Is Austin or Waukegan Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waukegan is safer than Austin (Safety Score 39/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,060 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 44% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Waukegan has a 50% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 11.3x 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
Waukegan — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Waukegan, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Waukegan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,059.6 | +1,649.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 445.2 | +22.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 5.7 | +0.9 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 88.4 | -20.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 60.8 | +24.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 290.3 | +16.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,614.4 | +1,627.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 270.8 | +174.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 819.2 | +1,378.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 524.4 | +74.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Waukegan safer?
Waukegan is safer with a total crime rate of 2,060 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Waukegan has 445.2. Waukegan 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 Waukegan, IL
Waukegan, a Lake Michigan port city, boasts Ray Bradbury's childhood home and a diverse population. Located 40 miles north of Chicago, it serves as the county seat of Lake County. With a safety score of 39/100 and a population coverage of 87,155, Waukegan has a total crime rate of 2,059.6 per 100,000 residents.