Is Austin or San Marcos Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Marcos is safer than Austin (Safety Score 26/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,617 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 29% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Marcos has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 13.5x 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
San Marcos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
San Marcos, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | San Marcos | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,616.8 | +1,092.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 358.9 | +108.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 96.3 | -28.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 37.1 | +48.3 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 225.5 | +81.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,257.9 | +984.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 266.8 | +178.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,600.6 | +597.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 390.5 | +208.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or San Marcos safer?
San Marcos is safer with a total crime rate of 2,617 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 29% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while San Marcos has 358.9. San Marcos 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 San Marcos, TX
San Marcos, a city in Hays County, is known for the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Spring Lake, home to several endangered species. Its population is primarily students attending Texas State University. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 72,723, San Marcos has a total crime rate of 2,616.8 per 100,000 residents.