Is Dallas or Ottawa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ottawa is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 50/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,683 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 58% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Ottawa has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 70.6x 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
Ottawa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Ottawa, IL
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Ottawa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 1,682.5 | +2,329.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 187.0 | +473.5 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 0.0 | +13.6 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 64.1 | -28.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 5.3 | +163.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 117.5 | +322.6 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 1,495.6 | +1,856.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 288.4 | +175.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,116.3 | +671.0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 90.8 | +1,009.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Ottawa safer?
Ottawa is safer with a total crime rate of 1,683 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 58% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Ottawa has 187.0. Ottawa 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 Ottawa, IL
Ottawa, Illinois, nestled at the confluence of the Fox and Illinois Rivers, was the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate. This LaSalle County seat has a population of around 18,000. With a safety score of 50/100 and a population coverage of 18,722, Ottawa has a total crime rate of 1,682.5 per 100,000 residents.