Is Dallas or Decatur Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Decatur is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 21/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,916 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 27% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Decatur has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 22.6x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Dallas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Decatur — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Decatur, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Decatur | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 2,915.5 | +1,096.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 606.7 | +53.8 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 8.5 | +5.1 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 54.7 | -18.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 44.4 | +124.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 499.0 | -58.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,308.9 | +1,043.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 193.1 | +271.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,833.8 | -46.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 282.0 | +818.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Decatur safer?
Decatur is safer with a total crime rate of 2,916 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Decatur has 606.7. Decatur has lower violent crime.
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.
About Decatur, AL
Decatur, "The River City," sits on the Tennessee River in Morgan County. This North Alabama city, historically a railroad hub, is now home to a diverse population of over 55,000 residents. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 58,514, Decatur has a total crime rate of 2,915.5 per 100,000 residents.