Is Austin or Santa Fe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Santa Fe (Safety Score 11/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 5,999 for Santa Fe — 38% lower. Austin has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Austin has a 44% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 11.0x 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 Fe — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Santa Fe, NM
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Santa Fe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 5,998.8 | -2,289.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 842.2 | -374.7 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 4.5 | +2.1 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 64.7 | +3.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 89.2 | -3.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 683.8 | -376.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 5,156.6 | -1,914.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 973.8 | -528.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 3,380.9 | -1,182.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 802.0 | -203.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Santa Fe safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 5,999 for Santa Fe — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Santa Fe has 842.2. 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 Fe, NM
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the nation's oldest capital city. Its adobe architecture and vibrant arts scene reflect a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures, drawing a diverse, often affluent, population. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 89,652, Santa Fe has a total crime rate of 5,998.8 per 100,000 residents.