Is Austin or Santa Ana Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Santa Ana is safer than Austin (Safety Score 35/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 41% lower. Austin has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Santa Ana has a 47% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 3.2x 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
Santa Ana — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Santa Ana, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Santa Ana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,195.6 | +1,513.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 493.4 | -25.9 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 4.8 | +1.8 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 52.5 | +15.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 106.0 | -20.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 329.7 | -22.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,702.2 | +1,539.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 225.6 | +219.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,160.5 | +1,037.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 316.1 | +282.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Santa Ana safer?
Santa Ana is safer with a total crime rate of 2,196 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 41% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Santa Ana has 493.4. 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 Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana, the seat of Orange County, sits along the Santa Ana River. Its historic downtown, including the Yost Theater, reflects its rich past. Over 75% of its diverse population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. With a safety score of 35/100 and a population coverage of 310,304, Santa Ana has a total crime rate of 2,195.6 per 100,000 residents.