Public Safety

Public safety indicators, such as crime rates, have important social and economic implications for the development of communities and regions. They can impact perceptions of resident safety and community involvement, and consequently demographic dynamics of a region. Crime and the fear of crime impose costs on residents and the sustainability of a region. Conversely, public safety has a positive value to residents and sustainability efforts. Indicators of public safety provide benchmarks against which to measure performance of city agencies, non-profits, and philanthropic efforts to reduce crime and enhance feelings of safety within neighborhoods. Reducing the disparities found across geography, by income levels, and across race/ethnicity categories is key for a sustainable Austin area. Key indicators for public safety include: community safety, safe families, and equity in law enforcement.

Uniform Crime Rate

The Uniform Crime Rate (including both violent and non-violent crimes) in the Austin area has decreased since 2000. Travis County, although the highest of the six-county region, is at an all-time low of 3,526 crimes per 100,000 residents. Williamson County has the lowest rate at 1,597 crimes per 100,000 residents.

Equity in Law Enforcement

Although African American residents make up only 7.79% of residents in Travis County, they account for 28.51% of all arrestees in 2017. This represents a percentage uptick over the past three years (26.27% in 2014). Similar increasing percentages are being seen in Caldwell County and Bastrop County. Burnet, Hays, and Williamson are roughly the same.