Is Dallas or Waco Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waco is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 27/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,552 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 36% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waco has a 66% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 9.0x 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
Waco — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Waco, TX
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Waco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 2,552.1 | +1,460.2 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 425.9 | +234.5 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 5.5 | +8.2 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 90.9 | -55.0 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 57.4 | +111.1 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 272.1 | +168.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,126.2 | +1,225.7 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 294.7 | +169.4 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,626.4 | +160.9 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 205.1 | +895.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Waco safer?
Waco is safer with a total crime rate of 2,552 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 36% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Waco has 425.9. Waco 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 Waco, TX
Waco, Texas, bisected by the Brazos River, is a Central Texas city with a diverse population of around 140,000. Home to Baylor University, it blends academic life with a rich history, including its past as a major cotton producer. With a safety score of 27/100 and a population coverage of 146,270, Waco has a total crime rate of 2,552.1 per 100,000 residents.