Austria Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Austria
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated August 23, 2024
Austria recorded 0.9 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Austria #158 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.7 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.9 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Austria at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.9 /100k
Safety Rank
#38 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.7 per 100,000 in 2013, 0.9 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Austria Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Austria, the homicide rate for men is 0.8× that of the rate for women — 0.8 vs 1.0 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Austria:
Reissued after periodic review without changes. Exercise normal precautions in Austria. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Austria. If you decide to travel to Austria: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter . Review the Country Security Report for Austria. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Austria
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 15, 2025).
Terrorism
Some terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – against soft targets, such as: High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)
Crime
Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe and violent crime is rare. Crimes of opportunity involving theft of personal property do occur. These crimes frequently occur in tourist areas, including the plaza around St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the nearby pedestrian shopping areas in Vienna’s First District. Beware of pickpockets on public transportation and in bus or train stations. Trains between Vienna and Budapest, Prague, or Rome are high-risk. Do not leave bags unattended. Do not carry your passport when sightseeing within Vienna; lock it in your hotel safe or other secure area unless needed for travel. Instead, carry a photocopy of your passport at all times along with a second form of ID such as a U.S. driver’s license.
Demonstrations
are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You can call the police at 133. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance at+43-(0)1-313-390. Report crimes to the local police at 133 and contact the U.S. Embassy See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We may be able to help victims of crime with the following: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is regulated and rules are enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff are typically on hand to support organized activities. In the event of an injury, medical treatment is available throughout the country. Outside of a major cities, it may take first responders and medical professionals longer to stabilize a patient or provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .
For further information
Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Austria Population & Demographics
Population of 9,177,982, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Austria safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Austria at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 0.9 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Austria?
Austria has an intentional homicide rate of 0.9 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #158 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Austria?
Austria is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Austria compare to other countries?
Austria's homicide rate of 0.9 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.