Is Austin or West Memphis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than West Memphis (Safety Score 11/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 6,584 for West Memphis — 44% lower. Austin has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Austin has a 91% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 41.7x 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 Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
West Memphis, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | West Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 6,584.2 | -2,874.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 1,926.6 | -1,459.1 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 72.0 | -65.4 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 122.8 | -55.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 203.2 | -117.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 1,524.3 | -1,217.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 4,657.7 | -1,415.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 1,067.0 | -621.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 3,006.3 | -808.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 584.3 | +14.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or West Memphis safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 6,584 for West Memphis — a 44% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while West Memphis has 1,926.6. 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 West Memphis, AR
West Memphis, Arkansas, a Mississippi River town, historically served as a vital railroad hub. It's situated directly across from Memphis, Tennessee, and has a predominantly African American population. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 23,617, West Memphis has a total crime rate of 6,584.2 per 100,000 residents.