Is Dallas or Odessa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Odessa is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 36/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,163 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 46% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Odessa has a 77% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 11.4x 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
Odessa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Odessa, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Odessa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 2,163.1 | +1,849.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 320.6 | +339.9 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 3.5 | +10.2 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 53.4 | -17.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 38.8 | +129.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 220.6 | +219.5 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 1,842.5 | +1,509.4 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 219.8 | +244.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,368.5 | +418.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 254.2 | +846.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Odessa safer?
Odessa is safer with a total crime rate of 2,163 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 46% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Odessa has 320.6. Odessa 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 Odessa, TX
Odessa, named after the Ukrainian city, is a West Texas hub in the Permian Basin. This arid region is a major center for oil and gas production, drawing a diverse, largely working-class population. With a safety score of 36/100 and a population coverage of 116,039, Odessa has a total crime rate of 2,163.1 per 100,000 residents.