Is Colton safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Colton as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Colton
“Go with care. Colton is primarily a quiet, semi-rural and industrial periphery zone south of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with relatively low violent crime rates. While personal safety is generally adequate, visitors should exercise caution due to isolated rural roads, sparse lighting, and high vehicle dependency.”
About the area
Colton is an unincorporated and developing semi-rural area located in southeast Travis County just south of the Austin airport. Characterized by ranch-style lots, logistics hubs, mobile home communities, and light industrial tracts, it lacks standard urban amenities but offers open space and quiet surroundings.
- Semi-Rural
- Industrial Edge
- Car-Dependent
- Quiet
Walking and biking in Colton
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 24/100
There is no bike-share infrastructure or dedicated bike lane network, and riding along high-speed roads like FM 973 can be hazardous.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower rates of violent street crime compared to central Austin neighborhoods
- Close proximity to outdoor recreation at McKinney Falls State Park and Circuit of the Americas
- Affordable lodging and short commute to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- Spacious lots with low congestion compared to core urban districts
Cons
- Dark, unlit roadways and a near-total absence of pedestrian sidewalks
- Above-average property theft and tool/catalytic converter thefts near industrial corridors
- Lower household income levels and limited access to retail or healthcare infrastructure
- Frequent industrial truck traffic along major feeder roads like FM 973
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Colton proper, with occasional transient activity or dispersed camping seen closer to highway underpasses along US-183 and TX-71.
What Colton is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with local commuter and commercial truck traffic heading toward US-183 and TX-71.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and slow-paced, with visible activity centered around local auto shops, yards, and food trucks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet as commercial yards shut down, though roads quickly become dark and unsuited for walking.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and isolated, requiring standard safety precautions and vehicle travel.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is extremely scarce; CapMetro provides limited on-demand Pickup service in parts of eastern Travis County, but there is no rail or direct high-frequency bus service walking distance from Colton.
Parking is abundant, completely free, and unrestricted on private lots, commercial driveways, and event venues.
Things to do in Colton
- Explore the scenic limestone falls, hiking trails, and camping at nearby McKinney Falls State Park
- Catch motorsport races or major concerts at the adjacent Circuit of The Americas (COTA)
- Watch flights take off and land near the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport viewing areas
Local favorites
- Taqueria La Escondida · Mexican Restaurant · 4.3★ (310)A casual local spot serving hearty breakfast tacos, tortas, and authentic Mexican plates.
- Onion Creek Beer Garden · Beer Garden & Grill · 4.5★ (180)A relaxed outdoor venue featuring cold beer, burgers, and live music nights.
- Super Burrito Del Valle · Food Truck · 4.6★ (140)Popular roadside truck known for generous portions of carne asada burritos and salsa.
Neighborhoods near Colton
Common questions about Colton
Is Colton safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Colton a good place to live?
On safety, Colton scores 72/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Colton?
Walk score 12/100 and bike score 24/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Colton are safer?
Woodland Oaks (84), Onion Creek Forest (76) score higher nearby.
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