Is Austin or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 11/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 44% lower. Austin has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Austin has a 56% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 4.4x 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
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 6,666.7 | -2,957.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 1,063.0 | -595.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 9.8 | -3.2 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 67.9 | -0.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 184.4 | -99.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 801.0 | -493.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 5,603.6 | -2,361.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 669.7 | -224.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 3,521.3 | -1,323.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 1,412.6 | -814.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Tacoma safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. 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 Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, nestled on Commencement Bay, boasts a rich industrial past, once a major port for timber and rail. Today, this diverse city, home to over 200,000 residents, features a vibrant arts scene and stunning views of Mount Rainier. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 223,980, Tacoma has a total crime rate of 6,666.7 per 100,000 residents.