Moving from Dallas, TX to Des Moines, IA?
An out-of-state move adds a new driver's license, plates, voter registration and state-specific deadlines. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Is Dallas, TX or Des Moines, IA Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Des Moines, IA is safer than Dallas, TX (Safety Score 10/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,831 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas, TX — 5% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Des Moines has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 6.3x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Dallas, TX?
Dallas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Des Moines — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Des Moines, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,831.4 | +180.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 704.9 | -44.5 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 4.3 | +9.3 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 51.1 | -15.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 75.0 | +93.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 572.5 | -132.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 3,126.5 | +225.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 462.6 | +1.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 2,142.0 | -354.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 521.9 | +578.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Moving from Dallas, TX to Des Moines, IA?
An out-of-state move adds new driver's license, plates, voter registration and deadlines that differ by state. The Moving Checklist Planner dates every task from your move-in day — seven tabs for Google Sheets or Excel, $12 once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Des Moines safer?
Des Moines, IA is safer with a total crime rate of 3,831 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas, TX — a 5% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Des Moines has 704.9. Dallas 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 Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, Iowa's capital, sits on the Des Moines River. It's known for its thriving insurance industry and has a growing population, with a median age in the mid-30s. With a safety score of 10/100 and a population coverage of 209,245, Des Moines has a total crime rate of 3,831.4 per 100,000 residents.