Austin, the capital of Texas, and Colorado Springs, the second-most populous city in Colorado, are two different experiences altogether. Their unique flourishes and local distinctions make them interesting comparison points on various aspects such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, and much more. Whether you are considering relocating or simply visiting, it’s important to understand what each city offers to make an educated choice.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
Colorado Springs, CO : 714.0 miles
Austin's population is larger by 99%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of Colorado Springs has grown by 123,066 people (34.1%) during that time.
While both cities have their own safety concerns, Colorado Springs appears safer than Austin overall. According to the FBI’s 2019 crime statistics, Colorado Springs had a lower overall crime rate compared to Austin. However, it's crucial to check the safety of specific neighborhoods before moving in or visiting as crime rates can vary widely within cities. Both cities have well-regarded police departments involved in community engagement programs to foster trust and ensure safety.
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 1,411 registered sex offenders living in Austin and 1,671 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 672 to 1; the ratio in Colorado Springs is 278 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Austin than in Colorado Springs.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Austin is slightly higher than it is in Colorado Springs. Housing is the primary contributor to this difference, with the median home price in Austin being considerably more expensive than Colorado Springs. The costs of goods, services, and healthcare are also relatively higher in Austin, while groceries and utilities are reported to be lower than in Colorado Springs.
Income Tax
Colorado Springs has a state income tax rate of 4.63% with no additional income tax from the city. On the other hand, Texas, including Austin, does not levy state or city income taxes, a significant consideration for potential residents.
Property Tax
Austin’s property tax rates are somewhat high, with a median property rate of around 2% of a property's assessed fair market value. Colorado Springs, conversely, sports a substantially lower property tax rate, averaging 0.49% of a property's assessed value, making homeownership more feasible for some.
Sales Tax
Texas, including Austin, does not have a state-level income tax but has a state sales tax rate of 6.25% and Austin imposes a further 2% city sales tax. On the other hand, Colorado has a state-level sales tax of 2.9% and Colorado Springs imposes a 3.12% sales tax.
Income
Type
Austin
Colorado Springs
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$74,579
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$39,808
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
99.6
If you make $50,000 in Austin, you will have to make $51,660 in Colorado Springs to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin offers a variety of geographical attractions with rolling landscapes, lakes, and rivers. It's known for spots like Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and the Barton Springs Pool. Colorado Springs is nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and offers breathtaking landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities like hiking, camping, and rock climbing in famous areas such as Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak.
Both cities have a strong focus on education, but Austin is home to the prestigious University of Texas and has a higher percentage of people with Bachelor's degrees. Colorado Springs isn't far behind with the University of Colorado and the United States Air Force Academy within its borders. Both cities have highly ranked public and private schools.
Austin is renowned for being a major tech hub, often referred to as the 'Silicon Hills', with many startups and big-name tech companies like Dell and IBM. Conversely, Colorado Springs' economy is closely tied with the military and defense sectors, given the presence of major military bases. However, both cities have diverse economies with opportunities in healthcare, education, and other sectors.
Biggest Employers
The largest employers in Austin include Dell, IBM, and the University of Texas. In Colorado Springs, the biggest employers are the United States Air Force Academy and several military installations, including Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Base.
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Colorado Springs (El Paso County), 38.7% voted for Democrats and 59.2% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Colorado Springs
Austin
Colorado Springs
Austin
Colorado Springs
2020
71.7%
43.0%
26.5%
53.9%
1.8%
3.1%
2016
65.8%
34.1%
27.2%
56.6%
7.0%
9.4%
2012
60.2%
38.7%
36.2%
59.2%
3.6%
2.0%
2008
63.8%
40.0%
34.4%
58.9%
1.8%
1.1%
2004
56.1%
32.2%
42.1%
66.9%
1.8%
0.9%
2000
41.7%
30.9%
47.0%
64.1%
11.3%
5.0%
1996
52.4%
32.2%
40.0%
59.0%
7.7%
8.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Colorado Springs
Austin
Colorado Springs
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
8.4%
4.5%
5.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
2.6%
22.8%
11.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.4%
2.8%
1.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.0%
0.7%
0.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
1.0%
2.5%
2.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.7%
2.1%
1.9%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.4%
0.6%
1.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.3%
0.1%
1.2%
Weather
Austin boasts a hotter, more humid climate with mild winters and hot summers typical of a subtropical climate. Colorado Springs, with its mountainous climate, experiences chilly winters with occasional heavy snowfall and warm summers. As a result, Colorado Springs may appeal more to winter sports enthusiasts and those who prefer cooler climates, while Austin may be preferable for those who enjoy heat and less snow.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Colorado Springs
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
43.4°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
53.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
30%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
64%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
34%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
18.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
77 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
21.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
82.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
10.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
79.7%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
69.2%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Colorado Springs
Austin
Colorado Springs
Austin
Colorado Springs
Austin
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs
Austin
Colorado Springs
Austin
Colorado Springs
2018
76
60
N/A
N/A
4.9
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
6.3
0.2
N/A
2017
76
58
N/A
N/A
4.6
N/A
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.3
6.1
0.3
N/A
2016
71
48
N/A
N/A
4.2
N/A
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
6.9
0.2
N/A
2015
78
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
N/A
28.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
N/A
0.3
N/A
2014
74
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
N/A
28.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
N/A
0.5
N/A
2013
78
N/A
0.09
N/A
5.5
N/A
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
N/A
0.5
N/A
2012
86
N/A
0.13
N/A
5.5
N/A
30.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2011
83
N/A
0.11
N/A
2.6
N/A
33.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
2010
77
N/A
0.05
N/A
3.2
N/A
29.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
2009
76
N/A
0.05
N/A
2.6
N/A
29.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
2008
81
N/A
0.12
N/A
3.2
N/A
30.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
2007
82
N/A
0.12
N/A
3.1
N/A
27.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
2006
89
15
0.14
0.50
3.8
N/A
31.3
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
N/A
0.2
N/A
2005
92
17
0.15
0.55
4.4
N/A
29.0
N/A
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.7
N/A
0.2
N/A
2004
74
17
0.16
0.56
3.3
N/A
26.8
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2003
85
19
0.26
0.59
4.2
N/A
28.9
N/A
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.1
N/A
2002
83
24
0.33
0.66
3.9
N/A
27.2
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2001
83
51
0.31
0.63
4.2
16.7
25.5
N/A
0.005
N/A
21.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
2000
86
78
0.28
0.58
4.7
22.5
27.8
N/A
0.010
N/A
21.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.3
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Colorado Springs
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
78.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
816.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
17%
Transportation
Austin has a public transit system run by Capital Metro, offering buses and rail services across the city. However, many residents consider a car essential due to the city's sprawl. Colorado Springs has a similar public transit system, Mountain Metropolitan Transit, but also relies heavily on car transportation.
Transport
Type
Austin
Colorado Springs
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
911
552
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
44
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Colorado Springs
Bicycle
0.8%
0.3%
Bus
1.5%
0.4%
Carpooled
7.9%
9.2%
Car alone
85.9%
87%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
2%
2.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Colorado Springs
Average
29.9 min
23.8 min
Other means
22.7 min
21.3 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
Colorado Springs
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
91.2%
90%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
7.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in Austin is robust, with home values steadily increasing over the last decade. In contrast, Colorado Springs has a more stable market with slower growth, making housing more affordable compared to Austin. Both cities offer a range of housing options from downtown apartments to suburban homes.
Neighborhoods
Austin's neighborhoods are diverse and vibrant, with a mix of historic and contemporary areas. Downtown Austin is known for its lively nightlife and music venues. Colorado Springs features a combination of urban and suburban neighborhoods, where families can enjoy a quieter lifestyle with plentiful outdoor recreational facilities.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Colorado Springs
Houses
469,156
205,380
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.4
Median year apartment built
1997
1984
Median year house/condo built
1988
1987
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
10.6 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
197,542 (96.2%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
123,398 (62.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
74,144 (37.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$1,458
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$1,422
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$595,239
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$390,500
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
7.2
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
$427,641
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$393,984
$389,381
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$295,560
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$258,564
Median house price - mobile homes
$56,102
$30,081
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$308,944
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
$403,675
Median house age
28
35
Renting percentage
54.9%
39.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
1,105.7
House value disparities
28.4%
25.2%
Household income disparities
44.8%
41%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$99,037
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$72,581
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
1,835 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
6,564 (7.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
87,580 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
86 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
7,898 (8.8%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
7
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
Colorado Springs
One, detached
43.1%
62.3%
One, attached
5.2%
8.3%
Two
2.4%
1.4%
3 or 4
4.1%
4.7%
5 to 9
7.2%
4.9%
10 to 19
11.0%
6.7%
20 to 49
8.9%
6.1%
50 or more
17.2%
4.0%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.7%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
13,110
State government workers
46,229
7,029
Unpaid family workers
102
735
Industries and Occupations
In Austin, the dominant industries are technology, healthcare, and education, with significant employment in these sectors. Colorado Springs has a diverse job market with a strong presence in the military, aerospace, and tourism sectors aside from healthcare and education.
Both cities show a strong dedication to healthcare. Austin features a plethora of high-rated hospitals, clinics, and medical centers, boasting some of the country’s highest quality healthcare. Colorado Springs is home to the renowned Penrose-St. Francis Health Services and other top-rated hospitals.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Colorado Springs
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin and Colorado Springs both have a dynamic infrastructure blueprint. Austin, with its status as a burgeoning tech city, boasts of modern infrastructure and a rapidly growing skyline. Colorado Springs, on the other hand, is known for its broad highways and large urban sprawl, with careful attention to preserving its natural surroundings.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Colorado Springs
Hospitals
65
10
TV stations
20
18
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
264
133
Bank institutions located here
43
33
Main business address for public companies
44
6
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
6
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
Colorado Springs
1999
4,733
1,957
2000
2,950
985
2001
2,038
756
2002
1,772
502
2003
2,213
1,131
2004
2,458
1,811
2005
3,121
2,631
2006
3,367
2,188
2007
2,560
1,246
2008
1,747
496
2009
1,067
233
Culture and Food
Austin and Colorado Springs have distinct cultures. Austin, often dubbed the “Live Music Capital of the World”, is renowned for its music festivals, art scene, and unique food culture featuring food trucks and Tex-Mex cuisine. Colorado Springs offers a rich cultural experience with its numerous museums, art galleries, and the culinary scene, featuring farm-to-table dining and craft beer.
Sports Teams
For the sports enthusiasts, Austin is home to the popular Austin FC in Major League Soccer and the University of Texas' athletic teams. Colorado Springs hosts several minor league teams but no major league teams, but Denver’s major league teams are a short drive away.
Austin, TX
Colorado Springs, CO
Austin, TX and 
Colorado Springs, CO : 714.0 miles
