Austin’s neighborhoods conjure up too many stereotypes to count. You’ve got hipster areas, preppy places, neighborhoods where college kids thrive, and of course, ghettos.
It seems as if there’s a neighborhood for everyone in Austin.
And while the city consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Texas thanks in part to tons of entertainment and jobs, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine in Austin. Some neighborhoods aren’t as safe as others.
So the question arises, which Austin neighborhoods are the most dangerous and which are the safest?
Today, we’ll use Saturday Night Science to determine which Austin hoods need a little tender loving care – the sore thumbs of the Austin area if you will. Realistically, you can’t expect all the neighborhoods to be amazing, although Downtown ranks way above the rest.
We examined 60 of Austin’s neighborhoods to find out the most dangerous places to live. These places don’t quite measure up to Austin’s reputation.
Table Of Contents: Top 10 | Methodology | Summary | Table
So what’s the worst neighborhood to live in Austin for 2024? According to the most recent census data, Martin Luther King-Hwy 183 looks to be the worst neighborhood in Austin.
Read on to see how we determined the places around Austin that need a pick-me-up. And remember, don’t blame the messenger.
For more Texas reading, check out:
The 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In Austin For 2024
/10
Population: 8,366
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,065
Property Crime Per 100k: 7,185
Median Home Value: $167,560 (4th worst)
Median Income: $38,101 (3rd worst)
More on Martin Luther King-Hwy 183: Data
Martin Luther King-Hwy 183 has a pretty straightforward name. It’s located around the intersection of Highway 183 and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in the eastern section of Austin. A weak economy and a high cost of living make this one of the toughest areas of the city to live.
It can be difficult for the area’s 8,366 residents to find a job. The unemployment rate sits at 7.5%. Even the available gigs can make it difficult to pay the bills. The median income equals $38,101, compared to a median home price of $167,560.
The area does offer plenty of amenities, including multiple churches and lots of restaurants.
/10
Population: 5,395
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,050
Property Crime Per 100k: 11,959
Median Home Value: $96,800 (worst)
Median Income: $37,831 (2nd worst)
More on Saint Edwards: Data
/10
Population: 10,086
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 966
Property Crime Per 100k: 13,307
Median Home Value: $271,400 (13th worst)
Median Income: $62,574 (23rd worst)
More on North Burnett: Data
North Burnet follows a curve in Highway 1, near the intersection of Highway 183, part of the northern area of Austin. Theoretically, a short hop on the one of the highways makes for a convenient commute. However, traffic often slows travel on the major roads and public transportation is limited.
Otherwise, North Burnet has a lot going for it. The economy is fairly strong, with a median income of $62,574 and an unemployment rate of 2.6%. Even with this financial security, the neighborhood remains affordable. The median home value sits at $271,400.
In terms of amenities, North Burnet offers a lot. You can head down to the main shopping center, or check out the University of Texas at Austin’s J.J. Pickle Research Campus.
/10
Population: 10,471
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,164
Property Crime Per 100k: 8,270
Median Home Value: $258,675 (10th worst)
Median Income: $60,827 (22nd worst)
More on Montopolis: Data
For more than 100 years, Montopolis stood as an independent community. Originally founded in the 1830s, it wasn’t fully enveloped by Austin until the 1970s. These days, it counts as the number 3 worst place to live in the city.
Jobs represent the most pressing challenge for the area’s 10,471 residents. The median income comes in at $60,827 and the unemployment rate sits at 6.7%.
Located in the southeast part of the city, Montopolis has its charms. It provides excellent affordable and good access to amenities. In addition, residents can enjoy Roy G. Guerrero Colorado River Metro Park.
/10
Population: 7,129
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,294
Property Crime Per 100k: 12,209
Median Home Value: $191,400 (6th worst)
Median Income: $43,405 (7th worst)
More on Heritage Hills: Data
/10
Population: 5,030
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 697
Property Crime Per 100k: 5,420
Median Home Value: $232,600 (8th worst)
Median Income: $60,159 (19th worst)
More on Mckinney: Data
/10
Population: 9,299
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 1,324
Property Crime Per 100k: 9,601
Median Home Value: $190,667 (5th worst)
Median Income: $48,241 (9th worst)
More on Georgian Acres: Data
Georgian Acres sits in the north-central part of the city. A sluggish economy and some concerns about crime make this the number 7 least enticing neighborhood in Austin.
Finding a job isn’t that hard in the area. The unemployment rate sits at 5.2%. However, these tend to be low-paying gigs, as the neighborhood’s median income comes in at just $48,241.
Bordered by I-35 and Highway 183, Georgian Acres offers excellent access to the rest of the city. The area itself is mostly residential, though it features some shopping and commercial areas as well.
/10
Population: 9,414
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 684
Property Crime Per 100k: 5,318
Median Home Value: $119,120 (2nd worst)
Median Income: $38,935 (5th worst)
More on Saint Johns: Data
Saint John’s gets its name from an orphanage founded by African-American leaders in the early part of the 20th century. Sadly, the institution burned down in the 1940s. These days, the area is centered around a stretch of I-35 in the northern section of the city. It also represents one of the least attractive parts of Austin.
A sluggish economy accounts for most of the problems. The 9,414 locals have trouble stretching their $38,935 in median income. At the same time, the unemployment rate runs 6.5%.
Saint John’s has its share of amenities, though. It includes a significant amount of shopping. There are also educational opportunities, such as the CyberTex Institute of Technology.
/10
Population: 14,919
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 836
Property Crime Per 100k: 5,467
Median Home Value: $155,325 (3rd worst)
Median Income: $50,880 (12th worst)
More on Franklin Park: Data
/10
Population: 5,307
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 989
Property Crime Per 100k: 7,601
Median Home Value: $327,250 (22nd worst)
Median Income: $57,824 (17th worst)
More on Highland: Data
Traditionally, Highland has a reputation as a commercial center. Home of the Highland Mall and other retail spots, this spot in the northern part of Austin once drew shoppers from throughout the city. That is, until the mall closed in 2015, leaving a big empty spot in the middle of the neighborhood. It’s no surprise, then, that Highland represents the number 10 least inviting part of the city.
Even without the mall, the area’s economy has kept humming. The unemployment rate comes in at 4.5% and the median income hovers at $57,824. Still, affordability is a problem. High real estate prices lead to a median home price of $327,250, a stretch for many in the neighborhood.
Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous Austin neighborhoods in 2024
To figure out how bad a place is to live in, we only needed to know what kinds of things people like and then decide what places have the least amount of those things. We plugged the following criteria into Saturday Night Science to get the worst neighborhoods in Austin:
- High crime (Estimated)
- High unemployment (Less jobs)
- Low median income (Less pay)
- Low population density (No things to do)
- Low home values (No one’s willing to pay to live here)
Then, we ranked each neighborhood in Austin, Texas for each of these criteria from worst to best.
Next, we averaged the individual rankings for each criterion into a “Worst Score.”
The neighborhood with the lowest “Worst Score” ranks as the most dangerous neighborhood of Austin.
The article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. We updated this article for 2024. This report is our time ranking the worst neighborhoods to live in Austin.
Skip to the end to see the list of all 60 neighborhoods ranked from worst to best.
Summary: The Worst Neighborhoods Around Austin
Well, there you have it — the worst of the neighborhoods in Austin with Martin Luther King-Hwy 183 landing at the bottom of the pack.
The worst neighborhoods in Austin are Martin Luther King-Hwy 183, Saint Edwards, North Burnett, Montopolis, Heritage Hills, McKinney, Georgian Acres, Saint Johns, Franklin Park, and Highland.
As mentioned earlier, the neighborhoods in Austin aren’t all bad. Downtown takes the cake as the best place to live in Austin.
The best neighborhoods in Austin are Downtown, Crestview, Zilker, Rosedale, and South River City.
We ranked the neighborhoods from worst to best in the chart below.
For more Texas reading, check out:
Most Dangerous Neighborhoods To Live In Austin For 2024?
| Rank | Neighborhood | Population | Home Value | Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martin Luther King-Hwy 183 | 8,366 | $167,560 | $38,101 |
| 2 | Saint Edwards | 5,395 | $96,800 | $37,831 |
| 3 | North Burnett | 10,086 | $271,400 | $62,574 |
| 4 | Montopolis | 10,471 | $258,675 | $60,827 |
| 5 | Heritage Hills | 7,129 | $191,400 | $43,405 |
| 6 | Mckinney | 5,030 | $232,600 | $60,159 |
| 7 | Georgian Acres | 9,299 | $190,667 | $48,241 |
| 8 | Saint Johns | 9,414 | $119,120 | $38,935 |
| 9 | Franklin Park | 14,919 | $155,325 | $50,880 |
| 10 | Highland | 5,307 | $327,250 | $57,824 |
| 11 | West Congress | 3,611 | $314,775 | $64,496 |
| 12 | Parker Lane | 9,056 | $290,467 | $46,454 |
| 13 | Mlk | 5,261 | $367,917 | $68,127 |
| 14 | East Congress | 3,591 | $299,500 | $64,305 |
| 15 | Southeast | 5,009 | $314,200 | $85,947 |
| 16 | North Austin | 27,374 | $246,400 | $52,321 |
| 17 | Hancock | 5,466 | $520,060 | $55,204 |
| 18 | Coronado Hills | 3,025 | $269,500 | $38,137 |
| 19 | North Shoal Creek | 4,622 | $464,800 | $64,072 |
| 20 | West University | 15,840 | $365,150 | $19,798 |
| 21 | North Loop | 5,265 | $451,583 | $64,884 |
| 22 | North Lamar | 7,350 | $197,433 | $50,636 |
| 23 | Johnston Terrace | 1,314 | $312,000 | $74,318 |
| 24 | Upper Boggy Creek | 5,219 | $431,900 | $71,323 |
| 25 | West Gate | 3,908 | $437,600 | $55,423 |
| 26 | Wooten | 7,151 | $388,767 | $60,739 |
| 27 | Sweet Briar | 6,433 | $279,875 | $65,239 |
| 28 | Rosewood | 5,859 | $425,467 | $59,946 |
| 29 | Govalle | 5,507 | $408,300 | $81,886 |
| 30 | Central East Austin | 5,879 | $486,025 | $74,348 |
| 31 | Pleasant Valley | 14,842 | $284,500 | $49,743 |
| 32 | University Of Texas | 9,719 | $409,333 | $64,666 |
| 33 | Windsor Park | 16,512 | $369,622 | $77,716 |
| 34 | Riverside | 12,314 | $377,650 | $64,246 |
| 35 | Pecan Springs Springdale | 7,352 | $341,500 | $82,804 |
| 36 | Windsor Hills | 9,032 | $259,667 | $60,570 |
| 37 | Bouldin | 6,229 | $659,500 | $84,789 |
| 38 | University Hills | 4,803 | $369,067 | $73,726 |
| 39 | North University | 4,338 | $365,567 | $40,013 |
| 40 | Dawson | 3,176 | $422,867 | $73,843 |
| 41 | South Manchaca | 7,520 | $356,212 | $80,330 |
| 42 | Triangle State | 1,820 | $453,800 | $71,206 |
| 43 | Galindo | 5,346 | $427,800 | $78,638 |
| 44 | Garrison Park | 11,315 | $310,044 | $78,928 |
| 45 | Barton Hills | 9,368 | $554,125 | $89,750 |
| 46 | Allandale | 10,127 | $523,550 | $82,050 |
| 47 | Hyde Park | 5,833 | $563,817 | $54,202 |
| 48 | Rmma | 6,070 | $501,260 | $104,286 |
| 49 | East Cesar Chavez | 3,639 | $484,600 | $75,122 |
| 50 | Holly | 2,934 | $484,720 | $74,274 |
| 51 | Old West Austin | 3,955 | $1,070,100 | $82,566 |
| 52 | Windsor Road | 5,510 | $918,567 | $123,681 |
| 53 | Brentwood | 10,234 | $457,414 | $74,838 |
| 54 | South Lamar | 8,635 | $470,471 | $69,392 |
| 55 | Chestnut | 2,390 | $434,700 | $79,676 |
| 56 | South River City | 6,483 | $651,617 | $93,876 |
| 57 | Rosedale | 6,179 | $619,317 | $126,210 |
| 58 | Zilker | 9,287 | $681,512 | $118,667 |
| 59 | Crestview | 6,739 | $484,400 | $125,606 |
| 60 | Downtown | 12,436 | $764,975 | $106,972 |
Intelligence and education are not one in the same. Austin’s crime rate is increasing whether yall like it or not.
Being naive should be banned.
The sources are at your fingertips. All yall have to do is surf away from constipation news network.
One only needs to look at countries where a given race is relatively free to choose how to govern themselves. It is then becomes obvious that Caucasions have the best and most prosperis forms of governments. No one “owes” anyone a living or an education. Today if one wants to learn vast resources are available all over the world. Ignorance is a choice. Too many people of so-called “color” find it easier to blaim others, and perpetuate hatred than learn and evolve. Actions and the results speak louder than the current propaganda, that denies reality and condones the actions of people who refuse to take responsibility for their own backwards attitudes, and hateful violent actions.
lol “blaim”
A better title for this would be, “A Racist’s Guide to Austin.” Basically they just list the neighborhoods that aren’t primarily white.
My job as a Global Security Director holds me responsible for ensuring the safety and security of my companies people, assets and facilities is 44 countries around the world with Austin being only one city in 79 office locations globally. There are not just areas of a city that I would deny us setting up an office, but there are areas of cities, cities and countries around the world that I would not just say no to, but hell no to doing long-term business in. Let’s face it, in America and the world over, the most HATED race of people on Gods green earth are black and brown people who are considered Negro by all accounts. I could go down the list to debate who’s next (i.e. Mexicans, Arabs, etc.), but that would be counterintuitive to this conversation. So, in every neighborhood in the US, Black and Latin neighborhoods are traditionally worse for a whole lot of reasons that aren’t necessarily racist. Low or lower education equals not conforming to the world or the society you live in and let’s face not conforming to not just a white world, but an elitist world will leave you in shitty neighborhoods, no money, no job or minimum wage; which is denigrating to say the least, nothing productive to do with you time, broke and more broke, and simply put, in one of the top ten worst neighborhood in Austin or elsewhere. Yours and others I want it now attitude is a attribute of your failure in this white mans world. Success without sacrifice is impossible for most in this world, but especially if you’re Black, Latin, and sometimes Arab. We live in a world of haves and have nots, but if you’re not white or what is considered white, you usually serve the latter. It’s the world we live in and it’s not racist anymore, it’s just how it is and you can either continue to complain, and have that whoa it’s me attitude or you can decide to sacafrice so that the next generation will be better off than yours or you can just stop producing children to raise in these shitty neighborhoods where they socialize with other from the neighborhood and learn shitty behavior in school, in your household, and in the neighbor they are raised. As a brown, not black Afro-American (And I hate that term) I was raised in what would be considered a top ten worse neighborhood in Austin by a single mother, but not in Austin (different city, same story). Note: I didn’t meet my father until I was 28, but before then, I had a Masters Degree that I sacraficed and worked my ass off to earn! So quit complaining and do something meaning in this short and shorter life.
And forgive the iPhone autocorrect errors, but you get the point
I love to see people rise up and get an education and make something of themselves regardless of race, hats off to you!! You are so right about all that!
Thank you for that. I am not a racist, never have been as a child of the 70’s thought my generation ended racism. I know my children were not raised to be and are not and could never understand it. They were raised overseas in an interracial but educated community. Race was not an issue. We accepted each other and welcomed other cultures and religions and respected and enjoyed learning about other cultures. However, after coming back to Texas, my daughter in high school ask me “Mom, why do people here hate Mexicans?” I told her to stay away from those people as they are ignorant. I don’t know who you are J. Fluker but I would relish a conversation with you. By the way, my ex husband and I and my daughters were raised in the Middle East. Sure if you are global security you can imagine where.
The truth shall set you free! Feel free to do your own research and find out for yourself. Please don’t be that person, that assumes everything is about race. That makes you seem racist…
Food for Thought
I strongly disagree with the Riverside placement on this list. Lived there for 4 years and yes, it was previously a difficult place to live but a ton of renovations have brought more housing, retail, restaurants, bars, and active living to the district. With the construction of the Hike & Bike Trail, Oracle, and multiple high-end apartment and condos, this area will continue to be enhanced, and I look forward to steady increase in living standards on Riverside.
Do you people have a spell check that functions?