Is Dallas or Portsmouth Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dallas is safer than Portsmouth (Safety Score 8/100 vs 5/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 4,613 for Portsmouth — 13% lower. Dallas has lower rates in 4 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Dallas has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 13.6x 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
Portsmouth — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Portsmouth, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Portsmouth | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 4,613.2 | -600.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 752.4 | -91.9 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 37.1 | -23.4 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 36.0 | -0.1 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 167.8 | +0.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 511.6 | -71.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 3,860.8 | -508.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 424.1 | +40.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 2,920.1 | -1,132.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 516.7 | +583.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Portsmouth safer?
Dallas is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 4,613 for Portsmouth — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Portsmouth has 752.4. 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 Portsmouth, VA
Portsmouth, Virginia, established in 1752, sits across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. Home to the historic Gosport Shipyard, it's a diverse city with a significant African American population. With a safety score of 5/100 and a population coverage of 97,156, Portsmouth has a total crime rate of 4,613.2 per 100,000 residents.