Is Dallas or Salem Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Salem is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 55/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 1,550 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 61% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Salem has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 51.1x 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, VA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 1,550.3 | +2,462.0 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 38.7 | +621.8 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 7.7 | +5.9 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 15.5 | +20.5 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 0.0 | +168.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 15.5 | +424.7 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 1,511.6 | +1,840.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 81.2 | +382.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,279.7 | +507.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 150.8 | +949.7 |
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 1,550 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 61% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Salem has 38.7. 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, VA
Salem, VA, nestled in the Roanoke Valley, is a city with roots tracing back to the 1800s as a railroad town. Home to Roanoke College, it boasts a population of around 25,000 residents. With a safety score of 55/100 and a population coverage of 25,866, Salem has a total crime rate of 1,550.3 per 100,000 residents.