Is Austin or South Lake Tahoe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, South Lake Tahoe is safer than Austin (Safety Score 34/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,266 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 39% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where South Lake Tahoe has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 46.9x 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 Lake Tahoe — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
South Lake Tahoe, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | South Lake Tahoe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,266.1 | +1,443.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 804.6 | -337.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 61.9 | +5.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 42.9 | +42.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 680.8 | -373.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,461.6 | +1,780.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 190.4 | +254.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,161.6 | +1,036.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 109.5 | +489.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or South Lake Tahoe safer?
South Lake Tahoe is safer with a total crime rate of 2,266 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 39% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while South Lake Tahoe has 804.6. 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 Lake Tahoe, CA
South Lake Tahoe, California, is a resort city on the Sierra Nevada's eastern slope, renowned for its casinos and Heavenly Mountain Resort. Its pristine alpine lake attracts millions of visitors annually. With a safety score of 34/100 and a population coverage of 21,005, South Lake Tahoe has a total crime rate of 2,266.1 per 100,000 residents.