Dallas is the largest and most populous city in the US !
But, let’s face it, size and population don’t always equate to safety. So, is Dallas a safe place to visit, live, or raise a family?
The short answer is yes. Some parts of Dallas are perfect for families or solo adventurers. But other areas? Not so much.You’ll want to stay sharp and keep these handy tips from our blog at your fingertips.
We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, pulling data from experts across the board: the Dallas Police Department, the FBI, local real estate pros, and legal experts.
We’ve sifted through the numbers, parsed the reports, and even given you local views, to bring you a comprehensive safety breakdown of Dallas.
Ready to explore the safe side of Dallas? Let’s get started!
Breakdown of Dallas crime statistics in 2024:
The FBI’s Quarterly Uniform Crime Report data shows that reported violent crime for January through March 2024 decreased by 15.2%.
We have fresh data for the first six months of 2024 from the Dallas crime analytics.
The data shows 65 032 total crimes per 100,000 people so far in 2024!
With 5798 violent crimes, 8159 family violence crimes, and 14 hate crimes!
The crime rates in Dallas fluctuated throughout the months in 2024.
The overall rate for crime in the city is above the national average, but one needs to really get into the details of each neighborhood.
Which we will do for you later in the blog! Stay put!
Is it safe to visit Dallas for tourists in 2024?
Yes, Dallas is the safest prime vacation venue if you are planning a guys-only trip or even a family vacation.
The best times to visit? If you’re looking to experience the top annual events in Dallas and Fort Worth, consider planning your trip during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November).
These seasons offer the most enjoyable weather and vibrant local festivities!
Is Dallas safe at night?
Yes, the safety of an area can often be gauged by whether you can walk around freely at night, run errands like grocery shopping on your own, or visit different parts of the city for activities like going to the movies!
Safety in Dallas can be location-based. More dangers could exist in areas of higher criminal activity, such as parts of South Dallas.
Most neighborhoods, though, like Uptown and Highland Park, are still completely safe and patrolled according to the Dallas Police Department.
In 2024, around 4000 people experience homelessness in Dallas on any given night. Areas with higher rates of homelessness often see more crime, as individuals may resort to theft or robbery to survive.
However, there’s a positive trend: youth homelessness has decreased by 22%, indicating improved employment opportunities for younger people.
A poll by Area Vibes shows the views of locals about taking a stroll at night in Dallas:
While a lot of people are not feeling safe in Dallas (in some areas)…
Dallas attracted some new residents from other countries – somewhat around 19,000 people! But it also lost more residents to other U.S. locations.
Do you want to find out how safe your Dallas neighborhood is? Check out the latest Dallas crime map:
Crime map of Dallas:
Reviewing the crime map, we find that the safest areas are in Northern and Eastern Dallas, while Western Dallas appears to be a hotspot for criminal activity.
Is North Dallas Safe?
As a whole, North Dallas is a relatively safe portion of the city. Cities like Northwood Hills and Preston Road have incredibly low crime rates and show a more suburban atmosphere, thereby being very family-oriented.
Local real estate expert Alex Perry has generated $303 million in sales in the Dallas-Fort Worth market this year. That’s big and says a lot about the safety of Dallas as people are ready to settle there with their families!!
Is downtown Dallas safe at night?
Downtown Dallas, especially around the Arts District and Main Street, has seen a revival largely due to enhanced patrols by local authorities and improved security measures.
Generally, it’s safe, but like anywhere, visitors and residents should be cautious and avoid isolated areas late at night.
Is West Dallas Safe?
Over the past years, West Dallas has undergone huge development and gentrification. The areas are generally much safer now than they used to be.
Again, it is an urban area, so there is variation. According to local news and crime reports, some parts of West Dallas have higher crime rates than others.
Based on our research, here are the safest neighborhoods of Dallas.
Safest Areas in Dallas:
According to property club data and reports from local crime, here are some of the safest areas in this city:
| City | Reasonably Safe Because |
|---|---|
| Greenway Parks | Quiet, affluent neighborhood with low crime rates |
| University Park | Affluent residential neighborhood with substantial police presence |
| Highland Park | Affluent neighborhood with low crime rates |
| Wilshire Heights | Quiet, family-friendly neighborhood with low crime rates |
| Center City District | Low crime rates, cultural and economic hub |
| Main Street District | Mostly commercial with very low crime rates |
| Government District | Mostly non-residential with very low crime rates |
| Farmers Market District | Low crime rates, large open-air market |
| West End Historic District | Lower crime rates than city average, popular tourist destination |
| Far North | Large area with upscale homes, low crime rates |
Is Dallas safe for residents?
The deciding factor for residents is their easy access to amenities like schools, colleges, and business opportunities.
According to a Gallup poll, 74% of people feel safest in Dallas, while safety perceptions in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta hover around 50%, compared to other U.S. cities.
What do the locals say:
Walter Hawley, who has been living in Dallas since 1974, share interesting insights;
“The highest crime rates are concentrated in Deep Ellum and parts of South Dallas. Deep Ellum’s high crime rate is partly attributed to its crowded and bustling atmosphere. South Dallas has a reputation for higher crime, with statistics supporting this perception. The suburbs and certain areas within Dallas, such as the Park Cities and Lakewood, are generally considered safer.”
Hear from Steve white, who has witnessed firsthand the positive changes in his neighborhood.
“Downtown Dallas never sleeps completely. There are people on the streets all night. Some haven’t gone home yet. Some are just starting work. Some don’t have a home.
Some of the most dangerous places in Dallas are the places where drugs and women are the hot market. There are some areas just outside Downtown where the people live a rougher life.
But there are places like that in South Dallas, East and West Dallas. However, the most Dangerous place in Dallas is wherever you are when you stop paying attention to what’s going on around you.”
Safest neighborhoods in Dallas:
Upscale Safe Neighborhoods in Dallas:
NUMBER #1 – Highland Park:
Highland Park is an extremely upper-class area known for safety and luxury. Forbes listed Highland Park as one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Dallas, with several properties going for more than a million dollars. It has an extremely vigilant neighborhood watch program with extremely low rates of crime.
NUMBER #2 – University Park:
This is another posh neighborhood that is very famous for its safety and elite standard of living. Based on an Architectural Digest report, University Park hosts a number of Dallas’ elite with upscale real estate—its average home price comes in around $1.2 million.
NUMBER #3 – Preston Hollow:
This upscale neighborhood is characterized by large homes with high safety standards. According to The Dallas Morning News, the rate of crime in Preston Hollow is extremely low and thus favored by the wealthiest citizens of Dallas.
Family-Oriented Neighborhoods in Dallas:
NUMBER #1 – Prestonwood:
Prestonwood is said to be a great community with good public schools. As a matter of fact, according to Niche, Prestonwood ranks among the best neighborhoods in Dallas for raising a family, receiving an overall grade of A for schools, housing, and family-friendly amenities.
Number #2 – Lakewood:
The place is known for a great family atmosphere and community. Besides, there are some excellent schools along the parks.
According to Dallas Morning News, Lakewood remains one of the best neighborhoods for families in Dallas because of its engaging community events and outdoor spaces that truly attract the eye of every visitor.
Number #3 – Highland Park:
Highland Park features excellent public schools and is a very safe area. According to UHomes, this neighborhood holds one of the lowest crime rates in Dallas—a major factor for families when considering moving into a neighborhood.
Dallas crime rate year by year:
We see that Dallas’ crime rate has been substantially higher than the US average.
When comparing violent crime data for Dallas between 2022 and 2023:
The above image shows that property crimes like burglary and larceny-theft are trending downward from the previous year.
The 2024 DPD Crime Data Report indicates that although there are current efforts to suppress violent crime, yet murder still remains the hottest crime in Dallas!
Homicides in Dallas have increased from the previous year, showing a rise of 10.4% in 2023.
High-Crime Areas– Dangerous neighborhoods of Dallas:
Some neighborhoods have had a higher incidence of crime, like parts of South Dallas and Oak Cliff.
Dallas crime rate ranking:
Well, Dallas was once ranked #42 by the FBI on the deadliest cities list in the state. But that’s old news!
According to the Dallas Police Department’s 2023 Annual Report, Dallas has seen a decline in property crimes, from burglary to theft, and violent crimes with mixed trends. The report indicated a 5 percent drop in property crimes compared to last year.
Staying safe in Dallas:
While Dallas is generally a safe place for residents and society at large, there has been a significant increase in property crimes, with 38,777 incidents reported in just the first six months of 2024.
Businesses across other areas of the U.S and North America are staying safer and thriving by strategically placing CCTV surveillance cameras on their properties!
These cameras are connected to a top-notch live video monitoring center that offers a suite of advanced AI video analytics and expert operators.
When a threat is detected by a connected security device, a video alarm is sent to the security operations center where diligent operators examine the footage and react swiftly and accordingly, following each client’s security procedures.
Prompt detection and swift action is the key to security in Atlanta, Washington DC, Detroit, and all cities over North America.
Related Insights:
- Is Washington DC safe for tourists and residents? 2024 update.
- Is Detroit Safe? A Comprehensive Look at 2024 Crime Rates.
- Atlanta crime rate stats & safest neighborhoods: 2024 insights.
- Texas security camera laws: A complete guide.
- Security camera laws in Florida: An overview.
- What city has the highest crime rate in California? Preventive ways.
Conclusion:
In early 2024, reported violent crime in Dallas decreased by 15.2%. However, the overall crime rate remains higher than the national average, with 65,032 total crimes per 100,000 people.
- North Dallas is known for its safety, with neighborhoods like Northwood Hills and Preston Road.
- Upscale neighborhoods: Highland Park, University Park, and Preston Hollow offer high safety standards and luxurious living.
- Downtown Dallas, Uptown, and Highland Park are generally considered safe.
- University Park is the safest upscale residential area.
- Preston Hollow has shown lower crime rates and is favored by wealthy residents.
- South Dallas and Oak Cliff are known for higher crime rates, particularly in violent and property crimes.
Dallas is considered safe for tourists and the best times to visit are spring and fall. Most neighborhoods are safe, but it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings and avoid high-crime areas.
Contact us today to get a customized solution for your business. Learn more about our Live Remote Video Monitoring services in Dallas to enhance your security!
