Is El Paso or San Antonio Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Paso is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 47/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 66% lower. El Paso has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where El Paso has a 68% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
El Paso — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
El Paso, TX
San Antonio, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | El Paso | San Antonio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 1,773.0 | 5,219.0 | -3,446.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 279.0 | 595.3 | -316.3 |
| Murder Rate | 3.0 | 8.4 | -5.4 |
| Rape Rate | 0.6 | 83.7 | -83.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 37.1 | 108.4 | -71.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 237.8 | 393.7 | -156.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1,494.0 | 4,623.6 | -3,129.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 140.2 | 495.6 | -355.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,072.4 | 3,291.8 | -2,219.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 281.4 | 836.3 | -554.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Paso or San Antonio safer?
El Paso is safer with a total crime rate of 1,773 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 66% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
El Paso has a violent crime rate of 279.0 per 100K while San Antonio has 595.3. El Paso has lower violent crime.
About El Paso, TX
Nestled at the base of the Franklin Mountains, El Paso is a large border city with a rich Tejano heritage. Its unique position makes it the largest binational metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere, boasting a vibrant blend of American and Mexican cultures. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 678,860, El Paso has a total crime rate of 1,773.0 per 100,000 residents.
About San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, a South Texas city famed for the Alamo, sits along the Balcones Escarpment. Its population is predominantly Hispanic, reflecting a rich blend of cultures. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 1,514,458, San Antonio has a total crime rate of 5,219.0 per 100,000 residents.