Is Austin or Prescott Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Prescott is safer than Austin (Safety Score 58/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,454 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 61% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Prescott has a 78% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 20.4x 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
Prescott — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Prescott, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Prescott | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,454.3 | +2,255.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 337.2 | +130.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 2.1 | +4.5 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 22.8 | +44.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 18.6 | +66.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 291.7 | +15.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,117.1 | +2,124.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 223.4 | +221.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 846.1 | +1,352.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 47.6 | +551.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Prescott safer?
Prescott is safer with a total crime rate of 1,454 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Prescott has 337.2. Prescott 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 Prescott, AZ
Prescott, Arizona, known for its "Everybody's Hometown" moniker, sits in the Bradshaw Mountains. This Yavapai County seat, once the Territorial Capital, boasts a population of around 48,000, attracting retirees and outdoor enthusiasts. With a safety score of 58/100 and a population coverage of 48,339, Prescott has a total crime rate of 1,454.3 per 100,000 residents.