Is Dallas or Kelso Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Kelso is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 36/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,163 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 46% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Kelso has a 65% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 104.7x 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
Kelso — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Kelso, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Kelso | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 2,163.2 | +1,849.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 229.8 | +430.7 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 7.9 | +5.7 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 47.5 | -11.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 87.2 | +81.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 87.2 | +353.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 1,933.4 | +1,418.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 285.3 | +178.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,481.8 | +305.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 166.4 | +934.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Kelso safer?
Kelso is safer with a total crime rate of 2,163 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Kelso has 229.8. Kelso 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 Kelso, WA
Kelso, Washington, a Cowlitz River city founded by Peter Crawford, is known as the "Smelt Capital of the World." Situated in Cowlitz County, it shares a border with Longview, and its population was 12,969 as of the 2020 census. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 12,620, Kelso has a total crime rate of 2,163.2 per 100,000 residents.