Is Austin or Palm Springs Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Palm Springs (Safety Score 11/100 vs 10/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 3,821 for Palm Springs — 3% lower. Austin has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Austin has a 42% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 21.7x 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
Palm Springs — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Palm Springs, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Palm Springs | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 3,821.1 | -111.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 607.9 | -140.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 11.0 | -4.4 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 68.3 | -0.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 147.6 | -62.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 376.6 | -69.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 3,213.2 | +28.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 385.4 | +59.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,354.3 | -156.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 473.5 | +125.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Palm Springs safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 3,821 for Palm Springs — a 3% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Palm Springs has 607.9. 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 Palm Springs, CA
Nestled in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is an iconic desert resort known for its mid-century modern architecture and as a playground for Hollywood's elite. Its population swells seasonally, attracting snowbirds and tourists seeking warm weather and leisure. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 45,406, Palm Springs has a total crime rate of 3,821.1 per 100,000 residents.