Is Dallas or Waterloo Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Waterloo is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 21/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 27% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 1 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in robbery, where Waterloo has a 79% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 19.9x 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
Waterloo — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Waterloo, IA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Waterloo | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 2,920.8 | +1,091.5 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 476.0 | +184.5 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 4.5 | +9.1 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 39.2 | -3.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 34.7 | +133.9 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 397.7 | +42.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 2,444.8 | +907.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 586.0 | -121.9 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,658.5 | +128.8 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 200.4 | +900.1 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Waterloo safer?
Waterloo is safer with a total crime rate of 2,921 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 27% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Waterloo has 476.0. Waterloo 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 Waterloo, IA
Waterloo, Iowa, a city in Black Hawk County, was once a hub for the Illinois Central Railroad. Situated along the Cedar River, its population is diverse, with a notable African American community. With a safety score of 21/100 and a population coverage of 66,385, Waterloo has a total crime rate of 2,920.8 per 100,000 residents.