Is Lawrence or San Marcos Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Marcos is safer than Lawrence (Safety Score 26/100 vs 26/100), with a total crime rate of 2,617 per 100,000 versus 2,627 for Lawrence — 0% lower. Lawrence has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Marcos has a 100% lower rate.
Lawrence — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Marcos — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Lawrence, KS
San Marcos, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Lawrence | San Marcos | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,627.4 | 2,616.8 | +10.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 470.8 | 358.9 | +111.9 |
| Murder Rate | 5.2 | 0.0 | +5.2 |
| Rape Rate | 74.5 | 96.3 | -21.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 33.1 | 37.1 | -4.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 348.7 | 225.5 | +123.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,156.6 | 2,257.9 | -101.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 229.7 | 266.8 | -37.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,762.3 | 1,600.6 | +161.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 164.5 | 390.5 | -226.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lawrence or San Marcos safer?
San Marcos is safer with a total crime rate of 2,617 per 100K vs 2,627 for Lawrence — a 0% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Lawrence has a violent crime rate of 470.8 per 100K while San Marcos has 358.9. San Marcos has lower violent crime.
About Lawrence, KS
Lawrence, Kansas, home to the University of Kansas Jayhawks, sits on the Kansas River. This vibrant college town, with a population around 97,000, played a significant role in the Bleeding Kansas era. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 96,636, Lawrence has a total crime rate of 2,627.4 per 100,000 residents.
About San Marcos, TX
San Marcos, a city in Hays County, is known for the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Spring Lake, home to several endangered species. Its population is primarily students attending Texas State University. With a safety score of 26/100 and a population coverage of 72,723, San Marcos has a total crime rate of 2,616.8 per 100,000 residents.