Is Austin or Laurel Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Laurel (Safety Score 11/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 5,255 for Laurel — 29% lower. Austin has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Austin has a 34% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 33.7x 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
Laurel — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Laurel, MD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Laurel | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 5,255.2 | -1,545.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 393.7 | +73.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 6.9 | -0.3 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 24.0 | +43.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 130.1 | -44.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 232.8 | +74.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 4,861.5 | -1,619.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 198.6 | +246.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 3,752.3 | -1,554.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 910.7 | -312.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Laurel safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 5,255 for Laurel — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Laurel has 393.7. Laurel 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 Laurel, MD
Laurel, Maryland, a diverse city in Prince George's County, sits along the Patuxent River. Historically, it was a mill town, with industries like textiles and paper flourishing in the 19th century. Today, it's a bustling suburban hub with a significant commuter population. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 29,209, Laurel has a total crime rate of 5,255.2 per 100,000 residents.