Is Dallas or Santa Maria Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Santa Maria is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 27/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,543 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 37% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 2 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Maria has a 80% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 12.0x 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 Maria — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Santa Maria, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Santa Maria | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 2,543.3 | +1,469.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 660.6 | -0.1 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 2.7 | +10.9 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 68.2 | -32.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 173.6 | -5.0 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 416.2 | +24.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 1,882.7 | +1,469.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 312.6 | +151.5 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,149.4 | +637.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 420.7 | +679.8 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Santa Maria safer?
Santa Maria is safer with a total crime rate of 2,543 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 37% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Santa Maria has 660.6. 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 Santa Maria, CA
Santa Maria, California, a city in northern Santa Barbara County, is known for its barbecue and wine industry. It is the most populous city in the county, with a diverse, predominantly Hispanic population. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 110,056, Santa Maria has a total crime rate of 2,543.3 per 100,000 residents.