Is Dallas or Houston Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dallas is safer than Houston (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,442 for Houston — 26% lower. Dallas has lower rates in 6 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Dallas has a 42% lower rate.
Dallas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Houston — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 5,441.7 | -1,429.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 1,148.3 | -487.8 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 13.8 | -0.2 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 73.0 | -37.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 274.0 | -105.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 787.4 | -347.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 4,293.5 | -941.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 644.8 | -180.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 2,945.7 | -1,158.4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 703.0 | +397.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Houston safer?
Dallas is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,442 for Houston — a 26% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Houston has 1,148.3. 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 Houston, TX
Houston, the "Space City," is a sprawling metropolis in Southeast Texas, home to NASA's Johnson Space Center. Its diverse population makes it one of the most multicultural cities in the U.S., with significant Hispanic and Asian communities. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 2,319,160, Houston has a total crime rate of 5,441.7 per 100,000 residents.