Is Austin or Norman Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norman is safer than Austin (Safety Score 28/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,530 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 32% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norman has a 88% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 7.5x 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
Norman — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Norman, OK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Norman | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,529.8 | +1,179.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 263.2 | +204.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.8 | +5.8 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 39.0 | +28.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 18.4 | +67.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 202.0 | +105.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,266.6 | +975.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 351.2 | +93.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,687.3 | +510.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 228.0 | +370.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Norman safer?
Norman is safer with a total crime rate of 2,530 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Norman has 263.2. Norman 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 Norman, OK
Norman, Oklahoma, home to the University of Oklahoma, is a city in Cleveland County with a significant student population. Located just south of Oklahoma City, it lies within the Cross Timbers eco-region. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 130,681, Norman has a total crime rate of 2,529.8 per 100,000 residents.