In the cultural and economic context, Austin, Texas, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, present unique characteristics and differences. Below is a comprehensive analysis of both cities regarding crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, and a range of other pertinent factors. If you are considering relocating or just visiting, this guide will provide a well-rounded snapshot of what you can expect in both regions.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
Baton Rouge, LA : 393.9 miles
Austin's population is larger by 334%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of Baton Rouge has decreased by 5,633 people (2.5%) during that time.
Austin, Texas, generally has a lower crime rate compared to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. According to Neighborhood Scout, Austin’s violent crime rate, although higher than the national average, is substantially lower than Baton Rouge's. It's also worth mentioning that some parts of Austin are safer than others, with the safest neighborhoods being Spicewood, Volente, and the Route 45/N FM 620 areas. Baton Rouge, in contrast, has a higher crime rate that is notably above the national average. Notwithstanding, there are safer neighborhoods like Inniswold and South Baton Rouge. For tourists, both cities provide adequately safe environments, especially in tourist-centric areas.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,422 registered sex offenders living in Austin and 870 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 667 to 1; the ratio in Baton Rouge is 265 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Austin than in Baton Rouge.
Cost of Living
Overall, the cost of living in Austin is higher than in Baton Rouge. According to Payscale, Austin’s cost of living is 3% higher than the national average, whereas Baton Rouge's is 4% lower. Housing is a significant factor in this difference, with the median home cost in Austin being greater than in Baton Rouge. Eating out, groceries, and transportation costs are also a bit higher in Austin.
Income Tax
Texas, including Austin, does not have state income tax, while Louisiana residents pay a state income tax. Therefore, Baton Rouge residents could expect to pay higher taxes on their earnings.
Property Tax
With regard to property tax, Austin residents generally pay higher rates. This is another factor to consider when comparing the overall cost of living.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Austin stands at 8.25%, which is higher than Baton Rouge's 4.45%. This could be a consideration for those focused on minimizing expenditure.
Income
Type
Austin
Baton Rouge
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$41,257
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$28,621
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
90.2
If you make $50,000 in Baton Rouge, you will have to make $53,437 in Austin to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin, located in the Hill Country, boasts natural outdoor attractions like Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, and Mount Bonnell. Baton Rouge features the Mississippi River, numerous lakes, and is near to the Gulf of Mexico.
Both cities have reputable schools. Austin is home to the prestigious University of Texas, whereas Baton Rouge houses Louisiana State University. However, according to Great Schools, Austin has a higher ranking for its public schools compared to Baton Rouge. For families considering relocation, this could be a significant factor.
Austin's economy is more diversified and robust, with tech, entertainment, and arts sectors thriving. In contrast, Baton Rouge largely centers its economy around the industrial, petrochemical, and medical sectors. Both cities have relatively low unemployment rates, but Austin's job market is growing at a faster pace.
Biggest Employers
In Austin, some of the biggest employers include Dell, the University of Texas, and the State of Texas. In Baton Rouge, the primary employers include ExxonMobil, Louisiana State University, and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.
There were 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011) compared to 266 building permits issued in Baton Rouge in 2012 (135 more than in 2011).
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Baton Rouge (East Baton Rouge Parish), 52.0% voted for Democrats and 46.7% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Baton Rouge
Austin
Baton Rouge
Austin
Baton Rouge
2020
71.7%
55.8%
26.5%
42.7%
1.8%
1.5%
2016
65.8%
52.6%
27.2%
43.3%
7.0%
4.1%
2012
60.2%
52.0%
36.2%
46.7%
3.6%
1.3%
2008
63.8%
50.7%
34.4%
48.5%
1.8%
0.8%
2004
56.1%
45.0%
42.1%
54.7%
1.8%
0.3%
2000
41.7%
45.4%
47.0%
52.9%
11.3%
1.7%
1996
52.4%
74.9%
40.0%
22.4%
7.7%
2.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Baton Rouge
Austin
Baton Rouge
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
22.2%
4.5%
5.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
12.1%
22.8%
16.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
1.3%
2.8%
2.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.3%
0.7%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.1%
2.5%
0.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.3%
2.1%
0.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.3%
1.0%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.5%
0.1%
0.5%
Weather
Baton Rouge has a semi-tropical climate, with hot and humid summers, and mild winters. Austin also has hot summers but is generally less humid, yet offers slightly cooler winters than Baton Rouge. This means that for individuals who prefer a dry heat and cooler winters, Austin would be preferable. Tourists would find both cities reasonably comfortable, but Austin might be more suitable for outdoor activities due to reduced humidity.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Baton Rouge
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
67°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
80%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
39%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
93%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
54%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
64.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
0.4 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
16.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
64.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
22.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
70.4%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
47.9%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Baton Rouge
Austin
Baton Rouge
Austin
Baton Rouge
Austin
Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge
Austin
Baton Rouge
Austin
Baton Rouge
2018
76
92
N/A
0.20
4.9
10.1
26.7
22.6
26.9
N/A
8.7
10.4
0.2
0.6
2017
76
82
N/A
0.21
4.6
10.2
29.7
25.3
22.5
N/A
8.3
10.3
0.3
0.4
2016
71
78
N/A
0.22
4.2
10.6
29.5
23.0
25.5
N/A
8.2
11.4
0.2
1.1
2015
78
97
N/A
0.22
4.4
9.4
28.9
24.1
26.2
N/A
8.6
12.1
0.3
1.1
2014
74
91
N/A
0.26
5.2
10.3
28.3
23.6
24.1
N/A
8.7
10.0
0.5
1.2
2013
78
90
0.09
0.20
5.5
9.7
29.5
24.2
23.1
N/A
8.6
10.0
0.5
0.6
2012
86
96
0.13
0.22
5.5
10.9
30.1
25.5
25.3
N/A
8.6
10.3
N/A
0.8
2011
83
104
0.11
0.22
2.6
11.4
33.0
25.8
33.2
N/A
9.1
12.6
N/A
1.3
2010
77
112
0.05
0.25
3.2
12.0
29.4
25.9
28.2
N/A
8.8
10.5
N/A
1.3
2009
76
97
0.05
0.22
2.6
11.7
29.7
23.0
26.1
N/A
9.0
9.2
N/A
1.9
2008
81
99
0.12
0.28
3.2
12.8
30.7
22.3
N/A
N/A
9.7
10.9
N/A
2.5
2007
82
115
0.12
0.38
3.1
14.3
27.1
23.0
N/A
N/A
9.8
12.2
N/A
2.6
2006
89
120
0.14
0.34
3.8
14.6
31.3
23.4
N/A
N/A
10.0
12.7
0.2
3.6
2005
92
122
0.15
0.41
4.4
15.5
29.0
24.7
N/A
N/A
10.7
13.1
0.2
4.4
2004
74
106
0.16
0.56
3.3
15.4
26.8
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.1
N/A
3.5
2003
85
124
0.26
0.66
4.2
16.0
28.9
21.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
0.1
3.4
2002
83
104
0.33
0.70
3.9
16.2
27.2
21.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
N/A
2.7
2001
83
109
0.31
0.82
4.2
16.6
25.5
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.6
N/A
3.7
2000
86
135
0.28
0.76
4.7
16.9
27.8
24.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.0
N/A
3.7
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Baton Rouge
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
167.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
54.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
28%
Transportation
Public transportation is more efficient and widely used in Austin, with multiple bus routes and a commuter rail line. Baton Rouge's public transit system is less extensive, and residents often prefer personal cars for commuting.
Transport
Type
Austin
Baton Rouge
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
911
320
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
10
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Baton Rouge
Bicycle
0.8%
0.6%
Bus
1.5%
1.1%
Carpooled
7.9%
9.1%
Car alone
85.9%
87.9%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2%
0.7%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Baton Rouge
Average
29.9 min
30.9 min
Other means
22.7 min
21.2 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
41.8 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
Baton Rouge
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
91.2%
88.2%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
8.3%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
1.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The average home price in Baton Rouge is lower compared to Austin. However, Austin's real estate market is known for its growth and stability, making it potentially a more beneficial long-term investment.
Neighborhoods
Austin offers vibrant, youthful neighborhoods like SoCo, Downtown, and Travis Heights. Baton Rouge provides quieter, family-friendly areas like Broadmoor and Garden District.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Baton Rouge
Houses
469,156
107,002
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.4
Median year apartment built
1997
1979
Median year house/condo built
1988
1971
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
14.8 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
87,440 (81.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
41,267 (47.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
46,173 (52.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$1,167
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$938
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$351,611
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$199,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
4.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
$277,211
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$393,984
$80,632
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$204,273
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$162,691
Median house price - mobile homes
$56,102
$36,615
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$190,008
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
$270,567
Median house age
28
47
Renting percentage
54.9%
50.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
1,392.5
House value disparities
28.4%
39.7%
Household income disparities
44.8%
52.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$85,373
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$51,524
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
607 (2.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
1,424 (6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
23,275 (97.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
140 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
1,954 (8.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
6.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
5.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
Baton Rouge
One, detached
43.1%
55.3%
One, attached
5.2%
3.3%
Two
2.4%
3.5%
3 or 4
4.1%
5.6%
5 to 9
7.2%
7.5%
10 to 19
11.0%
9.4%
20 to 49
8.9%
7.0%
50 or more
17.2%
7.9%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.4%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
5,415
State government workers
46,229
9,361
Unpaid family workers
102
351
Industries and Occupations
Austin is known as the "Silicon Hills" due to its strong tech industry presence. This results in a higher number of professionals in tech-related occupations. Baton Rouge is renowned for its industrial and medical sectors, attracting a significant number of blue-collar workers and healthcare professionals.
Both cities offer quality health care services. Austin has award-winning facilities like Baylor Scott & White Health and St. David’s HealthCare. Baton Rouge has quality providers like Baton Rouge General Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Baton Rouge
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have well-established infrastructures. Austin boasts modern, expansive urban infrastructure with a mix of traditional and contemporary architectural styles. Baton Rouge, on the other hand, has an old-world charm with French and Spanish colonial architecture being prevalent.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Baton Rouge
Hospitals
65
95
TV stations
20
16
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
264
145
Bank institutions located here
43
29
Main business address for public companies
44
4
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
8
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
Baton Rouge
1999
4,733
728
2000
2,950
592
2001
2,038
495
2002
1,772
472
2003
2,213
472
2004
2,458
757
2005
3,121
1,088
2006
3,367
1,139
2007
2,560
717
2008
1,747
348
2009
1,067
176
Culture and Food
Both cities offer rich cultural experiences, with Austin being known for music and Baton Rouge for Mardi Gras celebrations. Austin's food scene is renowned for Tex-Mex and barbecue, while Baton Rouge offers fantastic Creole and Cajun cuisines.
Sports Teams
Austin has a rich sports culture with a Major League Soccer team and the Texas Longhorns college football team. Baton Rouge is home to the Louisiana State University Tigers collegiate team.
Austin, TX
Baton Rouge, LA
