Is Austin or Roswell Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Roswell is safer than Austin (Safety Score 15/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 3,359 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 9% lower. Austin has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Roswell has a 50% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 21.1x 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
Roswell — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Roswell, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Roswell | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 3,359.3 | +350.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 850.5 | -383.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 12.9 | -6.3 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 81.4 | -13.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 42.9 | +42.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 711.3 | -404.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,508.7 | +733.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 428.5 | +16.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,883.2 | +315.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 197.1 | +401.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Roswell safer?
Roswell is safer with a total crime rate of 3,359 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Roswell has 850.5. 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 Roswell, NM
Roswell, a city in southeastern New Mexico, is globally known for the alleged 1947 UFO incident. Its desert climate and relatively remote location contribute to a close-knit community of around 48,000 residents. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 46,677, Roswell has a total crime rate of 3,359.3 per 100,000 residents.