Is Austin or Mcallen Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mcallen is safer than Austin (Safety Score 41/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 46% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Mcallen has a 72% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 6.7x 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
Mcallen — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Mcallen, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Mcallen | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,986.3 | +1,723.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 150.7 | +316.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 2.7 | +3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 39.2 | +28.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 23.7 | +61.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 84.5 | +222.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,835.6 | +1,406.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 63.5 | +381.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,704.5 | +493.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 67.6 | +531.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Mcallen safer?
Mcallen is safer with a total crime rate of 1,986 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Mcallen has 150.7. Mcallen 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 Mcallen, TX
McAllen, Texas, a vibrant city in the Rio Grande Valley, thrives as a major retail and medical hub. Its subtropical climate and proximity to the Mexican border, just south of Hidalgo, have historically shaped its unique cultural identity. With a safety score of 41/100 and a population coverage of 148,017, Mcallen has a total crime rate of 1,986.3 per 100,000 residents.