Is Austin or Payson Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Payson is safer than Austin (Safety Score 80/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 826 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 78% 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 39.3x 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
Payson — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Payson, UT
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Payson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 826.3 | +2,883.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 127.7 | +339.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 55.9 | +11.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 0.0 | +85.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 71.9 | +235.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 698.6 | +2,543.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 51.9 | +393.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 606.8 | +1,591.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 39.9 | +558.7 |
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 826 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 78% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Payson has 127.7. 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, UT
Payson, Utah, nestled at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains, is a historic agricultural community. Founded by Mormon pioneers, it's home to a diverse population, with a significant portion identifying as Latter-day Saints. With a safety score of 80/100 and a population coverage of 25,051, Payson has a total crime rate of 826.3 per 100,000 residents.