Austin is the capital city of Texas and has a population of over 950,000 people. It has been named one of the best cities to live in the United States due to its vibrant culture, weather, and job opportunities.

With its growth rate and increasing population, a lot of people are wondering how safe it is in Austin, Texas. In this article, we will look at the crime rates in Austin and what you need to know when living in the city.

Crime statistics in Austin

According to recent statistics from the Austin Police Department, the overall crime rate in Austin has decreased in recent years.

For instance, in 2019, the violent crime rate was 4.1 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate was 39.1 per 1,000 residents. When compared to 2018, Austin Police Department reported a 4.2% decrease in crime for 2019. As such, people living in Austin can feel a bit more secure.

Types of crimes in Austin

Despite the decreased rates, it’s important to note that some crimes are more common in Austin than others.

For instance, Austin Police Department reported that the most common types of violent crimes in the city are aggravated assault (1,735 incidents), robbery (930 incidents), and rape (539 incidents).

On the other hand, when it comes to property crimes, Austin Police Department reported that the most common types of property crimes are theft (32,238 incidents), burglary (4,103 incidents), and auto theft (2,502 incidents).

It’s important to note that property crimes are more common in Austin than violent crimes.

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Crime rates by neighborhood

While Austin has a relatively low crime rate, not all neighborhoods have equal crime rates. Some neighborhoods have lower crime rates than others, and some have higher crime rates.

According to AreaVibes data, the safest neighborhoods in Austin are West University, Rosedale, and Windsor Park, while the least safest neighborhoods are St. Johns, Mlk, and Rundberg.

Therefore, as a newcomer in Austin, it is essential to research the different Austin neighbourhoods, in order to learn those deemed safe and those reported to have higher risk of crime.

The police department response time

Another important aspect to consider when it comes to crime in Austin is the response time of the Austin Police Department.

The average response time is 8 minutes, with approximately 85% of all emergency calls being responded to within 12 minutes or less. Therefore, when residents place an emergency call to Austin PD, they are likely to receive quick assistance.

How to stay safe in Austin

Austin has a relatively low crime rate, but as with any city, it is still important to take precautions in order to stay safe. Here are some tips that can help you avoid becoming a crime victim:.

1. Avoid walking late at night in darker areas of the city.
2. Avoid leaving valuables in your car when parking it on the street, or if it will be in sight of others.
3. Hire a trusted house-sitter when leaving town on holidays.
4. Ensure that your home security system is updated, well-functioning.
5. Install outdoor lighting around your home.
6. Avoid leaving doors or windows unlocked.
7. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone and at night.
8. Partner up with a friend in the unfamiliar parts of the city.
9. Always be alert and vigilant for suspicious activity around you.

Conclusion

Austin is a safe city with relatively low crime rates, but like any other city, it has its ups and downs. Its residents should stay aware of the crime trends in their neighbourhoods and make necessary precautions in order to stay safe.

With its laid-back culture, bustling tech industry, and love of live music, Austin is a great place to work and call home.