Is Austin or Winston-Salem Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Austin is safer than Winston-Salem (Safety Score 11/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100,000 versus 3,731 for Winston-Salem — 1% lower. Austin has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Austin has a 42% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 3.9x 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
Winston-Salem — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Winston-Salem, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Winston-Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 3,731.3 | -21.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 810.1 | -342.6 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 11.4 | -4.8 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 46.1 | +21.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 97.2 | -11.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 655.0 | -347.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 2,921.2 | +320.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 570.0 | -124.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,996.9 | +201.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 354.3 | +244.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Winston-Salem safer?
Austin is safer with a total crime rate of 3,709 per 100K vs 3,731 for Winston-Salem — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Austin has a violent crime rate of 467.5 per 100K while Winston-Salem has 810.1. 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 Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem, NC, a city born from the tobacco and textile industries, is nestled in the Piedmont Triad. Home to Wake Forest University, its population is diverse, reflecting a blend of old Southern charm and modern influences. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 254,041, Winston-Salem has a total crime rate of 3,731.3 per 100,000 residents.