Is Austin or Radford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Radford is safer than Austin (Safety Score 70/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,115 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 70% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Radford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 56.6x 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
Radford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Radford, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Radford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,115.0 | +2,594.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 212.7 | +254.8 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 57.5 | +10.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 11.5 | +73.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 143.7 | +163.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 902.4 | +2,339.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 97.7 | +347.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 798.9 | +1,399.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 5.8 | +592.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Radford safer?
Radford is safer with a total crime rate of 1,115 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 70% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Radford has 212.7. Radford 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 Radford, VA
Radford, home to Radford University, is a city in the New River Valley. Its population is around 18,000, with a significant student presence. The city was once a major railway center. With a safety score of 70/100 and a population coverage of 17,399, Radford has a total crime rate of 1,115.0 per 100,000 residents.