Is Dallas or Shelby Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Shelby is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 13/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,477 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 13% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 3 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Shelby has a 54% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 60.0x 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
Shelby — 4-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Shelby, NC
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Shelby | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,477.4 | +534.9 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 1,044.1 | -383.7 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 22.7 | -9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 49.9 | -14.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 77.2 | +91.4 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 894.3 | -454.2 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,433.3 | +918.6 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 485.8 | -21.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,716.0 | +71.3 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 231.5 | +869.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Shelby safer?
Shelby is safer with a total crime rate of 3,477 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 13% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Shelby has 1,044.1. 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 Shelby, NC
Shelby, NC, a foothills city in Cleveland County, is home to the Earl Scruggs Center celebrating the bluegrass legend. Its population is approximately 20,000. With a safety score of 13/100 and a population coverage of 22,028, Shelby has a total crime rate of 3,477.4 per 100,000 residents.