Is Austin or Payson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Payson is safer than Austin (Safety Score 57/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,490 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 60% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Payson has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 58.5x 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
Payson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Payson, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Payson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,490.1 | +2,219.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 267.1 | +200.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 0.0 | +67.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 0.0 | +85.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 261.2 | +46.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,222.9 | +2,019.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 219.7 | +225.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 872.7 | +1,325.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 130.6 | +468.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Payson safer?
Payson is safer with a total crime rate of 1,490 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 60% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Payson has 267.1. Payson 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 Payson, AZ
Payson, Arizona, "Heart of Arizona," is a small town in Gila County, nestled in the Mogollon Rim. Known for its rodeo heritage, it boasts a population of around 16,000, attracting retirees and outdoor enthusiasts. With a safety score of 57/100 and a population coverage of 16,845, Payson has a total crime rate of 1,490.1 per 100,000 residents.