Is Austin or Needham Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Needham is safer than Austin (Safety Score 85/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 699 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 81% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Needham has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 30.0x 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
Needham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Needham, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Needham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 698.6 | +3,010.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 51.9 | +415.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 12.2 | +55.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 0.0 | +85.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 39.7 | +267.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 646.8 | +2,595.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 73.2 | +371.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 536.9 | +1,661.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 36.6 | +562.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Needham safer?
Needham is safer with a total crime rate of 699 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 81% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Needham has 51.9. Needham 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 Needham, MA
Needham, a suburban town in Norfolk County, is home to the first-ever American-made baseball. Located just west of Boston, it boasts a highly educated population and a charming town center. With a safety score of 85/100 and a population coverage of 32,779, Needham has a total crime rate of 698.6 per 100,000 residents.