Is Dallas or Lake Charles Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lake Charles is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 18/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,083 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 23% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lake Charles has a 62% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 16.9x 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
Lake Charles — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Lake Charles, LA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,082.8 | +929.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 613.0 | +47.5 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 16.7 | -3.1 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 52.6 | -16.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 64.1 | +104.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 479.6 | -39.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,469.8 | +882.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 613.0 | -148.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,651.7 | +135.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 205.2 | +895.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Lake Charles safer?
Lake Charles is safer with a total crime rate of 3,083 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 23% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Lake Charles has 613.0. Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles, LA
Lake Charles, a port city in southwest Louisiana, is known for its Cajun and Creole culture. It sits on Lake Charles and the Calcasieu River, a hub for the petrochemical industry. With a safety score of 18/100 and a population coverage of 77,982, Lake Charles has a total crime rate of 3,082.8 per 100,000 residents.