Is Austin or Wichita Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Wichita is safer than Austin (Safety Score 22/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,842 per 100,000 versus 3,709 for Austin — 23% lower. Austin has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Wichita has a 42% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 2.5x 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 — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Wichita, KS
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Wichita | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,841.8 | +867.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 538.8 | -71.3 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 8.3 | -1.7 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 33.1 | +34.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 49.8 | +35.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 447.3 | -140.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,303.0 | +938.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 262.7 | +182.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,791.0 | +407.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 249.3 | +349.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Wichita safer?
Wichita is safer with a total crime rate of 2,842 per 100K vs 3,709 for Austin — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Wichita has 538.8. 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 Wichita, KS
Wichita, the "Air Capital of the World," is a landlocked city in south-central Kansas. Its population is diverse, with significant Hispanic and Vietnamese communities contributing to its cultural fabric. With a safety score of 22/100 and a population coverage of 395,486, Wichita has a total crime rate of 2,841.8 per 100,000 residents.