Austin, a city renowned for its appeal to both residents and visitors, is not immune to crime, with certain neighborhoods gaining notoriety for their hazardous reputation. To help you navigate, here are six areas in Austin with a concerning crime rate that you should be mindful of.
The likelihood of falling victim to a crime in Austin is 1 in 18 for its residents. The areas deemed most dangerous are predominantly located in the northern and central regions of the city.
6 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Austin
- Georgian Acres
- Montopolis
- Martin Luther King Highway 183
- Riverside
- Johnston Terrace
- Saint Johns
1. Georgian Acres
Situated in north-central Austin, Georgian Acres is identified as the city’s most perilous neighborhood, housing a population of 9,600. Exhibiting a staggering crime rate of 10,925 per 100,000 in 2022, which is 365% higher than the national average, it justifies its notorious reputation.
2. Montopolis
Nestled in southeast Austin, Montopolis has gained infamy as one of the region’s most violent neighborhoods. Boasting a population of 12,211, this area is marked by a crime rate that surpasses the national average by a significant 302%. Unfortunately, residents of Montopolis face a heightened risk of falling victim to crime, with a 1 in 11 chance of encountering criminal activity. For safety reasons, it is advisable to exercise caution and steer clear of this area.
3. Martin Luther King Highway 183
Within Austin, one of the most crime-infested areas is the Martin Luther King Highway 183 neighborhood. Hosting a population of 8,366 and a concerning crime rate of 8,250 per 100,000, it is deemed an unsafe place for residence. Shockingly, in 2022, the overall crime rate in this neighborhood soared to a staggering 252% higher than the national average. Unfortunately, persistent high poverty rates have plagued the area for years, with a median income of only $38,101.
4. Riverside
Riverside, nestled in Austin, is recognized for its high level of danger, boasting a crime rate of 8,283 per 100,000—248% higher than the national average. Despite these elevated crime rates, Riverside remains a burgeoning community, attracting many families with its affordable housing options. While the area contends with personal theft and car theft, violent crime is not a major concern in Riverside.
5. Johnston Terrace
Situated in east Austin, Johnston Terrace is a close-knit community with a population of 1,681. However, residents grapple with a substantial crime rate of 7,695 per 100,000 people—228% higher than the national average. Regrettably, instances of theft and burglary are prevalent in Johnston Terrace. Despite these challenges, many middle-class individuals opt to reside in Johnston Terrace due to its affordability compared to other Austin neighborhoods.
6. Saint Johns
Centrally located in Austin, Saint Johns stands out as one of the most perilous neighborhoods. With a population of 9,414 and an overall crime rate of 6,002—156% higher than the national average—residents face a 1 in 17 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. Primarily a working-class neighborhood, Saint Johns features a median home price of $149,120.
