Is Austin or Lowell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lowell is safer than Austin (Safety Score 35/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,195 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 41% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Lowell has a 49% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 8.5x 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
Lowell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Lowell, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Lowell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,195.4 | +1,514.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 532.5 | -65.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 4.3 | +2.3 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 6.9 | +60.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 56.9 | +28.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 464.4 | -157.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,662.9 | +1,579.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 149.9 | +295.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,309.6 | +888.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 203.3 | +395.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Lowell safer?
Lowell is safer with a total crime rate of 2,195 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Lowell has 532.5. 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 Lowell, MA
Lowell, a historic mill city on the Merrimack River, was a birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution. Its diverse population includes a significant Cambodian American community. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 116,062, Lowell has a total crime rate of 2,195.4 per 100,000 residents.