Is Dallas or Opelika Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Opelika is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 16/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,185 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 21% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Opelika has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 38.4x 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
Opelika — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Opelika, AL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Opelika | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,184.5 | +827.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 560.3 | +100.2 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 8.7 | +4.9 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 49.4 | -13.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 55.2 | +113.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 447.1 | -6.9 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,624.3 | +727.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 206.1 | +258.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 2,217.8 | -430.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 200.3 | +900.2 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Opelika safer?
Opelika is safer with a total crime rate of 3,185 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 21% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Opelika has 560.3. Opelika 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 Opelika, AL
Opelika, a historic railroad town in Lee County, sits near the fall line of the Appalachian foothills. It's home to the Museum of East Alabama, reflecting its deep Southern heritage. With a safety score of 16/100 and a population coverage of 34,448, Opelika has a total crime rate of 3,184.5 per 100,000 residents.