Is Austin or South Charleston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than South Charleston (Safety Score 11/100 vs 2/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 6,009 for South Charleston — 38% lower. Austin has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Charleston has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 75.2x 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
South Charleston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
South Charleston, WV
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | South Charleston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 6,008.6 | -2,299.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 488.6 | -21.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 22.9 | +44.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 22.9 | +62.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 442.8 | -135.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 5,519.9 | -2,278.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 282.5 | +162.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 5,061.8 | -2,863.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 175.6 | +423.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or South Charleston safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 6,009 for South Charleston — a 38% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while South Charleston has 488.6. 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 South Charleston, WV
South Charleston, a Kanawha Valley city, is home to the Mound, an ancient Adena burial site. Situated along the Kanawha River, it has historically been a hub for chemical manufacturing. With a safety score of 2/100 and a population coverage of 13,098, South Charleston has a total crime rate of 6,008.6 per 100,000 residents.