Is Austin or West Plains Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, West Plains is safer than Austin (Safety Score 36/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,167 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 42% lower. Austin has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where West Plains has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 77.3x 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
West Plains — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
West Plains, MO
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | West Plains | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,167.4 | +1,542.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 361.2 | +106.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 86.4 | -18.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 23.6 | +61.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 251.3 | +55.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,806.2 | +1,435.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 180.6 | +264.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,476.4 | +721.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 149.2 | +449.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or West Plains safer?
West Plains is safer with a total crime rate of 2,167 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 42% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while West Plains has 361.2. West Plains 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 Plains, MO
West Plains, Missouri, the "Gateway to the Ozarks," is a south-central Missouri town known for its historic Houck's Mill. This Howell County seat serves as a regional hub for commerce and healthcare. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 12,734, West Plains has a total crime rate of 2,167.4 per 100,000 residents.