The City of Round Rock ranks as the 13th safest city in the United States, according to a national survey of crime statistics of cities with a population of 75,000 or more. No other Texas city ranked in the top 40.

The survey, released Monday, Oct. 30, by Morgan Quitno Press, used rates for murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle theft for its rankings. All cities of 75,000 population or more that reported data to the FBI in 2005 for the six categories of crime measured for the survey were included. Last year, Round Rock ranked as the 8th safest city.

“For the second year in a row, this national report validates what we know in Round Rock -- our investment in public safety and the professionalism and skill of our police officers have helped create a fantastic place to live, raise a family and run a business,” Mayor Nyle Maxwell said. “Our Police Department deserves all the credit in the world for keeping up with a rapidly expanding population with its pro-active approach to law enforcement.”

Round Rock’s current population is 88,495.

City Manager Jim Nuse noted Round Rock citizens know they live in a safe community, and the national recognition the survey generates will continue to help Round Rock’s economic development efforts.

“The exposure we receive in the national media has tremendous value to us as we recruit new businesses to come to Round Rock,” Nuse said. “More importantly, the study reinforces what our citizens tell us: They feel safe. In our biennial customer survey, 89 percent say they feel safe walking alone in their neighborhoods at night. That’s a key indicator for our organization.”

Police Chief Bryan Williams said the department’s philosophy of involving the community in fighting crime and deploying a range of proactive strategies are keys to keeping Round Rock’s crime rate low.

“We are fortunate to live in a community where citizens support law enforcement and also take an active role in maintaining a safe place to live,” Chief Williams said. “This is part of the overall philosophy that makes Round Rock a special place to live and do business.

“Our police officers are an exceptional group of people. They remain committed to our mission and our community. Our city leaders continue to invest in resources to ensure that public safety remains a priority.”

Morgan Quitno Press is an independent private research and publishing company located in Lawrence, Kan. The company specializes in reference books that compare states and cities in several different subject areas.