Is Dallas or Gainesville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Gainesville is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 14/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,448 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 14% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Gainesville has a 65% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 9.0x 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
Gainesville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Gainesville, FL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Gainesville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,447.8 | +564.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 744.1 | -83.7 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 4.8 | +8.9 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 85.7 | -49.8 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 133.3 | +35.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 514.2 | -74.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,703.7 | +648.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 307.4 | +156.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 2,292.9 | -505.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 103.4 | +997.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Gainesville safer?
Gainesville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,448 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 14% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Gainesville has 744.1. 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 Gainesville, FL
Gainesville, home to the University of Florida, is a central North Florida city. Its humid subtropical climate supports a diverse population of over 140,000 residents. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 147,022, Gainesville has a total crime rate of 3,447.8 per 100,000 residents.