Is Norman or Waco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Norman is safer than Waco (Safety Score 28/100 vs 27/100), with a total crime rate of 2,530 per 100,000 versus 2,552 for Waco — 1% lower. Norman has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Norman has a 86% lower rate.
Norman — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Waco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Norman, OK
Waco, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Norman | Waco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,529.8 | 2,552.1 | -22.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 263.2 | 425.9 | -162.7 |
| Murder Rate | 0.8 | 5.5 | -4.7 |
| Rape Rate | 39.0 | 90.9 | -51.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 18.4 | 57.4 | -39.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 202.0 | 272.1 | -70.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,266.6 | 2,126.2 | +140.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 351.2 | 294.7 | +56.6 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.3 | 1,626.4 | +60.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 228.0 | 205.1 | +22.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Norman or Waco safer?
Norman is safer with a total crime rate of 2,530 per 100K vs 2,552 for Waco — a 1% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Norman has a violent crime rate of 263.2 per 100K while Waco has 425.9. Norman has lower violent crime.
About Norman, OK
Norman, Oklahoma, home to the University of Oklahoma, is a city in Cleveland County with a significant student population. Located just south of Oklahoma City, it lies within the Cross Timbers eco-region. With a safety score of 28/100 and a population coverage of 130,681, Norman has a total crime rate of 2,529.8 per 100,000 residents.
About Waco, TX
Waco, Texas, bisected by the Brazos River, is a Central Texas city with a diverse population of around 140,000. Home to Baylor University, it blends academic life with a rich history, including its past as a major cotton producer. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 146,270, Waco has a total crime rate of 2,552.1 per 100,000 residents.