Looking for a safe spot in Downtown Austin? Here’s the scoop:
Downtown Austin’s overall crime rate is 29% lower than the national average. The city’s taking action with:
Key safety tips:
Remember: No urban area is 100% crime-free. Stay alert and trust your instincts.
Want expert help finding a safe place? Try Taco Street Locating, a free apartment-finding service that knows Austin inside out.
Downtown Austin is getting safer. Let’s look at what’s changed.
Crime rates in Downtown Austin have dropped big time. In early 2024, we saw the lowest crime levels since 2020. Violent crimes? Way down. There were only 14 homicides compared to 23 last year. Kidnappings stayed about the same at 51 cases. Rapes dropped from 79 to 56.
But it’s not just violent crime. Property crimes are down too. In fact, Downtown Austin’s crime rate is now 29% lower than the national average. It’s safer than 79% of Texas cities.
“We’re being more purposeful about addressing the root contributors to crime.” – Auzzie Krobatsch, APD’s Acting Police Data Initiatives and Analytics Strategy Officer.
So, how did they do it? The Austin Police Department (APD) got smart:
1. Intelligence-Led Policing
They’re focusing on crime hotspots and underlying issues. It’s like playing whack-a-mole, but with crime.
2. Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) Upgrade
Imagine a room with eight 50-inch screens showing feeds from over 3,000 cameras across 900 locations. That’s the RTCC now, running 24/7.
3. Downtown Patrol Initiative
Launched 8 months ago, this has already made a big difference. Lt. Christopher Juusola says it’s had an “immediate positive impact.”
4. Tech Boost
APD teamed up with Hitachi Digital Services to improve their operations. It’s like giving the police a tech upgrade.
The results? People are noticing. Craig Staley, who owns Royal Blue Grocery, says, “Downtown’s a safer-feeling place today than it was last summer.”
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Auto thefts are still high, following a national trend. Your chance of being a victim of property crime in Downtown Austin? 1 in 70. Not great, but better than before.
The city’s not stopping there. They’ve improved the 911 system and started a community violence prevention program. It’s like they’re attacking crime from all angles.
Thinking of moving to Downtown Austin? These trends are good news. But remember, it’s still a city. Stay smart, stay safe. And if you see something, say something. The APD needs your help to keep the city safe.
Austin’s growing, and so is its focus on safety. With the police and community working together, Downtown Austin’s future is looking brighter by the day.
We didn’t just guess which areas of Downtown Austin are safest. We dug into the data. Here’s how:
We started with crime stats from the Austin Police Department and FBI. We looked at violent crimes, property crimes, and how Downtown Austin compares to state and national averages.
For Downtown Austin (78701), we found:
But we didn’t stop there. We used tools like SecurityGauge and Austin’s CrimeViewer to zoom in on specific neighborhoods. We found some areas in Downtown have crime rates 29% lower than the national average. Not bad for a city center!
We also checked out what the police are doing:
1. Intelligence-Led Policing
They’re focusing on crime hotspots and root causes.
2. Real-Time Crime Center
It’s a 24/7 operation with 3,000+ cameras across 900 locations.
3. Downtown Patrol Initiative
Launched 8 months ago, it’s already making a difference.
We talked to Downtown Austin residents too. We wanted to know how safe they feel and what they think about their neighborhoods.
We even got input from safety experts and cops. Auzzie Krobatsch from APD shared insights on their data-driven approach to fighting crime.
To put things in perspective, we compared Downtown Austin to:
We also looked at things that make an area feel safe, like good street lighting and community events.
Finally, we checked out crime trends over time. Good news: Downtown Austin’s overall crime rate dropped 8% compared to last year.
The Market District is a standout safe zone in Downtown Austin. It’s a place where urban buzz meets peace of mind.
This part of downtown is safer than you might expect. While Austin’s crime rate sits at 42 per thousand residents (higher than the national average), the Market District bucks this trend. It’s part of a downtown area that’s gotten safer in recent years.
Why is it so safe? For one, the people who live here are all in. They don’t just exist – they’re active. The neighborhood watch is on point, with regular meetups and patrols. This community spirit is key to keeping things secure.
“Downtown’s a safer-feeling place today than it was last summer”, says Craig Staley, owner of Royal Blue Grocery, a local Market District staple.
The district’s safety gets a boost from its thriving economy. High-end homes and popular businesses keep people moving through the area, which naturally keeps crime at bay. Take the flagship Whole Foods Market – it’s not just a grocery store, it’s a community hub that adds to the area’s safety just by being busy.
Here’s what makes the Market District safe:
But let’s be real – no city area is 100% crime-free. In Austin, your odds of being a victim of property crime are 1 in 28. But in the Market District, those odds are better than in other parts of the city.
Thinking of moving here? Just know that safety comes with a price tag. A one-bedroom apartment will set you back about $1,903 per month on average. But for many, the peace of mind is worth it.
The Seaholm District is a safe spot in Downtown Austin. It’s a mix of old and new, with the iconic Seaholm Power Plant at its heart. This area has homes, shops, and offices all in one place.
Why is Seaholm safe? Let’s break it down:
Crime is down: In early 2024, violent crimes dropped. There were 14 homicides, down from 23 the year before. Property crimes fell by 14% too.
Easy to walk around: The streets are well-lit and easy to navigate. With a walk score of 96 out of 100, you can do most errands on foot. More people walking means more eyes on the street.
High-tech security: Many buildings, like the Seaholm Residences, have 24/7 front desk staff and top-notch security systems.
Strong economy: In 2022, over 5,000 people worked in the district. 30% of shops are locally-owned, which is good for the community.
Mostly adults: The area has 9,560 people with a median age of 39.3. 99% of homes don’t have kids. This tends to mean less crime.
Green spaces: There are parks and trails where people can gather. These well-kept areas help keep crime away.
“Seaholm was designated an EcoDistrict in 2017.” – AustinTexas.gov
This shows the area cares about the environment and community, which often means less crime.
Seaholm is safe, but it’s not cheap. The average home costs $598,992, and people typically earn $126,049 a year. But for many, the safety and lifestyle are worth it.
Want to help keep Seaholm safe? Here’s what you can do:
Seaholm shows how good planning, community spirit, and a strong economy can make a safe neighborhood in a busy city.
The Second Street District is a standout safe zone in Downtown Austin. It’s a six-block stretch that the City of Austin developed from 2000 to 2012. Now, it’s a bustling community that’s both safe and fun to live in.
What makes it so safe? For starters, it’s always buzzing with activity. By 2017, the area had:
All this action means there are always people around, which helps keep crime at bay. It’s like having a neighborhood watch, but without the meetings.
The district is also super walkable. It scores a whopping 97 out of 100 on the walk score scale. The streets are well-lit, and there’s always foot traffic. More eyes on the street mean fewer opportunities for trouble.
“The 2nd Street District has surpassed expectations for a world-class destination to live, work, shop, and dine and continues to be a catalyst for Austin’s downtown.” – City of Austin Development Report
While we don’t have specific crime stats for Second Street, it’s part of Downtown Austin. And Downtown Austin? It’s got a violent crime rate that’s 52% lower than the national average. Pretty impressive, right?
The district’s safety gets a boost from its economic success too. The median household income is $148,049, and the median home price is $941,288. People who live here are invested in keeping the neighborhood nice and safe.
Plus, there’s 175,000 square feet of retail space. That means shops, restaurants, and businesses keeping the area lively all day long.
But it’s not all about money and shops. The district has parks and playgrounds where people can hang out and get to know each other. This sense of community is key to keeping the neighborhood safe.
Now, if you’re thinking of moving here, keep in mind that it’s still a city. After the bars close at 2 am, it’s smart to stay alert. But overall, the Second Street District is a great pick if you want to live in the heart of Austin without compromising on safety.
Rainey Street’s got a rep for wild nights and cool vibes. But how safe is it? Let’s dive in.
Downtown Austin’s crime rates are down. In 2024, homicides dropped from 23 to 14. Good news for Rainey Street, but with all those bars and clubs, safety’s still top of mind.
The city’s not sitting on its hands. They’re rolling out some serious upgrades:
Why all this? Sadly, five people have drowned in Lady Bird Lake near Rainey Street since 2014. All accidents, but still tragic.
Councilmember Zohaib Qadri put it straight:
“We’re looking at everything that we can potentially do to make sure that these tragedies don’t keep on occurring.”
Now, living on Rainey Street has its perks:
But don’t let your guard down, especially at night. Cops are patrolling more, and park rangers are keeping watch on the trail.
Thinking of moving here? It’ll cost you. Median home price: $1,949,346. Ouch.
More changes are coming. There’s a new park opening in July with better lighting and signs. It’s all part of the city’s plan to make Rainey Street safer and cooler.
Bottom line: Rainey Street’s got its issues, but the city and community are working hard to make it a safe place to live and party.
The West End in Downtown Austin isn’t the safest spot in the city, but it’s not bad either. It’s got a crime rate just under the average, mixing urban cool with decent safety.
Here’s the lowdown on West End’s safety:
These numbers put West End smack in the middle for Austin. But there’s more to the story:
Violent crime? It’s a bit below average. Good news if you’re worried about your safety.
Property crime? A tad above average. Something to keep in mind, but not lose sleep over.
Let’s break it down further:
West End’s got a trick up its sleeve: it’s buzzing with life. As the “Central Design District”, it’s packed with art galleries, antique shops, and even has the flagship Whole Foods Market nearby. All this activity? It naturally keeps crime at bay.
A local real estate pro puts it this way: “West End’s got this cool mix of city life and community feel.”
Thinking about moving to West End? Here are some quick safety tips:
Here’s a fun fact: West End is part of the 78701 zip code. Niche ranks this as the #1 “Best ZIP Code To Live in the Austin Area.” That’s saying something about life quality here.
West End might not be the safety champion, but it offers a solid urban living experience. It’s got culture, it’s convenient, and it’s reasonably safe. For those after that downtown Austin vibe, it’s a pretty sweet deal.
Just remember: Austin’s crime rates are higher than many U.S. cities. Your chances of being a victim of violent crime in Austin? 1 in 186. So West End’s slightly below-average violent crime rate? That’s actually not too shabby.
Finding a safe spot in Downtown Austin can be tough. But don’t worry – local experts have got your back.
Enter Taco Street Locating. It’s a free apartment finding service that makes your search a whole lot easier.
Ross Quade is one of their top guns. He knows Austin like the back of his hand. But he doesn’t just find you an apartment. He finds you a home that fits YOU.
Here’s how Taco Street Locating helps you snag a safe Downtown Austin pad:
They start with a chat to figure out what you need. Then, they whip up a list of safe spots that tick your boxes. They’ll give you the lowdown on neighborhood safety and crime rates too.
Want to check out some places? They’ll set up tours – in person or virtual. And when you’re ready to apply, they’ve got your back there too.
The best part? It won’t cost you a dime. The apartments pay Taco Street, not you.
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what one happy customer said:
“Ross is your man if you want someone who knows Austin inside out. He’ll find you an apartment that’s just right.”
And get this – they’ve even helped folks in tough spots. Check out this story:
“I was homeless for 3 months, living in a motel. I thought no one would rent to me with my broken lease and debt. Then I met Ross Quade. He worked miracles! He found me a great place, did all the legwork, and made it easy to get approved for a second chance property.”
So if you’re hunting for a safe home in Downtown Austin, give Taco Street Locating a shot. Their know-how could be just what you need to find your perfect, safe Austin home.
Living in Downtown Austin is a blast, but you’ve got to keep your wits about you. Here’s how to stay safe:
Keep tabs on what’s happening. Follow Austin-Travis County EMS on social media. They’ll give you the heads up on any local emergencies or hazards.
Downtown Austin’s crime rate? It’s 87.32 per 1,000 residents each year. Sounds scary, but most of it’s property crime. Still, better safe than sorry, especially after dark.
Make your home a fortress. Security cameras and motion sensor lights are your friends. Lots of folks downtown swear by Ring doorbells and Nest outdoor cameras.
Lock up tight. Always. Even when you’re home. Got sliding doors? Throw in a security bar for good measure.
Fire safety is no joke. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor. Test ’em monthly, new batteries yearly. And have a fire escape plan – practice makes perfect.
When you’re out on the town, ditch the car. Uber and Lyft are everywhere downtown. Safer for you, and you don’t have to worry about parking.
Stay sharp, especially on 6th Street. Most of the homeless folks are harmless, but keep your guard up and be respectful.
Don’t tempt fate with your stuff. Keep valuables out of sight in your car and close to you in public. Use a money belt or hotel safe for the important stuff.
Strength in numbers, folks. Explore with friends when you can, especially at night. Stick to the bright lights and busy streets.
Tech can be your bodyguard. Apps like SafeTrek or bSafe can get you help fast if you’re in a tight spot.
Downtown Austin isn’t as scary as some might think. Sure, the city’s crime rate is a bit higher than the national average, but there are plenty of safe spots to call home.
Take the 78701 zip code. It’s not just safe – it’s the #1 “Best ZIP Code To Live in the Austin Area” according to Niche. The violent crime rate here? A whopping 51% below the national average. Not too shabby.
But here’s the deal:
Crime rates aren’t the same everywhere downtown. The Market District and Seaholm District? They’re like the cool kids of safety – lower crime rates than their neighbors.
And get this: neighborhoods where people actually talk to each other tend to be safer. Who knew, right? Look for places with neighborhood watch programs and block parties.
Now, don’t forget about the little things that make a big difference:
These can all help you feel safer in your new digs.
Here’s a pro tip: keep an eye on local news and what the Austin Police Department is saying. It’s like having a safety radar for your neighborhood.
But let’s be real – Downtown Austin is still a city. Use your common sense, especially at night. You wouldn’t leave your car unlocked with a “Free Stuff” sign, would you?
Bottom line: the safest place for you in Downtown Austin is wherever you feel most comfortable. Maybe it’s the buzz of Second Street District or the old-school cool of Rainey Street. Whatever floats your boat.
Downtown Austin’s got options. Safe options. Fun options. It’s just waiting for you to find your perfect spot.
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