Is Dallas or Merced Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Merced is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 12/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,577 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 11% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Merced has a 46% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 13.8x 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
Merced — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Merced, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Merced | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,577.3 | +435.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 784.8 | -124.3 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 7.3 | +6.3 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 103.0 | -67.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 166.5 | +2.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 507.9 | -67.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,792.6 | +559.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 569.3 | -105.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,738.2 | +49.1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 485.0 | +615.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Merced safer?
Merced is safer with a total crime rate of 3,577 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 11% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Merced has 784.8. 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 Merced, CA
Merced, a Central Valley city known for its proximity to Yosemite, serves as a significant agricultural hub. This community, home to a University of California campus, experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. With a safety score of 12/100 and a population coverage of 96,077, Merced has a total crime rate of 3,577.3 per 100,000 residents.