Is Austin or San Mateo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Mateo is safer than Austin (Safety Score 37/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,127 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 43% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where San Mateo has a 48% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 9.9x 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 Mateo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
San Mateo, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | San Mateo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,126.5 | +1,582.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 243.2 | +224.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 5.0 | +1.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 26.0 | +41.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 74.1 | +11.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 138.1 | +169.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,883.3 | +1,358.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 98.1 | +347.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,578.1 | +620.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 207.2 | +391.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or San Mateo safer?
San Mateo is safer with a total crime rate of 2,127 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 43% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while San Mateo has 243.2. San Mateo 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 Mateo, CA
San Mateo, a city on the San Francisco Peninsula, was once home to the historic Borel Estate. Its diverse population of around 105,000 resides amidst a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 99,929, San Mateo has a total crime rate of 2,126.5 per 100,000 residents.