Is Austin or Laredo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Laredo is safer than Austin (Safety Score 46/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,831 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 51% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Laredo has a 65% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 3.8x 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
Laredo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Laredo, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Laredo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,830.7 | +1,878.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 365.8 | +101.7 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 2.3 | +4.3 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 47.6 | +20.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 48.8 | +36.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 267.1 | +40.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,464.9 | +1,777.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 199.4 | +245.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,100.6 | +1,097.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 164.9 | +433.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Laredo safer?
Laredo is safer with a total crime rate of 1,831 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Laredo has 365.8. Laredo 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 Laredo, TX
Laredo, a historic border city on the Rio Grande, boasts a rich Tejano culture. As a major port of entry to Mexico, it's a bustling hub of international trade. The city is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting its deep ties to Latin America. With a safety score of 46/100 and a population coverage of 258,311, Laredo has a total crime rate of 1,830.7 per 100,000 residents.