Public safety concerns are on the rise in Austin, prompting increased attention from Texans and their elected officials. In 2022, both the violent crime rate and the property crime rate in Austin were higher than the national average (U.S. News & World Report, n.d.). Further, Austin’s homicide rate was “trending above the state and national average” as of July 2024 (Velez, 2024). “The last four years have definitely been the most murderers that we’ve ever had,” the Austin Police Department reported (Velez, 2024). The challenges surrounding public safety have been compounded by Austin’s management of its law enforcement resources. A key factor in this issue is the jurisdictional divide in the city. The area surrounding the Capitol, along with numerous other owned buildings, does not fall under the City of Austin’s authority. Instead, this region, known as the Capitol Complex, is under state jurisdiction.
Taxes & Spending
Just the Facts: Property Taxes in Texas’ Most Populous Cities, Counties, and School Districts 4th Edition
Property taxes imposed by local governments have, in many instances, outpaced population growth and inflation. As a result, Texans pay some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Key points: Property taxes are assessed and collected by local governing bodies. The State does not levy a property tax. Local governments levied $89.4 billion in...
April 3, 2026