10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Austin In 2025

The moment you land in Austin, you feel it. The music, the food, the nature, the neighborhoods with real personality, they all come together in a way that’s hard to ignore. But like any growing city, some areas feel safe and predictable while others experience more crime and deserve extra attention. Knowing the dangerous neighborhoods in Austin makes it easier to move around confidently and avoid the areas where issues tend to cluster. This guide breaks down the Austin crime rate, the areas to avoid in Austin, the reasons behind those patterns, and the safest neighborhoods in Austin for anyone thinking about studying, working, or relocating here. The goal is simple. Understand the landscape, stay aware, and choose where you live or visit with real clarity.

Overview of Crime in Austin

Austin continues to expand quickly, and with growth comes shifts in safety. The Austin crime rate for violent crime sits close to 422 incidents per 100,000 residents, placing it slightly above national averages. Property crime is more noticeable, with numbers around 3,500 incidents per 100,000 residents, especially in areas with nightlife, tourism, or dense housing. Crime isn’t evenly spread across the city. A few neighborhoods consistently experience higher levels of violent incidents, theft, break-ins, and disturbances. These areas form the core of what people refer to as the dangerous neighborhoods in Austin. Understanding which places fall into that category helps you plan smarter, especially at night or when choosing where to live.

Top Dangerous Neighborhoods in Austin

Austin has many peaceful and predictable areas, but these neighborhoods deal with more crime than most. Each location’s profile comes from its own mix of environment, foot traffic, nightlife, and social challenges. 

1. East Riverside

Located southeast of downtown near Lady Bird Lake, East Riverside regularly appears among the dangerous neighborhoods in Austin due to its high number of violent incidents. The neighborhood has roughly 17,000 to 20,000 residents, which gives enough population density for crime trends to stand out clearly. The violent crime rate of around 950 incidents per 100,000 residents is far above the national average, with assaults and robberies being the most common issues. East Riverside has a mix of students, nightlife, and older apartment complexes, which creates unpredictable street activity late at night. Staying alert on foot and being careful around parking areas helps reduce most risks.

2. St. Johns

North of Highway 183, St. Johns deals with long-standing safety challenges tied to theft, open-air activity, and violent crime. The area has roughly 12,000 to 14,000 residents, which makes crime patterns easy to spot and makes the neighborhood one of the dangerous areas in Austin. Numbers reach close to 900 incidents per 100,000 residents, placing it far above city averages. The streets can feel different during the day versus late evenings, and certain areas see more loitering and vehicle break-ins. People passing through after sunset usually stick to main roads and avoid quieter blocks.

3. East Cesar Chavez

Just east of downtown, East Cesar Chavez combines restaurants, bars, and residential streets with heavy foot traffic. The neighborhood is home to about 10,000 residents, creating dense movement throughout the day. Violent crime estimates reach 850 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is why it often shows up when people search for the dangerous neighborhoods in Austin.  Theft from cars is one of the most frequent problems. Tourists, nightlife crowds, and commuters create a steady stream of activity that attracts opportunistic crime. Choosing bright, busy routes helps if you’re out late.

4. Montopolis

Southeast of the river, Montopolis has seen steady crime challenges tied to robberies, assaults, and property crimes. Montopolis has around 13,000 to 15,000 residents, spread across older homes and industrial areas. Violent incidents hover around 820 per 100,000 residents, which is why this area often shows up when people talk about the dangerous neighborhoods in Austin. The mix of industrial areas and older homes leads to areas with inconsistent visibility at night. Transit stops and convenience stores are the main risk points. Walking with friends and avoiding empty sidewalks after dark is a smart approach here.

5. Georgian Acres

North Austin’s Georgian Acres faces increasing theft and burglary cases, mixed with elevated violent crime. Georgian Acres has a population of roughly 9,000 residents. Numbers land around 780 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a common mention when discussing dangerous neighborhoods in Austin. Many streets have limited lighting and long stretches without many people around, especially late in the evening. Keeping valuables hidden and staying aware of your surroundings is important here.

6. Heritage Hills

Situated near I-35, Heritage Hills deals with property crime clusters and periodic violent incidents. Heritage Hills is home to about 6,000 to 7,000 residents, many living in older apartment complexes. With an estimated violent crime near 760 per 100,000 residents, it’s one of the dangerous areas in Austin that sees frequent car break-ins and apartment complex thefts. The layout with large parking lots and older buildings creates blind spots at night. Residents often emphasize parking in visible areas and staying cautious on foot.

7. Govalle

East of downtown, Govalle has industrial blocks and busy commercial strips that experience elevated property and violent crime. Govalle has around 6,500 to 8,000 residents, split between industrial and walkable residential streets. Violent incidents reach around 700 per 100,000 residents, putting it among the dangerous parts of Austin where assaults and robberies happen more often. Some parts are active and social, while others feel much quieter depending on the time of day. Staying in well-lit areas helps avoid the riskier corners.

8. Johnston Terrace

On the east side near Airport Boulevard, Johnston Terrace has roughly 3,500 to 4,500 residents, and it often shows up in conversations about dangerous neighborhoods in Austin. Violent crime sits around 680 incidents per 100,000 residents, mostly tied to assaults and property crime. Nights can feel quiet enough that people stay more aware than usual. Most locals stick to the busier streets when it gets late because that’s where they usually feel safer.

9. Martin Luther King Highway 183 Area

The neighborhoods around Martin Luther King Boulevard and Highway 183 hold about 10,000 to 12,000 residents and often get mentioned when people talk about dangerous neighborhoods in Austin. Violent crime sits near 720 incidents per 100,000 residents, with a mix of theft, assaults, and late night incidents showing up around bigger intersections. Some stretches don’t have great lighting, so most folks choose areas with steady activity when they’re out after dark.

10. Rosewood

Just east of central Austin, Rosewood is home to around 6,000 to 7,500 residents and is regularly listed among the dangerous neighborhoods in Austin because of its mix of robberies, assaults, and property crime. Violent incidents reach roughly 740 per 100,000 residents, putting it on the higher end compared to similar parts of the city. The atmosphere shifts a lot from day to night. Some streets stay busy, while others turn quiet fast, and that’s when people stick to areas with more movement.

Additional Areas of Concern

Some dangerous parts of Austin, like Windsor Park and North Lamar, experience fluctuating crime levels. Theft, break-ins, and disturbances rise and fall throughout the year depending on traffic, construction, and events nearby. These places don’t always rank as the dangerous neighborhoods in Austin, but locals still recommend caution when moving around late at night.

Why These Areas Are Considered Dangerous Parts of Austin

Crime gathers in certain places for reasons that show up repeatedly across Austin. These patterns explain why the same neighborhoods appear on danger lists year after year and why some areas remain riskier than others.

1. Socioeconomic Factors

Many higher-crime Austin neighborhoods face long-term financial strain, limited job access, and unstable housing. These conditions push more everyday activity into public areas, where incidents are more likely to happen. As pressures increase, some blocks see consistent crime that supports their reputation as dangerous areas in Austin.

2. Property Crime Concentration

Austin’s nightlife, tourism, and steady population growth create frequent opportunities for theft. Car break-ins, package theft, and burglary cluster heavily in neighborhoods with inconsistent foot traffic. This is especially noticeable in places close to downtown drinking corridors, which is why they’re labeled dangerous parts of Austin.

3. Drug Activity and Public Space Challenges

In some dangerous areas of Austin, where substance use and limited support overlap, unpredictable street conditions are common. Public areas become harder to navigate safely, and disturbances or theft happen more often. These issues play a major role in why some of these areas are considered among the dangerous neighborhoods in Austin.

4. Gang Influence and Violent Incidents

A few areas still see occasional gang-related disputes that raise violent crime numbers. Even infrequent events affect how safe a neighborhood feels day to day. These incidents contribute to the overall reputation of some dangerous areas in Austin.

5. Transitional Pressure and Development Shifts

As East Austin continues to evolve, some blocks carry tension between older residents, new arrivals, nightlife growth, and construction. These transitions lead to unpredictable foot traffic and increased petty crime. This mix keeps certain areas listed among the dangerous neighborhoods in Austin.

The Safer Side of Austin

Austin also has neighborhoods that feel steady, peaceful, and reliable. These places consistently rank among the safest and best neighborhoods in Austin, offering quiet streets, active neighbors, and strong community patterns. People walk their dogs at night, kids play outside, and there’s a general sense of stability that stands out. These areas are ideal for anyone who wants comfort without feeling disconnected from the city. These neighborhoods offer the calm, predictability, and peace of mind most people hope for when choosing where to live.

1. West Lake Hills

West Lake Hills is known for quiet residential streets, strong community ties, and very low crime. Houses are spaced comfortably, and the neighborhood has clear visibility thanks to steady street activity during the day. Families often choose this area for its security and easy access to parks and schools. West Lake Hills consistently stands out as one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin for a reason.

2. Circle C Ranch

Circle C Ranch in South Austin feels settled and community-oriented. Crime remains low thanks to active neighbors, well-maintained parks, and predictable routines. The area draws people looking for long-term comfort rather than constant activity. It’s common to see families outside into the evening, adding another layer of natural safety.

3. Tarrytown

Tarrytown has this calm, steady feel that hits you the moment you turn into the neighborhood. The streets stay quiet, people know each other, and there’s a natural rhythm that keeps things safe without trying too hard. Crime stays low because there’s always someone out walking, gardening, or just living life in a way that keeps the area active. Student apartments in Tarrytown feel especially reliable because the neighborhood stays consistent day and night, making evening walks or late study runs feel like no big deal.

4. Zilker

Zilker is close to downtown but still manages to feel grounded and welcoming. The mix of parks, walkable streets, and friendly foot traffic creates a sense of safety that holds up throughout the day. People are constantly heading to Zilker Park, grabbing coffee, or walking their dogs, which keeps the neighborhood visible and lively in the best way. Student apartments in Zilker tend to feel safe because the area stays active, social, and easy to navigate, even after the sun goes down.

Austin Safety Tips

These simple habits help when navigating both the safest neighborhoods and the dangerous parts of Austin.
1. Walk on main roads at night instead of using shortcuts through side streets.
2. Keep bags and phones out of sight near nightlife spots where theft increases quickly.
3. Lock your car and remove anything visible, since property crime remains one of the biggest issues tied to the Austin crime rate.
4. Travel with friends when crossing through dangerous areas of Austin or entertainment districts.
5. Stay aware near parking garages, transit stops, and dimly lit sidewalks.
6. Change your route immediately if a block feels uncomfortable.

The Future of Austin’s Safety Landscape

Austin changes fast, and its safety picture shifts right along with it. Community groups, local leaders, and neighborhood associations are pushing for better lighting, cleaner streets, and more engagement, especially in places that have struggled for years. Some neighborhoods already report small improvements, with better patrol visibility and renewed investment in public spaces. New housing, road improvements, and growing community programs also help stabilize blocks that once felt unpredictable. It won’t transform overnight, but the long-term direction shows Austin is actively working toward reducing crime in its most vulnerable pockets.

Conclusion

Austin has its share of challenges, but it also has neighborhoods where life feels steady, comfortable, and easy to navigate. Knowing the dangerous neighborhoods in Austin helps you avoid trouble, while learning about the safest neighborhoods in Austin makes it easier to choose the right place to live, study, or explore. With the right habits and awareness, it’s fully possible to enjoy everything the city offers without exposing yourself to unnecessary risk. Whether you're moving for work, studying, or just checking the place out, a little planning goes a long way. Many students also choose places close to the safer neighborhoods because this is where student apartments in Austin feel the most reliable. Austin becomes a lot easier to navigate once you know where you’re headed and what to expect.

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