Is Austin or Melissa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Melissa is safer than Austin (Safety Score 96/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 377 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 90% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Melissa has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 35.4x 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
Melissa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Melissa, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Melissa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 377.3 | +3,332.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 35.9 | +431.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 7.2 | +60.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 0.0 | +85.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 28.7 | +278.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 341.4 | +2,900.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 61.1 | +384.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 247.9 | +1,950.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 32.3 | +566.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Melissa safer?
Melissa is safer with a total crime rate of 377 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 90% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Melissa has 35.9. Melissa 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 Melissa, TX
Melissa, Texas, a rapidly growing community north of Dallas, was established in 1873 along the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. With a population exceeding 20,000, it's transforming from a rural farming area into a bustling suburban hub. With a safety score of 96/100 and a population coverage of 27,831, Melissa has a total crime rate of 377.3 per 100,000 residents.