Dallas is one of the most dynamic cities in the United States, known for its booming economy, vibrant culture, and fast-growing population. But with rapid growth comes an important question many residents and visitors ask: Is Dallas safe? Understanding the cityās crime patterns is essential for navigating daily life with confidence.
In this guide, we dive into theĀ latestĀ Dallas crime rate, break down the latest statistics, and compare Dallas with other major U.S. cities. Youāll also learn which neighborhoods are safest and how to stay secure whether you're living in or visiting Dallas. Dive in now!
What Is the Latest Dallas Crime Rate?
Is Dallas safe? The full 2024 dataset shows that Dallas continues to face meaningful crime challenges, though it ranks in the mid-range among major U.S. cities rather than at the extreme end.
With a population of 1,321,502, the city recorded 8,698 violent crimes, resulting in a violent-crime rate of 0.006582, or roughly a 0.66% chance per resident of being affected. While not among the highest nationally, the numbers reflect persistent pressure in several categories.
Violent crime is led by 5,816 aggravated assaults, followed by 2,227 robberies, 475 rapes, and 180 homicides. This pattern mirrors national trends in large metro areas where aggravated assault is the dominant violent offense.
Property crime is a far larger issue by volume. Dallas reported 44,295 property crimes, producing a property-crime rate of 0.0335187. These include 6,133 burglaries, 23,619 larceny-theft cases, and 14,543 motor-vehicle thefts, the latter emerging as one of the cityās fastest-growing concerns and aligning with broader increases seen in cities like Houston and Phoenix.
Overall, the data shows Dallas facing consistent challenges in both violent and property crime, which is serious enough to influence daily life but not as severe as in the nationās most crime-dense metros.
How Does Dallasās Crime Rate Compare to Other U.S. Cities?
Compared with other large American cities, Dallas ranks near the middle, neither among the safest nor the most dangerous.
The Dallas, Texas crime rate of 0.006582 is similar to New York Cityās 0.006710 and slightly lower than Los Angelesās 0.007285, despite those cities having far larger populations. Chicago (0.005398) and Philadelphia (0.009087) illustrate how crime density varies widely among major metros, with Dallas positioned close to the overall average.
Nationally, Dallas ranks within the top 10% of U.S. cities for both violent and property crime, placing it statistically among higher-risk metros. This rank is influenced by the cityās population size and the concentration of offenses such as aggravated assault and motor-vehicle theft. Even so, Dallas remains noticeably below the extreme crime levels found in cities like St. Louis, Detroit, or Baltimore.
In short, crime in Dallas is elevated but not exceptional when compared to other large U.S. cities. The city faces ongoing safety pressures, yet it remains far from the most dangerous urban center in the country.
Which Dallas Neighborhoods Are the Safest &Ā Which to Watch?
The crime rate for Dallas, TX, varies sharply by neighborhood, making location a key factor in understanding safety.
Safest Neighborhoods:
Northern Dallas consistently ranks as one of the safest regions in the metro. Highland Park and University Park stand out for exceptionally low violent and property crime rates, supported by strong local policing, high residential stability, and engaged community associations. Other safe, high-demand areas include Preston Hollow, Uptown, and Oak Lawn, all known for walkable streets, regular patrol presence, and well-maintained public spaces.
Neighborhoods to Watch:
Several areas experience disproportionately higher crime levels. Parts of South Dallas, Southeast Dallas, and West Dallas report elevated burglary, vehicle theft, and aggravated assault rates, often influenced by older infrastructure, higher traffic volumes, and fewer community resources. These neighborhoods are not unsafe at all times, but residents and visitors benefit from extra caution, especially at night or when parking vehicles.
How to Live or Visit Safely in Dallas
Dallas crime isnāt extreme, and taking practical precautions can make day-to-day life and travel noticeably safer. Whether youāre a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, these tips can help you stay confident while exploring everything the city has to offer.
Get the Security Tech Ready
Technology is powerful and convenient when it comes to security and protection, especially if you are a long-term resident of Dallas.
Modern security camerasĀ create an essential first layer of protection, helping deter suspicious activity and giving you a real-time view of whatās happening around your property.
For example, the eufyCam S4Ā features a double-lens design with 4K clarity and PTZ tracking, capable of capturing details up to 164 ft away.
A solution more powerful than cameras is an NVR system like the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4 Max. Such systems feature local AI agents with large local storage, 24/7 recording and smart video search functions.
Inside the home, a model like the eufy Indoor Cam S350Ā offers full-room visibility with 4K clarity, smooth pan-and-tilt movement, and AI tracking. These features make it perfect for monitoring pets, ensuring kids arrive home safely, or keeping an eye on your space when youāre out enjoying the city.
Your entryway is equally important, and video doorbells allow you to see whoās visiting before opening the door. Upgrading to something like eufy Video Doorbell E340Ā adds instant alerts and two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with visitors even when you're not at home.
For robust whole-home protection, the eufy ExpertSecure SystemĀ integrates sensors, alarms, and cameras into a comprehensive safety ecosystem, ideal for anyone settling into Dallas and seeking dependable 24/7 security.
Choose Your Accommodation Cautiously
When booking a place to stay in Dallas, prioritize neighborhoods known for good lighting, secure parking, and controlled building entry. Look for hotels or rentals with strong safety records, recent positive reviews, and visible security measures. Choosing reputable locations in safer districts greatly reduces risk and provides added peace of mind.
Stay Alert and Plan Your Routes
Dallas covers a large area, so staying aware of your surroundings is essential.
Stick to busy, well-lit streets, especially after sunset, and avoid isolated paths whenever possible. Use navigation apps to monitor traffic, identify safer travel corridors, and choose the most reliable routes for walking or driving throughout the city.
Keep Personal Belongings Secure
Take simple steps to protect your belongings wherever you go in Dallas. Keep valuables hidden, avoid leaving items in plain sight inside vehicles, and always lock doors. Use anti-theft bags or accessories when exploring crowded areas, and store important documents in a secure place to prevent opportunistic theft.
Conclusion
Is Dallas, Texas safe? As we have seen throughout this guide, the Dallas crime rateĀ is elevated but not extreme compared with other major U.S. cities. The city sits in a higher-risk tier nationally, yet many neighborhoods remain safe and welcoming.
By taking measures like planning your routes carefully, securing personal belongings, and investing in reliable home-security tools like cameras and video doorbells, you can navigate Dallas with confidence and enjoy everything the city has to offer.
FAQs
How does Dallas rank in crime?
Dallas ranks above the national average for both violent and property crime, placing it in a higher-risk tier compared with many U.S. cities. While not among the most dangerous metros, its crime rate remains elevated enough to require awareness and smart precautions.
Is downtown Dallas safeĀ to walk?
Downtown Dallas is generally safe to walk, especially in busy, well-lit areas and during daytime hours. Evening walks are fine in populated zones, but caution is advised on quieter streets. Staying alert and following main routes helps ensure a safe experience.
Is Houston or Dallas safer?
Dallas is considered slightly safer than Houston, with lower rates of violent crime and property crime overall. While both cities face similar urban challenges, Dallas consistently records fewer incidents per capita, making it a somewhat safer option for residents and visitors.
What types of crime are most common in Dallas?
The most common crimes in Dallas are property-related, including motor vehicle theft, burglary, and larceny-theft. Among violent crimes, aggravated assault is the most frequently reported.
