Austin is a renowned city that attracts both residents and visitors alike. However, it is not devoid of crime, and some neighborhoods have gained notoriety for their dangerous reputation. If you want to know which areas to avoid, here are the six most hazardous neighborhoods in Austin that you should be aware of.
Is Austin Dangerous?
Compared to other major American cities, Austin boasts lower crime rates, making it a relatively safe city. The downtown and tourist districts in Austin are particularly secure, and staying in these areas while avoiding the less favorable parts of the city will ensure that safety concerns are not a major issue.
In Austin, the likelihood of falling victim to a crime is 1 in 18 for its residents. The areas that are deemed the most dangerous are primarily situated in the northern and central regions of the city.
6 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Austin
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- Georgian Acres
- Montopolis
- Martin Luther King Highway 183
- Riverside
- Johnston Terrace
- Saint Johns
1. Georgian Acres
Georgian Acres, located in north central Austin, is considered the most dangerous neighborhood in the city with a population of 9,600. It has the highest crime rate, reaching 10,925 per 100,000 in 2022. This is a staggering 365% higher than the national average, justifying its notorious reputation. Despite this, some parts of the neighborhood have undergone revitalization efforts in recent years. The current median home price in Georgian Acres is only $90,800.
2. Montopolis
Montopolis, located in southeast Austin, is known for being one of the most violent neighborhoods in the area. With a population of 12,211, this neighborhood has gained notoriety for having a crime rate that is a staggering 302% higher than the national average. Unfortunately, residents of Montopolis have a high likelihood of becoming a victim of crime, with a 1 in 11 chance of falling prey to any type of criminal activity. It is advisable to steer clear of this area for safety reasons.
3. Martin Luther King Highway 183
One of the most crime-ridden areas in Austin is the Martin Luther King Highway 183 neighborhood. With a population of 8,366 and a crime rate of 8,250 per 100,000, it’s not a safe place to live. Shockingly, in 2022, the overall crime rate in this neighborhood was 252% higher than the national average. Violent and property crimes are rampant here, making it notorious for criminal activity. Sadly, high poverty rates have plagued the area for years, with a median income of only $38,101.
4. Riverside
Riverside, an Austin neighborhood, is known to be highly dangerous with a crime rate of 8,283 per 100,000. This crime rate is 248% higher than the national average, making it a concerning area to reside in. Despite the high crime rates, Riverside is a growing community that many families are considering for its affordable housing options. However, the area does struggle with personal theft and car theft, but violent crime is not a major issue in Riverside.
5. Johnston Terrace
Johnston Terrace, located in east Austin, is a tight-knit community with a population of 1,681. However, residents face a high crime rate of 7,695 per 100,000 people, which is 228% higher than the national average. Unfortunately, being a victim of crimes like theft and burglary is common in Johnston Terrace. Despite this, many middle-class individuals choose to call Johnston Terrace home due to its affordability compared to other areas in Austin. Nevertheless, it is essential to always stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, as the neighborhood is considered one of the most dangerous places to live in Austin.
6. Saint Johns
Located in central Austin, Saint Johns is known to be one of the most perilous neighborhoods. It has a population of 9,414 and a total crime rate of 6,002, which is 156% higher than the national average. Unfortunately, residents have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. Saint Johns is primarily a working-class neighborhood, with a median home price of $149,120.
