Dallas blends tradition and innovation with soulful music and diverse cuisine. This historic city attracts many people to study and travel every year. So, is Dallas safe? What are the safest neighborhoods in Dallas? I will answer each of these questions for you.
Is Dallas Safe?
Dallas Crime Rate
The Dallas crime rate have fluctuated over the years. On the whole, Dallas usually has motor vehicle theft, simple assault, theft from a motor vehicle, destruction and vandalism, and drug/narcotic violations.
Dallas has a crime rate of 46 crimes per 1,000 people, one of the highest in the United States. It’s worth noting that Dallas has one of the highest murder rates in the country. Dallas also has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the United States. If you live in Dallas, you have a 1 in 97 chance of having your car stolen.
| Dallas Annual Crimes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent | Property | Total | |
| Number of Crimes | 10,015 | 49,845 | 59,860 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents) |
7.71 | 38.36 | 46.06 |
Next, I will introduce you to the statistics of violent crime and property crimes in Dallas and the United States so that you can have a more in-depth understanding of the Dallas, Texas crime rate.
| Violent Crimes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | Rape | Robbery | Assault | |
| Dallas | 157 | 493 | 2,134 | 7,231 |
| United States | 21,156 | 133,294 | 220,450 | 893,980 |
| Proportion | 0.70% | 0.30% | 0.90% | 0.80% |
| Property Crimes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | Theft | Motor Vehicle Theft | |
| Dallas | 6,823 | 29,576 | 13,446 |
| United States | 899,293 | 4,672,363 | 942,173 |
| Proportion | 0.70% | 0.60% | 0.10% |
The Dallas crime rate is known from the data. In recent years, the murder rate has been declining every year, with the murder rate falling by more than 17 per cent in 2024, and other categories of violent crime have fallen even more. Nevertheless, we cannot lower our vigilance. We will tell you about some of the safest neighbourhoods in Dallas.
Safest Neighborhoods in Dallas
Don’t let the crime rate in Dallas scare you. Dallas is beautiful, vibrant, and has many safe communities.
City Center District
- Crime: Community overall Dallas, Texas crime rate average 60% lower than Dallas.
- Great for: Young families, millennials, professionals.
The City Center District is one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas. It located in the historic city centre district, which is rich in history and very convenient. Major Dallas freeways and interstates are nearby. The area’s top attractions, shopping centres, and high-end restaurants surround the City Center District. Such a privileged environment appeals to everyone. Statistics show that the crime rate in downtown Dallas is much lower than the overall crime rate in Dallas. As a result, the community is relatively safe and bustling, making it ideal for people who like a lively environment and pursue a high quality of life.
Winnetka Heights
- Crime: Community overall Dallas crime rate average 59% lower than Dallas.
- Great for: Families, millennials and people who like historic neighborhoods.
Wilshire Heights is smaller, tighter-knit, and has more family-friendly public facilities. These characteristics give people a sense of security, which is why Wilshire Heights has been one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas, TX. Residents love its unique style.
University Park
- Crime: The overall Dallas, Texas crime rate in the neighborhood is 59% lower than the national average.
- Great for: Working professionals, families, retirees.
University Park is one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas, Texas. Its high-end atmosphere, quiet and comfortable, makes it an ideal upscale community. It is surrounded by high-end luxury shops, parks, and country clubs. Residents can enjoy outdoor recreation and relaxation in these places. The neighbourhood’s crime rate is significantly lower than the national and state averages, providing a comfortable home for residents.
Highland Park
- Crime: Highland Park’s overall Dallas crime rate is 27% lower than the national average.
- Great for: Families, couples, retirees.
Highland Park has a high safety factor and beautiful scenery. It is one of the safest Dallas neighborhoods. Living here can be highly satisfying for everyone who pursues quality of life. The neighbourhood is surrounded by the best restaurants, amenities, and shops and is conveniently located so you can quickly get to and from the city centre.
Bluffview
- Crime: Bluffview’s overall Dallas crime rate is 24% lower than the Dallas average.
- Great for: Families, retirees.
Bluffview is located in the north of the city and is a reasonably safest neighborhoods in Dallas. Come here, and you’ll see lush trees, lovely single-family homes, and quiet roads. This environment provides residents with a comfortable and peaceful living atmosphere. Cliff View Park is one of the top attractions in the neighborhood, where you can explore the unique beauty of Dallas and enjoy the beautiful Texas climate.
Worst Neighborhoods in Dallas
At the same time, you need to know the most worst neighborhoods in Dallas to avoid renting in bad neighbourhoods. This has a significant impact on their personal safety and living experience.
Wolf Creek
Property crimes are 92% above the national average, and violent crime is 217 % above the national average
Wolf Creek is known for its high crime rate as a rough area in Dallas. It has a population of 36,321 and a crime rate 85 percent higher than the Texas average. Wolf Creek’s overall crime rate is 4,986 per 100,000 people, and residents have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of any type of crime. In addition, poverty and gang activity have greatly increased the crime rate in the area.
Cedar Crest
Total crime rate for Dallas, TX, is 133% higher than the national average. Violent crimes are 345% above the national average.
Cedar Crest is also one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Dallas. With a population of 63,686, the area has a high crime rate, 142% higher than the Texas average. Cedacrest’s overall crime rate is 6,475 per 100,000 people, and residents have a 1 in 19 chance of being victims of any crime. The most common violent crimes are robbery, assault, arson and domestic violence. It is worth reminding you that getting around in this community is dangerous no matter what kind of transportation you use.
Cockrell Hill
Overall crime rate for Dallas, TX, is 192% higher than the national average.
Cockrell Hill is one of the most worst neighborhoods in Dallas, TX. With a crime rate of 6,346 per 100,000 people in the neighbourhood, residents have a 1 in 16 chance of being victims of any crime. The most common types of crime in this community are murder, assault, burglary and vehicle theft.
South Boulevard-Park Row
Total crime rate for Dallas, TX, is 314% higher than the national average, and violent crime is 739% higher than the national average.
This historic Dallas community has a population of 26,359. The violent crime rate was 3,255, and the property crime rate was 6,492 per 100,000. Crime on South Avenue is 277% higher than the Dallas average. Violent crime is expected in the neighbourhood, as is murder and gun violence linked to gang activity. In 2023, property crime will be almost twice the violent crime rate. Overall, the neighbourhood is one of worst Dallas neighborhoods.
South Dallas
The violent crime rate in South Dallas is 343% higher than the national average.
South Dallas is another one of the most worst neighborhoods in Dallas. The community has a population of 28,000 and a crime rate 147 per cent higher than the Texas average. With a crime rate of 6,637 per 100,000, South Dallas residents have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. A large number of gangs are assembled here, so violent crime and drug activity are common. The violent crime rate alone is more than 300 per cent higher than the national average. It’s best not to rent an apartment here.
Best Neighborhoods in Dallas
While safety is the most important consideration, other factors must be weighed when renting an apartment. For example, rent prices, the surrounding environment, and other factors also affect their living experience. I will tell you about other best neighborhoods in Dallas.
Uptown - Best for singles
Located north of downtown Dallas, Uptown is one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas, TX, and rich in history, culture, and natural resources. Perfect for young single professionals who want to experience Dallas’s trendy big-city atmosphere. With more than 200 restaurants and 160 shops, this community will surely provide a stylish and quality living experience. There are also a variety of bars and dance halls where you can enjoy an unforgettable night. The neighbourhood is dotted with newly built modern residential and office buildings, providing an excellent living environment for young people seeking big city life.
Arapaho - Perfect for families with teenage kids
Arapaho is one of the best Dallas neighborhoods. Not only is the safety factor high, but it is also very suitable for walking, so people who like shopping must take advantage of it. The community has significant highways and the city’s convenient transportation system, making it easy for residents to get everywhere. Many delicious restaurants, well-stocked grocery stores and casual cafes surround the neighbourhood. The stadium and Dallas’ famous high school are also around the neighbourhood, making it a perfect place for families with children to live.
Bishop Arts District - Perfect for young professionals who like arts
The Bishop Arts District is the cultural heart of the Dallas area and a gathering place for the arts and fashion community. As the one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas, Bishop Arts Distric has many advantages. First of all, it is easy to walk. You can reach many places on foot, such as restaurants, theatres, art shops, and galleries. You who love art will enjoy the atmosphere here. At the same time, because of the artistic atmosphere, the community is young and full of energy.
Design District - Affordable Neighborhood
The Design District is synonymous with fashion and affordability. For all the struggling young people, the Design District is undoubtedly one of the best neighborhoods in Dallas, TX. With easy access to the city centre, there are plenty of entertainment options to relax in. One of the features of this community is that DART, bike, or Uber are all very convenient and can help you save some transportation costs. And the rent in this community is also very affordable, which is a good choice for young people.
Timberbrook - Perfect for big families with bigger budgets
Timberbrook’s design is excellent, with beautiful large houses, walking trails and safe places for kids to play. However, it is worth noting that the neighborhood is more expensive, so it is not suitable for people without much budget. In addition, the community has some excellent schools and is extremely safe, making it one of the best Dallas neighborhoods that ideal for families with young children.
How to Judge the Safety Factor of Neighborhoods?
Dallas has many neighbourhoods, and you need help finding real-time safety information quickly and accurately for all of them. I’m going to suggest some ways you can determine for yourself whether your community is safe.
FBI Crime Data Explorer
- Suitable for statewide studies
The site compiles crime reports from around the country. You can look up crime data for your state or city. These data can clearly show you the crime situation in the town, including specific crime categories.
AreaVibes
- You can get a full picture of the security situation
The site can score cities. It scores cities or neighbourhoods based on crime information and other factors. You can also view reports summarized on the site, including the number of crimes and the heat map of the reported incident.
Ring's Neighbors App
- Mobile software, convenient and fast
The app has a matching doorbell camera and a home installation system. Ring alerts you to suspicious activity or crimes in your area. You can also provide clues anonymously. The app is more like sharing information between neighbours.
Family Watchdog
- Avoid sex offenders
The site will map the addresses of graded sex offenders in your neighbourhood or near your school. You can find complete information about sex offenders on the site, including their crimes and names. At the same time, you will receive alerts when a sex offender enters or leaves your area.
SpotCrime
- User friendly
This page can draw a crime map for you. Its information is more authoritative and comprehensive. Not only can you see news reports and crimes that law enforcement agencies have published, but you can also see the information provided by users around you, as well as missing person lists, crime statistics, and cold cases in your area.
Life360
- Suitable for family
The app can provide many security features for the whole family. A wide range of services, from child check-in to location services, are available. At the same time, you can detect any collision events happening around you and SOS signals from people around you. But it’s worth noting that such a full-featured software will set you back $14.99 monthly.
Ozzi
- Can be monitored by the global community
For people who love to travel, installing such an app on their mobile phones will be very necessary. Because the app can monitor the security of the global community. It includes security alerts, zone ratings, and even shows areas with a high risk of crime and natural disasters. The app is relatively cheap compared to Life360, at $10 a month. It is worth mentioning that the app will cover your total travel insurance and travel protection for your trip abroad.
How to Keep Yourself Safe in Dallas?
- Install a camera: 24-hour monitoring can protect your personal and property safety at all times.
- Get on good terms with your neighbors: Harmonious community relations can help you stay out of danger in some emergency situations.
- Lock all doors, including car and garage doors!: Needless to say, this will avoid giving the perpetrators the opportunity to take advantage of it.
- Familiarize yourself with the local police station: It is better to seek the help of the police in an emergency.
- Don’t leave valuables in the car: This will prevent theft.
Conclusion
Dallas is a big city in the United States with an excellent economy, culture, and education. Although there are some safety issues, as long as you are careful in your daily life, you can still have a pleasant and relaxing time in this city.
Suppose you are an international student of The University of Texas At Dallas、Southern Methodist University, Southern Methodist College and so on. It would help if you learned how to rent a safe student apartment quickly. We recommend uhomes.com. This site has a large selection of student housing in Dallas. To ensure students’ personal and property safety, most student apartments have a security system to escort the safety of students. In addition, we have seriously reviewed the information authenticity of each student apartment and fully guaranteed the safety of each student apartment. We are committed to ensuring our students’ time in Dallas is comfortable and safe.
FAQ
Which city is safer, Dallas or Fort Worth?
Fort Worth is safer than Dallas. The Fort Worth crime rates are 39.5% higher than the national average. And Dallas has a crime rate that is 97.53% higher than the national average.
Is Dallas or Houston safer?
Dallas is safer than Houston. The Houston crime rates are 146.2% higher than the national average. And Dallas has a crime rate that is 97.53% higher than the national average.
Is Chicago or Dallas safer?
Chicago is safer than Dallas. The Chicago crime rates are 58% higher than the national average. And Dallas has a crime rate that is 97.53% higher than the national average.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Dallas?
Generally, North Dallas and the suburbs are considered the safest areas. Top-tier safe neighborhoods include University Park (home to SMU) and Highland Park, which have their own police departments and exceptionally low crime rates. For students attending UTD, the suburbs of Richardson and Plano offer a very secure, family-friendly environment. Uptown is also a popular choice for young professionals, offering a safe, walkable urban lifestyle with high visibility and patrols.
What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Dallas to avoid?
Certain areas in South Dallas and Southeast Dallas have higher rates of violent and property crime compared to the city average. Specific neighborhoods often cited to avoid (especially at night) include Five Points, Fair Park, and parts of Oak Cliff. For international students, it is highly recommended to stay north of I-30 and choose housing in established student communities like The Village or University Park.
What are the top choices for safety in Dallas?
According to recent crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Dallas are primarily located in the northern regions and independent enclaves. University Park (home to SMU) and Highland Park consistently rank at the top due to their dedicated police forces and low crime rates. For students attending UTD, the suburbs of Richardson and Plano are also widely recognized as some of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas, offering a secure environment with excellent amenities.
Which areas should students avoid?
Areas such as South Dallas, Fair Park, and Five Points frequently report higher incidents of violent and property crime. To ensure a secure study abroad experience, students are strongly advised to steer clear of the worst neighborhoods in Dallas and instead choose gated student housing in established, safe communities north of downtown.
