Is Austin or Van Buren Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Van Buren is safer than Austin (Safety Score 28/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,520 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 32% lower. Austin has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Van Buren has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 40.3x 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
Van Buren — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Van Buren, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Van Buren | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,519.8 | +1,189.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 474.5 | -7.0 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 49.1 | +18.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 16.4 | +69.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 409.1 | -101.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,045.3 | +1,196.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 580.9 | -135.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,362.2 | +835.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 102.3 | +496.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Van Buren safer?
Van Buren is safer with a total crime rate of 2,520 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 32% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Van Buren has 474.5. 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 Van Buren, AR
Van Buren, Arkansas, a city of around 25,000 in Crawford County, sits on the Arkansas River's north bank. It's known for its historic downtown, a well-preserved example of 19th-century architecture. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 24,446, Van Buren has a total crime rate of 2,519.8 per 100,000 residents.