Is Austin or Shafter Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shafter is safer than Austin (Safety Score 51/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,644 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 56% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Shafter has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 43.6x 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
Shafter — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Shafter, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Shafter | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,643.8 | +2,065.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 279.1 | +188.4 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 53.2 | +14.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 8.9 | +76.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 217.1 | +90.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,364.6 | +1,877.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 115.2 | +330.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 806.4 | +1,391.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 443.1 | +155.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Shafter safer?
Shafter is safer with a total crime rate of 1,644 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 56% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Shafter has 279.1. Shafter 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 Shafter, CA
Shafter, a Central Valley city, grew from a Santa Fe Railway colony in 1914. Its economy is deeply rooted in agriculture and oil, with a diverse, predominantly Hispanic population. With a safety score of 51/100 and a population coverage of 22,570, Shafter has a total crime rate of 1,643.8 per 100,000 residents.