Is Austin or Plano Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Plano is safer than Austin (Safety Score 52/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,620 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 56% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Plano has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 3.4x 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
Plano — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Plano, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Plano | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,619.8 | +2,089.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 153.4 | +314.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 1.0 | +5.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 33.3 | +34.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 26.8 | +58.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 90.6 | +216.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,466.4 | +1,775.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 160.6 | +284.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,163.4 | +1,034.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 142.4 | +456.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Plano safer?
Plano is safer with a total crime rate of 1,620 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Plano has 153.4. Plano 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 Plano, TX
Plano, a large suburb north of Dallas, is home to many corporate headquarters. Once a stop on the Houston and Texas Central Railway, it boasts a median household income significantly higher than the state average, attracting a diverse, educated populace. With a safety score of 52/100 and a population coverage of 291,463, Plano has a total crime rate of 1,619.8 per 100,000 residents.