Is Austin or Sacramento Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sacramento is safer than Austin (Safety Score 15/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 3,302 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 11% lower. Austin has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Austin has a 56% lower rate.
Austin — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Sacramento — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Sacramento, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Sacramento | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 3,302.5 | +406.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 755.1 | -287.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 8.5 | -1.9 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 34.6 | +33.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 192.2 | -106.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 519.7 | -212.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,547.3 | +694.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 441.6 | +3.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,596.1 | +602.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 509.6 | +89.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Sacramento safer?
Sacramento is safer with a total crime rate of 3,302 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Sacramento has 755.1. 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 Sacramento, CA
Sacramento, California's state capital, sits at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers. A key Gold Rush city, it's known for its tree-lined streets and diverse population. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 526,670, Sacramento has a total crime rate of 3,302.5 per 100,000 residents.