Is Austin or National City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, National City is safer than Austin (Safety Score 26/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,635 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 29% lower. Austin has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Austin has a 62% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 17.9x 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
National City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
National City, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | National City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,635.0 | +1,074.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 695.6 | -228.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 7.3 | -0.7 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 29.1 | +38.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 222.2 | -136.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 437.0 | -129.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,939.4 | +1,302.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 242.2 | +203.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,039.8 | +1,158.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 657.4 | -58.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or National City safer?
National City is safer with a total crime rate of 2,635 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while National City has 695.6. 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 National City, CA
National City, San Diego County's second-oldest city, boasts a historic mile-long pier. This diverse South Bay community, bordering San Diego, is home to a significant Filipino population. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 54,915, National City has a total crime rate of 2,635.0 per 100,000 residents.