Is Dallas or Knoxville Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Knoxville is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 13/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,462 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 robbery, where Knoxville has a 51% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 6.6x 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
Knoxville — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Knoxville, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,461.6 | +550.7 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 740.3 | -79.8 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 11.0 | +2.7 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 64.9 | -28.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 81.8 | +86.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 582.7 | -142.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,721.3 | +630.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 328.8 | +135.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 2,013.9 | -226.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 378.6 | +721.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Knoxville safer?
Knoxville is safer with a total crime rate of 3,462 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 Knoxville has 740.3. 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 Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, nestled in the Appalachian foothills, is a city of just under 200,000 residents. It boasts a rich musical heritage, notably as the birthplace of the Everly Brothers. The Tennessee River flows along its downtown, a reminder of its historical role in trade and industry. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 200,457, Knoxville has a total crime rate of 3,461.6 per 100,000 residents.