Is Dallas or La Mesa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, La Mesa is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 47/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,794 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 55% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in property crime, where La Mesa has a 59% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 21.9x 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
La Mesa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
La Mesa, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | La Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 1,794.5 | +2,217.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 415.9 | +244.6 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 6.6 | +7.0 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 13.3 | +22.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 82.9 | +85.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 313.2 | +127.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 1,378.6 | +1,973.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 220.4 | +243.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 896.4 | +890.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 261.8 | +838.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or La Mesa safer?
La Mesa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,794 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 55% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while La Mesa has 415.9. La Mesa 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 La Mesa, CA
La Mesa, "The Jewel of the Hills," is a city in San Diego County. Once home to a major stagecoach stop, it sits east of downtown San Diego, with a population exceeding 60,000. With a safety score of 47/100 and a population coverage of 60,352, La Mesa has a total crime rate of 1,794.5 per 100,000 residents.