Is Austin or Myrtle Beach Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Myrtle Beach (Safety Score 11/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — 45% lower. Austin has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Austin has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 24.0x 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
Myrtle Beach — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Myrtle Beach, SC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Myrtle Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 6,767.1 | -3,057.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 1,111.6 | -644.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 12.2 | -5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 185.3 | -117.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 173.1 | -87.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 741.1 | -433.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 5,655.5 | -2,413.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 446.1 | -1.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 4,814.5 | -2,616.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 394.9 | +203.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Myrtle Beach safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 6,767 for Myrtle Beach — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Myrtle Beach has 1,111.6. 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 Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach, a popular East Coast vacation destination, is known for its "Grand Strand" of beaches and numerous golf courses. This coastal city in Horry County experiences a significant influx of tourists, especially during the summer months. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 41,022, Myrtle Beach has a total crime rate of 6,767.1 per 100,000 residents.