Is Austin or Wichita Falls Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wichita Falls is safer than Austin (Safety Score 20/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,971 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 20% lower. Austin has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Wichita Falls has a 30% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 9.6x 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
Wichita Falls — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Wichita Falls, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Wichita Falls | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,970.9 | +738.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 352.3 | +115.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 8.8 | -2.2 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 63.3 | +4.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 59.4 | +26.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 219.0 | +88.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,618.7 | +623.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 444.7 | +0.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,928.7 | +269.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 245.2 | +353.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Wichita Falls safer?
Wichita Falls is safer with a total crime rate of 2,971 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 20% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Wichita Falls has 352.3. Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls, TX
Wichita Falls, home to Sheppard Air Force Base, is a North Texas city near the Oklahoma border. The "City of Bridges" has a population of around 103,000, with a significant student presence. With a safety score of 20/100 and a population coverage of 102,762, Wichita Falls has a total crime rate of 2,970.9 per 100,000 residents.