Is Dallas or Lawton Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Lawton is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 13/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,473 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 13% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Lawton has a 57% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 14.6x 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
Lawton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Lawton, OK
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Lawton | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,473.1 | +539.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 820.3 | -159.9 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 10.0 | +3.6 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 143.0 | -107.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 72.1 | +96.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 595.3 | -155.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,652.7 | +699.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 931.2 | -467.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,491.0 | +296.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 230.6 | +869.9 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Lawton safer?
Lawton is safer with a total crime rate of 3,473 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Lawton has 820.3. 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 Lawton, OK
Lawton, Oklahoma, is home to Fort Sill, a significant U.S. Army post with a rich history. Located in southwestern Oklahoma, the city is the county seat of Comanche County and a regional hub for the surrounding rural areas. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 90,209, Lawton has a total crime rate of 3,473.1 per 100,000 residents.