Is Austin or Sanford Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Sanford is safer than Austin (Safety Score 23/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,784 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 25% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Sanford has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 44.1x 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
Sanford — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Sanford, ME
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Sanford | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,783.6 | +925.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 156.6 | +310.9 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 80.6 | -12.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 4.5 | +80.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 71.6 | +235.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,627.0 | +614.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 152.2 | +293.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 2,349.5 | -151.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 125.3 | +473.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Sanford safer?
Sanford is safer with a total crime rate of 2,784 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Sanford has 156.6. Sanford 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 Sanford, ME
Sanford, Maine, a former mill town known for its textile industry, is located in York County. Its population is around 22,000, with a significant number of residents working in local manufacturing and service industries. With a safety score of 23/100 and a population coverage of 22,345, Sanford has a total crime rate of 2,783.6 per 100,000 residents.