Is Austin or Poplar Bluff Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Poplar Bluff is safer than Austin (Safety Score 99/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 248 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 93% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Poplar Bluff has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 61.1x 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
Poplar Bluff — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Poplar Bluff, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Poplar Bluff | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 248.3 | +3,461.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 37.3 | +430.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 12.4 | -5.8 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 12.4 | +55.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 0.0 | +85.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 12.4 | +294.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 211.1 | +3,030.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 31.0 | +414.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 149.0 | +2,049.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 31.0 | +567.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Poplar Bluff safer?
Poplar Bluff is safer with a total crime rate of 248 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 93% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Poplar Bluff has 37.3. Poplar Bluff 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 Poplar Bluff, MO
Nestled in the Ozark Foothills, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was once a major lumber producer, shipping timber via the Black River. Today, it serves as a regional hub for southeast Missouri, with a population around 17,000. With a safety score of 99/100 and a population coverage of 16,108, Poplar Bluff has a total crime rate of 248.3 per 100,000 residents.