Is Boston or Dallas Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Boston is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 25/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 34% lower. Boston has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Boston has a 73% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 2.0x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Boston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Boston, MA
Dallas, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Boston | Dallas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 2,649.7 | 4,012.3 | -1,362.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 628.0 | 660.5 | -32.4 |
| Murder Rate | 3.6 | 13.6 | -10.0 |
| Rape Rate | 25.6 | 35.9 | -10.3 |
| Robbery Rate | 126.4 | 168.5 | -42.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 472.2 | 440.1 | +32.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 2,021.7 | 3,351.9 | -1,330.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 177.7 | 464.1 | -286.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,687.4 | 1,787.3 | -99.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 156.6 | 1,100.5 | -943.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston or Dallas safer?
Boston is safer with a total crime rate of 2,650 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 34% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Boston has a violent crime rate of 628.0 per 100K while Dallas has 660.5. Boston has lower violent crime.
About Boston, MA
Boston, a city steeped in American Revolution history, sits on Massachusetts Bay. This densely populated urban center is home to a diverse population and numerous universities. With a safety score of 25/100 and a population coverage of 659,049, Boston has a total crime rate of 2,649.7 per 100,000 residents.
About Dallas, TX
Dallas, a major hub in North Texas, is known for its historic role in the oil industry and its sprawling urban landscape. The city boasts a diverse population exceeding 1.3 million within its city limits. With a safety score of 8/100 and a population coverage of 1,321,500, Dallas has a total crime rate of 4,012.3 per 100,000 residents.