Is Austin or Santa Monica Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Santa Monica (Safety Score 11/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 5,573 for Santa Monica — 33% lower. Austin has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Austin has a 58% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 11.1x 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
Santa Monica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Santa Monica, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Santa Monica | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 5,572.9 | -1,863.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 782.5 | -315.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 4.5 | +2.1 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 72.0 | -4.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 202.4 | -117.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 499.2 | -191.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 4,790.4 | -1,548.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 848.8 | -403.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 3,382.9 | -1,184.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 558.8 | +39.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Santa Monica safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 5,573 for Santa Monica — a 33% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Santa Monica has 782.5. 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 Monica, CA
Santa Monica, a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles, is known for its iconic pier and vibrant tourism. Its beaches and Pacific Ocean proximity draw a diverse population, including many young professionals and families. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 88,948, Santa Monica has a total crime rate of 5,572.9 per 100,000 residents.