Is Austin or Pittsburgh Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Pittsburgh is safer than Austin (Safety Score 24/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 27% lower. Austin has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Austin has a 42% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 3.1x 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
Pittsburgh — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Pittsburgh, PA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,708.6 | +1,000.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 428.5 | +39.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 11.4 | -4.8 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 51.7 | +15.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 124.2 | -38.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 239.9 | +67.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,280.1 | +961.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 232.7 | +212.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,704.4 | +493.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 343.0 | +255.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Pittsburgh safer?
Pittsburgh is safer with a total crime rate of 2,709 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Pittsburgh has 428.5. Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains where three rivers meet, Pittsburgh is a city of bridges and former steel mills. Its rich industrial past shaped its distinct neighborhoods and resilient, diverse population. With a safety score of 24/100 and a population coverage of 317,177, Pittsburgh has a total crime rate of 2,708.6 per 100,000 residents.