Dallas is a major city in the state of Texas, and the safety situation varies by area. Generally, suburban areas are relatively safe, but some parts of the downtown require caution.

As of 2021, approximately 48 crimes occurred per 1,000 residents in Dallas, which ranks among the highest crime rates for cities of all sizes in the United States. The likelihood of a Dallas resident becoming a victim of violent or property crime is 1 in 21.

In 2021, a total of 242 homicides were reported in Dallas, which corresponds to 0.19 per 1,000 residents. This figure is higher than the national average, classifying Dallas as one of the cities with a high homicide rate nationwide.

The major violent crimes reported in Dallas in 2021 are as follows:

Robbery: 2,063 incidents, 1.58 per 1,000 residents

Aggravated Assault: 5,986 incidents, 4.59 per 1,000 residents

These figures indicate that Dallas has a relatively high rate of violent crime compared to other cities in the United States.

Trend of Crime Reduction

In recent years, the rate of violent crime in Dallas has shown a decreasing trend. According to statistics up to August 2023, violent crime has decreased by about 12.5% compared to the same period last year, with homicides down by 20.9%, robberies by 4.7%, and aggravated assaults by 13.3%.

Safe Areas:

• University Park: A wealthy residential area where Southern Methodist University is located, boasting a low crime rate and excellent school districts.

• Highland Park: An upscale neighborhood that offers a safe and pleasant environment.

• Plano: A city located in the northern suburbs of Dallas, popular among families for its low crime rate and excellent educational environment.

Areas Requiring Caution:

• Pleasant Grove: Located southeast of Dallas, this area has a high population of undocumented immigrants and low-income residents, with violent crime occurring frequently.

• Oak Cliff: Located south of downtown Dallas, caution is advised in some areas due to potential incidents of violence or injury. Particularly, the area around the Dallas Zoo is known for poor safety.

• Fair Park: A tourist area with many aquariums and museums, while the interior is safe, caution is needed in surrounding residential areas where crimes targeting tourists may occur.

General Safety Tips:

• Avoid walking alone late at night or in dark alleys.

• Keep valuables such as wallets, passports, and phones secure to prevent pickpocketing or theft.

• Be cautious not to leave valuables or cash in your vehicle when you step out.

Since the safety situation varies by area in Dallas, if you plan to visit or reside there, be sure to check the safety information for the area in advance and stay alert to safety.