Is Austin or Yelm Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Yelm is safer than Austin (Safety Score 36/100 vs 11/100), with a total crime rate of 2,153 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 Yelm has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Austin is 91.0x 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
Yelm — 2-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Austin, TX
Yelm, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Austin | Yelm | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,709.4 | 2,153.4 | +1,556.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 467.5 | 277.3 | +190.2 |
| Murder Rate | 6.6 | 0.0 | +6.6 |
| Rape Rate | 67.6 | 64.7 | +2.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 85.4 | 27.7 | +57.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 307.2 | 184.8 | +122.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,241.9 | 1,876.2 | +1,365.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 445.2 | 286.5 | +158.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 2,198.1 | 1,478.7 | +719.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 598.6 | 110.9 | +487.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austin or Yelm safer?
Yelm is safer with a total crime rate of 2,153 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 Yelm has 277.3. Yelm 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 Yelm, WA
Yelm, a small city in Thurston County, is known for its rural character and views of Mount Rainier. Historically a logging and agricultural hub, it has seen a recent population increase, drawing new residents to its quiet, forested surroundings. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 10,820, Yelm has a total crime rate of 2,153.4 per 100,000 residents.