Is Austin or New Bedford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, New Bedford is safer than Austin (Safety Score 49/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 54% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where New Bedford has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 9.6x 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
New Bedford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
New Bedford, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | New Bedford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,712.4 | +1,997.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 353.2 | +114.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 6.8 | -0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 43.9 | +23.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 78.1 | +7.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 224.4 | +82.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,359.1 | +1,882.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 184.4 | +260.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 930.8 | +1,267.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 243.9 | +354.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or New Bedford safer?
New Bedford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,712 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 54% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while New Bedford has 353.2. New Bedford 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 New Bedford, MA
New Bedford, once the whaling capital of the world, is a coastal city in southeastern Massachusetts. Its diverse population includes a significant Portuguese American community, contributing to its vibrant cultural fabric and local economy. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 102,491, New Bedford has a total crime rate of 1,712.4 per 100,000 residents.