Is Dallas or El Cajon Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, El Cajon is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 42/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 52% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where El Cajon has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 13.0x 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
El Cajon — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
El Cajon, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | El Cajon | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 1,934.6 | +2,077.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 434.4 | +226.1 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 0.0 | +13.6 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 26.5 | +9.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 105.9 | +62.6 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 302.0 | +138.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 1,500.3 | +1,851.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 154.0 | +310.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,083.5 | +703.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 262.8 | +837.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or El Cajon safer?
El Cajon is safer with a total crime rate of 1,935 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 52% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while El Cajon has 434.4. El Cajon 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 El Cajon, CA
Nestled in a valley east of San Diego, El Cajon boasts a rich history as a stop along the old wagon trails. Today, it's a diverse community with a significant Chaldean American population, reflecting its unique cultural tapestry. With a safety score of 42/100 and a population coverage of 101,983, El Cajon has a total crime rate of 1,934.6 per 100,000 residents.