Is Austin or Scottsdale Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Scottsdale is safer than Austin (Safety Score 40/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 45% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Scottsdale has a 94% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 4.0x 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
Scottsdale — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Scottsdale, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Scottsdale | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,028.7 | +1,680.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 153.3 | +314.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.4 | +6.2 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 33.8 | +33.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 22.0 | +63.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 96.2 | +211.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,875.3 | +1,366.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 182.3 | +262.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,534.8 | +663.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 158.2 | +440.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Scottsdale safer?
Scottsdale is safer with a total crime rate of 2,029 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Scottsdale has 153.3. Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale, Arizona, a vibrant Sonoran Desert city, is known for its luxurious resorts and the historic influence of Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West. Located east of Phoenix, it's a popular destination for affluent residents and tourists seeking outdoor recreation and upscale amenities. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 245,237, Scottsdale has a total crime rate of 2,028.7 per 100,000 residents.