Is Dallas or Tempe Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Tempe is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 14/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 3,364 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 16% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Tempe has a 81% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 6.9x 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
Tempe — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Tempe, AZ
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Tempe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 3,364.1 | +648.3 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 470.3 | +190.2 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 2.6 | +11.0 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 71.6 | -35.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 66.4 | +102.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 329.7 | +110.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,893.8 | +458.1 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 334.4 | +129.7 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 2,257.9 | -470.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 301.5 | +799.0 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Tempe safer?
Tempe is safer with a total crime rate of 3,364 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 16% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Tempe has 470.3. Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ
Tempe, Arizona, home to Arizona State University's largest campus, sits in the Valley of the Sun. This vibrant city, named for the Vale of Tempe in Greece, boasts a young, educated population drawn to its urban core and outdoor recreation along Tempe Town Lake. With a safety score of 14/100 and a population coverage of 191,376, Tempe has a total crime rate of 3,364.1 per 100,000 residents.