Is Dallas or Salem Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Salem is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 15/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,338 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 17% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Salem has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 7.4x 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
Salem — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Salem, OR
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,337.7 | +674.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 534.5 | +126.0 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 4.5 | +9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 37.1 | -1.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 88.8 | +79.7 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 401.8 | +38.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,803.3 | +548.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 442.3 | +21.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,965.9 | -178.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 395.1 | +705.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Salem safer?
Salem is safer with a total crime rate of 3,338 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 17% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Salem has 534.5. Salem 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 Salem, OR
Salem, Oregon, the state capital, is bisected by the Willamette River. It's home to Willamette University, the oldest university in the Western United States, and boasts a population of over 180,000 residents. With a safety score of 15/100 and a population coverage of 177,936, Salem has a total crime rate of 3,337.7 per 100,000 residents.