Austin, Texas’ capital, is well-known for its robust music, art, and technology sectors. However, underneath the hip and stylish exterior, certain districts are plagued by crime and violence.
According to the most recent statistics from city statistics.com, Austin’s crime rate is 1.2 times the national average and 89.3% greater than that of comparable cities in the United States. In this post, we’ll look at Austin’s five most hazardous areas, ranked by the number of violent crimes per 100,000 people.
1. Downtown
Downtown is Austin’s primary commercial center and entertainment hub, sandwiched between Lady Bird Lake and the University of Texas campus. It is the city’s most inhabited and frequented region, offering a wide range of attractions, events, and nightlife opportunities. Downtown’s violent crime rate is 1,316 per 100,000, about three times the city average.
The most common sorts of violent crimes in Downtown are robbery, aggravated assault, and rape. Downtown also suffers issues including congestion, noise pollution, and a lack of parking.
2. Montopolis
Montopolis is a neighborhood in southeast Austin bounded by the Colorado River and Highway 183. It is one of the city’s oldest and most varied neighborhoods, featuring a mix of Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians.
Montopolis has a violent crime rate of 1,029 per 100,000, which is double the city average. The most prevalent violent crimes in Montopolis are severe assault, robbery, and rape. Montopolis also faces poverty, unemployment, and a lack of access to education and health care.
3. 4.4St. Johns
St. Johns is a neighborhood in north Austin near I-35 and Highway 290. The community is primarily African American and Hispanic, with a history of racial segregation and prejudice. St. Johns has a violent crime rate of 1,066 per 100,000, which is more than twice the city average.
The most common sorts of violent crimes in St. John are robbery, aggravated assault, and homicide. St. John also confronts issues such as poor income, low homeownership, and low educational achievement.
4. East Riverside—Oltorf
East Riverside-Oltorf is a neighborhood in South Austin that borders the Colorado River and Riverside Drive. It is a densely inhabited and quickly gentrifying neighborhood, with a sizable student and young professional population.
East Riverside-Oltorf has a violent crime rate of 1,092 per 100,000, which is more than double the city average. The most common violent crimes in East Riverside-Oltorf are robbery, aggravated assault, and rape. East Riverside-Oltorf also faces challenges such as homelessness, drug misuse, and traffic congestion.
5. North Lamar
North Lamar is a neighborhood in north Austin near Lamar Boulevard and Interstate 35. It is a varied and multicultural region with a sizable Hispanic and Asian community. North Lamar has a violent crime rate of 1,008 per 100,000, which is double the city average.
The most prevalent violent offenses in North Lamar are severe assault, robbery, and rape. Poverty, homelessness, and drug trafficking are among the difficulties that North Lamar suffers.
Conclusion
Austin, famed for its dynamic culture, is dealing with violence that is concentrated in certain regions. Downtown, Montopolis, St. Johns, and East Riverside-Oltorf have high violent crime rates, posing issues such as poverty, segregation, and educational inequality. To address these concerns, a complete community effort is required, with a focus on social assistance, economic possibilities, and improved living circumstances for a safer and more equitable Austin.