Is Dallas or Fort Smith Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dallas is safer than Fort Smith (Safety Score 8/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,528 for Fort Smith — 11% lower. Dallas has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Fort Smith has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 14.7x 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
Fort Smith — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Fort Smith, AR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Fort Smith | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 4,527.8 | -515.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 843.6 | -183.1 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 0.0 | +13.6 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 90.0 | -54.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 65.6 | +103.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 686.8 | -246.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 3,684.3 | -332.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 466.8 | -2.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 2,904.1 | -1,116.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 313.4 | +787.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Fort Smith safer?
Dallas is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,528 for Fort Smith — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Fort Smith has 843.6. 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 Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith, once a frontier military post, sits on the Arkansas River bordering Oklahoma. This city of over 89,000 residents is the second-largest urban area in Arkansas. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 89,977, Fort Smith has a total crime rate of 4,527.8 per 100,000 residents.