Is Austin or Oakland Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Oakland (Safety Score 11/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 9,156 for Oakland — 59% lower. Austin has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Austin has a 87% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 2.3x 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
Oakland — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Oakland, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 9,155.7 | -5,446.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 1,925.3 | -1,457.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 18.6 | -12.0 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 68.0 | -0.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 680.4 | -595.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 1,158.3 | -851.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 7,230.3 | -3,988.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 786.8 | -341.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 4,164.7 | -1,966.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 2,278.9 | -1,680.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Oakland safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 9,156 for Oakland — a 59% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Oakland has 1,925.3. 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 Oakland, CA
Oakland, a diverse East Bay city, boasts a rich history of activism and art, including its vibrant jazz scene. Geographically, it sits on the San Francisco Bay's eastern shore, home to a significant port and varied topography. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 435,042, Oakland has a total crime rate of 9,155.7 per 100,000 residents.