Is Dallas or Durham Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dallas is safer than Durham (Safety Score 8/100 vs 6/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,420 for Durham — 9% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
Note: Dallas is 4.4x 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
Durham — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Durham, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Durham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 4,420.3 | -407.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 620.6 | +39.9 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 12.3 | +1.3 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 57.3 | -21.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 160.9 | +7.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 388.7 | +51.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 3,799.7 | -447.8 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 450.4 | +13.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 2,725.4 | -938.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 623.9 | +476.6 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Durham safer?
Dallas is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,420 for Durham — a 9% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Durham has 620.6. Durham 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 Durham, NC
Durham, North Carolina, known as the "Bull City," grew around its tobacco industry. It's a diverse city in the Piedmont region, home to Duke University and a thriving tech scene. With a safety score of 6/100 and a population coverage of 300,208, Durham has a total crime rate of 4,420.3 per 100,000 residents.