Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Austin

By PropertyClub Team
Mar 25th 2023
Austin has a reputation for being a great place to live and visit, but there are also horror stories regarding crime associated with the city. Read on to discover the six most dangerous neighborhoods in Austin.

hash-markIs Austin Dangerous? 

Austin is a relatively safe city, with crime rates that are lower than other large American cities. Austin’s downtown and tourist districts are some of the safest parts of the city. If you stay in these neighborhoods and avoid the worst areas in the city, you won’t have to worry much about crime. 

Overall, Austin residents have a 1 in 18 chance of becoming the victims of a crime. The most dangerous neighborhoods in the city are generally in the north and central parts of the city. 

hash-mark6 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Austin

  1. Georgian Acres
  2. Montopolis
  3. Martin Luther King Highway 183 
  4. Riverside
  5. Johnston Terrace
  6. Saint Johns

hash-mark1. Georgian Acres

The most dangerous neighborhood in Austin is Georgian Acres. This residential area in north central Austin has a population of 9,600 and the worst levels of crime in the city. The crime rate in Georgian Acres was 10,925 per 100,000 in 2022, which is a whopping 365% higher than the national average. Georgian Acres has a bad reputation, which is well-deserved. However, in recent years parts of the neighborhood have begun to be revitalized. The current median home price stands at just $90,800. 

hash-mark2. Montopolis

Another one of the most violent neighborhoods in Austin is Montopolis. This neighborhood is located in southeast Austin and has a population of 12,211. It has been considered one of the worst parts of Austin for years, as the neighborhood’s crime rate is an astounding 302% higher than the national average. With residents having a 1 in 11 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime, Montopolis is definitely an area that is best left avoided. 

hash-mark3. Martin Luther King Highway 183 

The Martin Luther King Highway 183 area is another one of the worst Austin neighborhoods for crime. It has a population of 8,366 and a crime rate of 8,250 per 100,000. In 2022, the overall crime rate in the Martin Luther King Highway 183 neighborhood was 252% higher than the national average. This neighborhood is notorious for violent and property crime. This area has been affected by high poverty rates for years, having a median income of $38,101. 

hash-mark4. Riverside 

Riverside is another dangerous Austin neighborhood. It has a crime rate of 8,283 per 100,000. Overall, Riverside’s crime rate is 248% higher than the national average. Riverside is a growing area that is quickly becoming home to many families looking for affordable housing options. Although the area struggles with high crime rates, violent crime isn’t a major issue in Riverside, and most crime involves personal theft and car theft. 

hash-mark5. Johnston Terrace

Johnston Terrace is a small community in east Austin with a population of 1,681. The total crime rate in Johnston Terrace is 7,695 per 100,000, which is 228% higher than the national average. Residents have a strong likelihood of becoming the victim of a crime, with crimes like theft and burglary being common. Despite this, Johnston Terrace is home to many middle-class residents looking for more affordable options within Austin. While the area is affordable, you’ll want to always be aware of your surroundings, as it’s one of the most dangerous places to live in Austin. 

hash-mark6. Saint Johns

Saint Johns is another one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Austin. Saint Johns is located in central Austin and has a population of 9,414. Crime in Saint Johns is 156% higher than the national average, with a total crime rate of 6,002. Residents have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime. Saint Johns is best described as a working-class neighborhood, having a median home price of $149,120.