Is Austin or Saco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Saco is safer than Austin (Safety Score 68/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,159 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 69% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Saco has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 46.6x 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
Saco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Saco, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Saco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,158.7 | +2,550.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 80.4 | +387.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 37.8 | +29.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 0.0 | +85.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 42.6 | +264.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,078.3 | +2,163.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 85.1 | +360.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 893.9 | +1,304.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 99.3 | +499.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Saco safer?
Saco is safer with a total crime rate of 1,159 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 69% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Saco has 80.4. Saco 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 Saco, ME
Saco, Maine, a small city in York County, sits on the Saco River across from Biddeford. Known for its historic textile mills, the area experiences a significant tourist influx during summer months, drawn to attractions like Funtown Splashtown USA. With a safety score of 68/100 and a population coverage of 21,144, Saco has a total crime rate of 1,158.7 per 100,000 residents.