Is Austin or Wakefield Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wakefield is safer than Austin (Safety Score 89/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 584 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 84% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Wakefield has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 34.4x 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
Wakefield — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Wakefield, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Wakefield | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 584.0 | +3,125.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 174.9 | +292.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 56.0 | +11.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 7.0 | +78.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 111.9 | +195.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 409.2 | +2,832.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 45.5 | +399.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 293.8 | +1,904.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 69.9 | +528.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Wakefield safer?
Wakefield is safer with a total crime rate of 584 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 84% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Wakefield has 174.9. Wakefield 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 Wakefield, MA
Wakefield, Massachusetts, a Middlesex County town established in 1644, is home to Lake Quannapowitt. This suburban community, with a population around 27,000, offers a mix of residential areas and local businesses. With a safety score of 89/100 and a population coverage of 28,594, Wakefield has a total crime rate of 584.0 per 100,000 residents.