Is Austin or Rapid City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Rapid City (Safety Score 11/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 4,516 for Rapid City — 18% lower. Austin has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Austin has a 35% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 12.2x 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
Rapid City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Rapid City, SD
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Rapid City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 4,516.0 | -806.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 723.8 | -256.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 6.2 | +0.4 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 135.9 | -68.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 103.8 | -18.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 473.1 | -165.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 3,792.1 | -550.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 427.4 | +17.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,986.8 | -788.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 378.0 | +220.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Rapid City safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 4,516 for Rapid City — a 18% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Rapid City has 723.8. 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 Rapid City, SD
Rapid City, nestled at the foot of the Black Hills, is a gateway to Mount Rushmore. This city in western South Dakota has a population of over 78,000, making it the second largest in the state. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 80,957, Rapid City has a total crime rate of 4,516.0 per 100,000 residents.