Is Austin or Lawrence Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lawrence is safer than Austin (Safety Score 26/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,627 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 29% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lawrence has a 61% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 10.2x 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
Lawrence — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Lawrence, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Lawrence | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,627.4 | +1,082.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 470.8 | -3.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 5.2 | +1.4 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 74.5 | -6.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 33.1 | +52.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 348.7 | -41.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,156.6 | +1,085.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 229.7 | +215.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,762.3 | +435.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 164.5 | +434.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Lawrence safer?
Lawrence is safer with a total crime rate of 2,627 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Lawrence has 470.8. Austin 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 Lawrence, KS
Lawrence, Kansas, home to the University of Kansas Jayhawks, sits on the Kansas River. This vibrant college town, with a population around 97,000, played a significant role in the Bleeding Kansas era. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 96,636, Lawrence has a total crime rate of 2,627.4 per 100,000 residents.