Is Austin or Renton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Renton is safer than Austin (Safety Score 11/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 3,653 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 2% lower. Austin has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Renton has a 27% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 9.5x 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
Renton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Renton, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Renton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 3,652.6 | +56.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 339.2 | +128.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 4.8 | +1.8 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 45.3 | +22.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 91.6 | -6.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 197.6 | +109.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 3,313.4 | -71.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 435.6 | +9.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,739.6 | +458.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 1,138.2 | -539.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Renton safer?
Renton is safer with a total crime rate of 3,653 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 2% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Renton has 339.2. Renton 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 Renton, WA
Renton, a Puget Sound city, was once home to a Boeing plant and now serves as a major commercial hub. Situated on the southern shore of Lake Washington, its diverse population reflects a blend of urban development and natural beauty. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 103,762, Renton has a total crime rate of 3,652.6 per 100,000 residents.