Is San Antonio or Waco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waco is safer than San Antonio (Safety Score 27/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 2,552 per 100,000 versus 5,219 for San Antonio — 51% lower. San Antonio has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where Waco has a 54% lower rate.
Note: San Antonio is 10.4x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
San Antonio — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Waco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
San Antonio, TX
Waco, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | San Antonio | Waco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 5,219.0 | 2,552.1 | +2,666.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 595.3 | 425.9 | +169.4 |
| Murder Rate | 8.4 | 5.5 | +2.9 |
| Rape Rate | 83.7 | 90.9 | -7.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 108.4 | 57.4 | +50.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 393.7 | 272.1 | +121.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 4,623.6 | 2,126.2 | +2,497.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 495.6 | 294.7 | +200.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 3,291.8 | 1,626.4 | +1,665.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 836.3 | 205.1 | +631.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Antonio or Waco safer?
Waco is safer with a total crime rate of 2,552 per 100K vs 5,219 for San Antonio — a 51% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
San Antonio has a violent crime rate of 595.3 per 100K while Waco has 425.9. Waco has lower violent crime.
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.
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.