Is Austin or Waynesboro Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waynesboro is safer than Austin (Safety Score 48/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,762 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 53% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waynesboro has a 70% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 41.6x 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
Waynesboro — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Waynesboro, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Waynesboro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,761.5 | +1,947.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 245.0 | +222.5 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 8.5 | -1.9 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 54.9 | +12.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 25.4 | +60.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 156.3 | +150.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,516.5 | +1,725.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 169.0 | +276.2 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,161.7 | +1,036.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 185.9 | +412.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Waynesboro safer?
Waynesboro is safer with a total crime rate of 1,762 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 53% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Waynesboro has 245.0. Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro, VA
Waynesboro, nestled in the Shenandoah Valley, is a city of around 15,000 residents. It's home to the South River, once a major industrial waterway. With a safety score of 48/100 and a population coverage of 23,673, Waynesboro has a total crime rate of 1,761.5 per 100,000 residents.