Is Austin or Mesa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Mesa is safer than Austin (Safety Score 42/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 47% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Mesa has a 59% lower rate.
Austin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Mesa, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,947.9 | +1,761.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 483.3 | -15.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 2.7 | +3.9 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 44.2 | +23.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 50.2 | +35.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 385.5 | -78.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,464.6 | +1,777.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 187.7 | +257.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,078.5 | +1,119.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 198.4 | +400.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Mesa safer?
Mesa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,948 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Mesa has 483.3. 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 Mesa, AZ
Mesa, Arizona, a sprawling Sonoran Desert city, is home to a significant proportion of the state's Mormon population, reflecting its early agricultural settlements. It's the most populous city in the East Valley, bordering Tempe to the west. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 513,585, Mesa has a total crime rate of 1,947.9 per 100,000 residents.