Is Austin or Port Townsend Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Port Townsend is safer than Austin (Safety Score 44/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 49% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Port Townsend has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 92.8x 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
Port Townsend — 3-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Port Townsend, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Port Townsend | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,884.3 | +1,825.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 471.1 | -3.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 37.7 | +30.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 28.3 | +57.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 405.1 | -97.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,413.2 | +1,828.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 169.6 | +275.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,177.7 | +1,020.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 66.0 | +532.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Port Townsend safer?
Port Townsend is safer with a total crime rate of 1,884 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Port Townsend has 471.1. Austin 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 Port Townsend, WA
Port Townsend, a Victorian seaport on the Olympic Peninsula, is home to many artists and retirees. Its historic downtown, a National Historic Landmark, features well-preserved 19th-century architecture. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 10,614, Port Townsend has a total crime rate of 1,884.3 per 100,000 residents.