unique cultural landscape. With a safety score of 43/100 and a population coverage of 56,890, Lancaster has a total crime rate of 1,914.2 per 100,000 residents.