Is Austin or Selma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Selma is safer than Austin (Safety Score 29/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,455 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 34% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Selma has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 83.1x 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
Selma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Selma, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Selma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,454.7 | +1,254.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 236.2 | +231.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 33.7 | +33.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 0.0 | +85.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 202.5 | +104.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,218.5 | +1,023.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 160.3 | +284.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,805.2 | +393.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 253.1 | +345.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Selma safer?
Selma is safer with a total crime rate of 2,455 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Selma has 236.2. Selma 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 Selma, TX
Selma, Texas, once a small railroad stop, is now a rapidly growing city in Guadalupe, Comal, and Bexar counties. Located along I-35, it's home to the historic John Selma Jr. House, reflecting its early 20th-century development. With a safety score of 29/100 and a population coverage of 11,855, Selma has a total crime rate of 2,454.7 per 100,000 residents.