Is Austin or Roanoke City Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Roanoke City (Safety Score 11/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 4,676 for Roanoke City — 21% lower. Austin has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Austin has a 42% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 10.1x 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
Roanoke City — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Roanoke City, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Roanoke City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 4,676.0 | -966.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 620.5 | -153.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 11.3 | -4.7 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 86.6 | -18.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 92.8 | -7.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 429.8 | -122.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 4,055.6 | -813.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 387.5 | +57.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 3,273.3 | -1,075.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 394.7 | +203.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Roanoke City safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 4,676 for Roanoke City — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Roanoke City has 620.5. 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 Roanoke City, VA
Roanoke, Virginia, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is known as the "Star City" for its illuminated mountain star. This independent city serves as a regional hub for southwest Virginia, with a diverse population of around 100,000 residents. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 97,027, Roanoke City has a total crime rate of 4,676.0 per 100,000 residents.