Is Austin or West Des Moines Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Des Moines is safer than Austin (Safety Score 44/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 1,879 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 49% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Des Moines has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 13.4x 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
West Des Moines — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
West Des Moines, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | West Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 1,879.1 | +1,830.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 165.0 | +302.5 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 21.8 | +45.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 12.3 | +73.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 130.9 | +176.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,714.1 | +1,527.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 114.5 | +330.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,471.4 | +726.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 128.2 | +470.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or West Des Moines safer?
West Des Moines is safer with a total crime rate of 1,879 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 49% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while West Des Moines has 165.0. West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines is a vibrant suburb of Iowa's capital, known for its strong financial sector and Jordan Creek Town Center. This affluent community, once a railway stop, lies just west of Des Moines, primarily in Polk County. With a safety score of 44/100 and a population coverage of 73,334, West Des Moines has a total crime rate of 1,879.1 per 100,000 residents.