10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Dallas
- South Boulevard-Park Row
- South Dallas
- Convention Center District
- Cedar Crest
- Cockrell Hill
- Northwest Dallas
- Urbandale-Parkdale
- Oak Cliff
- Wolf Creek
- Eagle Ford
1. South Boulevard-Park Row
The most dangerous neighborhood in Dallas is South Boulevard-Park Row. This historic Dallas neighborhood has a population of 26,359. The violent crime rate is 3,255, and the property crime rate is 6,492 per 100,000 people. South Boulevard has a crime rate that is 277 percent higher than the Dallas average. Violent crime is common in this neighborhood, with murders and gun violence linked to gang activity being common. In 2022, property crime was nearly double the violent crime rate. Overall, South Boulevard-Park Row is the worst neighborhood in Dallas.
2. South Dallas
South Dallas is another of the worst areas in Dallas when it comes to crime. The neighborhood has a population of 28,000, and a crime rate 147% higher than the Texas average. South Dallas has a crime rate of 6,637 per 100,000, with residents having a 1 in 16 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. South Dallas experiences a high amount of gang activity, with violent crime and drug activity being common. The violent crime rate alone is over 300% higher than the national average. Efforts have recently been made to revitalize the neighborhood.
3. Convention Center District
Another Dallas neighborhood you’ll want to avoid due to the high crime rates is the Convention Center District. Located in southern downtown Dallas, Convention Center District has a population of 920. The violent crime rate is 1,591, and the property crime rate is 4,201 per 100,000 people. Gang activity accounts for much of the violent crime in the area. Murders, shootings, and assaults are common, even toward tourists who wander into this part of the city due to its proximity to downtown.
4. Cedar Crest
Cedar Crest is also one of the most violent neighborhoods in Dallas. The area has a population of 63,686 and a very high crime rate that is 102 percent higher than the Texas average. The total crime rate in Cedar Crest is 5,475 per 100,000, with residents having a 1 in 19 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. The most common violent crimes are robberies, assaults, arson, and domestic violence. In addition, residents describe Cedar Crest as being unsafe to walk or use public transportation.
5. Cockrell Hill
Cockrell Hill is another dangerous Dallas neighborhood. It has a population of 4,240 and a crime rate that is 136% higher than the Texas average. The crime rate in Cockrell Hill is 6,346 per 100,000, with residents having a 1 in 16 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. Some of the most common types of crime in Cockrell Hill are murder, assault, burglary, and vehicle theft.
6. Northwest Dallas
Northwest Dallas has a population of 2,158 and a crime rate that is 135% higher than the Texas state average. Gang activity contributes to this neighborhood’s high crime rate. Shootings are common, along with other violent crimes like assaults and robberies. Property crimes were high as well, with 5,072 incidents reported in 2021. The most common types of property crime are thefts and burglaries.
7. Urbandale-Parkdale
Urbandale-Parkdale has a population of 25,716 and a crime rate that is 90% higher than the Texas average. Urbandale suffers from high unemployment and poverty, having a median income of just $33,974. The total crime rate is 5,126 per 100,000, with residents having a 1 in 20 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. Many residents report regularly experiencing burglaries and car thefts.
8. Oak Cliff
Oak Cliff is also one of Dallas's worst places to live due to its high violent crime rates. The neighborhood has a population of 32,901 and a crime rate that is 88% higher than the Texas average. Oak Cliff is known for being a piece of Dallas history. It has been the home of many famous Dallas musicians and for being associated with the John F. Kennedy assassination. The total crime rate is 5,065 per 100,000, with residents having a 1 in 20 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. Despite being home to several of the city’s tourist attractions, Oak Cliff suffers from a high violent and property crime rate.
9. Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek has a population of 36,321 and a crime rate that is 85% higher than the Texas average. The total crime rate in Wolf Creek is 4,986 per 100,000 people, with residents having a 1 in 21 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. In addition, Wolf Creek suffers from poverty and gang activity which greatly contribute to its crime rate.
10. Eagle Ford
Eagle Ford is another one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Dallas. Eagle Ford is located in West Dallas and has a population of 8,013. The overall crime rate is 4,729 per 100,000 people, which is 76 percent higher than the Texas average. Property crime is exceptionally high in this neighborhood, with car thefts and burglaries being common. Walking alone at night or taking public transit at night is not recommended either.
Worst Neighborhoods in Dallas By Crime Rates Bottom Line
Living in Dallas has plenty of upsides, but the city also has neighborhoods that are best avoided. Between high poverty rates, gang activity, and high violent crime and property crime rates, these neighborhoods are the worst areas in Dallas. Whether you’re visiting or moving to Dallas, there are plenty of safer places within the city.