Is Dallas or Santa Cruz Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Santa Cruz is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 17/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,128 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 22% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Cruz has a 64% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 21.5x 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
Santa Cruz — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Santa Cruz, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Santa Cruz | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,128.2 | +884.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 612.9 | +47.5 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 4.9 | +8.7 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 42.4 | -6.4 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 102.7 | +65.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 463.0 | -22.8 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,515.2 | +836.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 135.3 | +328.8 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 2,221.8 | -434.5 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 158.1 | +942.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Santa Cruz safer?
Santa Cruz is safer with a total crime rate of 3,128 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 22% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Santa Cruz has 612.9. Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz, California, a coastal city known for its historic Beach Boardwalk, sits on Monterey Bay. It's home to a significant student population, including the University of California, Santa Cruz. With a safety score of 17/100 and a population coverage of 61,346, Santa Cruz has a total crime rate of 3,128.2 per 100,000 residents.