Is Austin or Waterloo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waterloo is safer than Austin (Safety Score 21/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 21% lower. Austin has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waterloo has a 59% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 14.8x 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
Waterloo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Waterloo, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Waterloo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,920.8 | +788.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 476.0 | -8.5 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 4.5 | +2.1 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 39.2 | +28.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 34.7 | +50.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 397.7 | -90.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,444.8 | +797.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 586.0 | -140.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,658.5 | +539.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 200.4 | +398.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Waterloo safer?
Waterloo is safer with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Waterloo has 476.0. 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 Waterloo, IA
Waterloo, Iowa, a city in Black Hawk County, was once a hub for the Illinois Central Railroad. Situated along the Cedar River, its population is diverse, with a notable African American community. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 66,385, Waterloo has a total crime rate of 2,920.8 per 100,000 residents.