Is Dallas or Ottumwa Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Ottumwa is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 19/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,014 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 25% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Ottumwa has a 84% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 52.5x 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
Ottumwa — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Ottumwa, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Ottumwa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,013.7 | +998.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 397.1 | +263.4 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 7.9 | +5.7 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 83.4 | -47.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 27.8 | +140.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 277.9 | +162.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,616.6 | +735.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 428.8 | +35.3 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,945.6 | -158.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 242.2 | +858.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Ottumwa safer?
Ottumwa is safer with a total crime rate of 3,014 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 25% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Ottumwa has 397.1. Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa, IA
Ottumwa, once a prominent coal mining center and home to the Beach Ottumwa water park, is a city in Wapello County, Iowa, situated along the Des Moines River. Its population was around 25,000 residents in 2020. With a safety score of 19/100 and a population coverage of 25,185, Ottumwa has a total crime rate of 3,013.7 per 100,000 residents.