Is Dallas or Santa Monica Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Dallas is safer than Santa Monica (Safety Score 8/100 vs 3/100), with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100,000 versus 5,573 for Santa Monica — 28% lower. Dallas has lower rates in 5 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Santa Monica has a 67% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 14.9x 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 Monica — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Santa Monica, CA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Santa Monica | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 5,572.9 | -1,560.6 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 782.5 | -122.0 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 4.5 | +9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 72.0 | -36.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 202.4 | -33.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 499.2 | -59.1 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 4,790.4 | -1,438.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 848.8 | -384.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 3,382.9 | -1,595.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 558.8 | +541.7 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Santa Monica safer?
Dallas is safer with a total crime rate of 4,012 per 100K vs 5,573 for Santa Monica — a 28% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Santa Monica has 782.5. 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 Monica, CA
Santa Monica, a coastal city west of downtown Los Angeles, is known for its iconic pier and vibrant tourism. Its beaches and Pacific Ocean proximity draw a diverse population, including many young professionals and families. With a safety score of 3/100 and a population coverage of 88,948, Santa Monica has a total crime rate of 5,572.9 per 100,000 residents.