Is Dallas or Watertown Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Watertown is safer than Dallas (Safety Score 40/100 vs 8/100), with a total crime rate of 2,012 per 100,000 versus 4,012 for Dallas — 50% lower. Dallas has higher rates in 0 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in murder, where Watertown has a 100% lower rate.
Note: Dallas is 36.8x 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
Watertown — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Dallas, TX
Watertown, MA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Dallas | Watertown | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 4,012.3 | 2,012.0 | +2,000.4 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 660.5 | 153.3 | +507.2 |
| Murder Rate | 13.6 | 0.0 | +13.6 |
| Rape Rate | 35.9 | 25.1 | +10.9 |
| Robbery Rate | 168.5 | 8.4 | +160.2 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 440.1 | 119.8 | +320.3 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,351.9 | 1,858.7 | +1,493.2 |
| Burglary Rate | 464.1 | 53.0 | +411.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,787.3 | 1,780.7 | +6.6 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,100.5 | 25.1 | +1,075.4 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dallas or Watertown safer?
Watertown is safer with a total crime rate of 2,012 per 100K vs 4,012 for Dallas — a 50% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Dallas has a violent crime rate of 660.5 per 100K while Watertown has 153.3. Watertown 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 Watertown, MA
Watertown, a historic Middlesex County town, sits along the Charles River just west of Boston. It was home to the Perkins School for the Blind, where Helen Keller studied. The town has a diverse population, including a notable Armenian community. With a safety score of 40/100 and a population coverage of 35,885, Watertown has a total crime rate of 2,012.0 per 100,000 residents.