Is Dallas or San Mateo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, San Mateo is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 37/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,127 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 47% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where San Mateo has a 63% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 13.2x 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
San Mateo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
San Mateo, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | San Mateo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 2,126.5 | +1,885.8 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 243.2 | +417.3 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 5.0 | +8.6 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 26.0 | +9.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 74.1 | +94.5 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 138.1 | +302.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 1,883.3 | +1,468.5 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 98.1 | +366.0 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,578.1 | +209.2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 207.2 | +893.3 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or San Mateo safer?
San Mateo is safer with a total crime rate of 2,127 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 47% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while San Mateo has 243.2. San Mateo 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 San Mateo, CA
San Mateo, a city on the San Francisco Peninsula, was once home to the historic Borel Estate. Its diverse population of around 105,000 resides amidst a mix of urban and suburban landscapes. With a safety score of 37/100 and a population coverage of 99,929, San Mateo has a total crime rate of 2,126.5 per 100,000 residents.