Is Austin or Northampton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Northampton is safer than Austin (Safety Score 49/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,717 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 54% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Northampton has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 32.7x 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
Northampton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Northampton, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Northampton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,717.2 | +1,992.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 445.1 | +22.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 3.3 | +3.3 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 63.1 | +4.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 13.3 | +72.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 365.4 | -58.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,272.1 | +1,969.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 162.8 | +282.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,069.5 | +1,128.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 39.9 | +558.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Northampton safer?
Northampton is safer with a total crime rate of 1,717 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 Northampton has 445.1. Northampton 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 Northampton, MA
Nestled in the Pioneer Valley, Northampton, MA, a vibrant college town home to Smith College, boasts a progressive culture and a high proportion of residents with advanced degrees. Its historic downtown is a hub for independent businesses and the arts. With a safety score of 49/100 and a population coverage of 30,108, Northampton has a total crime rate of 1,717.2 per 100,000 residents.