Is Dallas or Memphis Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of FBI data, Dallas is safer than Memphis (Safety Score 8/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 9,407 for Memphis — 57% lower. Dallas has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Dallas has a 74% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Quiz: which of these is MORE DANGEROUS than Dallas, TX?
Dallas — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Memphis — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Memphis, TN
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 9,406.9 | -5,394.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 2,508.0 | -1,847.5 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 40.6 | -27.0 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 70.0 | -34.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 348.7 | -180.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 2,042.1 | -1,601.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 6,899.0 | -3,547.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 915.8 | -451.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 4,399.5 | -2,612.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 1,583.6 | -483.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Memphis safer?
Dallas is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 9,407 for Memphis — a 57% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Memphis has 2,508.0. 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 Memphis, TN
Memphis, a city on the Mississippi River, is the birthplace of the blues and a major hub for the music industry. Its population is predominantly African American, reflecting a rich cultural heritage and diverse community. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 613,207, Memphis has a total crime rate of 9,406.9 per 100,000 residents.