Is Dallas Safe?
Dallas is not that safe, as it has a higher crime rate than the rest of the country. However, it's less dangerous than some of the other largest cities in Texas. The total crime rate in Dallas is 4,591 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 98% higher than the national average. The violent crime rate is also 110% higher than the rest of the country, and the property crime rate is 95% higher.
Dallas Crime Rates vs Other Texas Cities
Although Dallas struggles with crime, the total crime rate in Houston is 146% higher than the national average, and San Antonio's crime rate is 156% higher. So, while Dallas is more dangerous than the typical US city, the crime rate is comparable to other Texas cities of a similar size, and there are plenty of neighborhoods in Dallas that are perfectly safe.
To find out more about how the two biggest metropolises in Texas compare, check out our article on Dallas vs Houston.
12 Safest Neighborhoods in Dallas
- Greenway Parks
- University Park
- Highland Park
- Wilshire Heights
- Center City District
- Main Street District
- Government District
- Farmers Market District
- West End Historic District
- Far North
- Bluffview
- Winnetka Heights
1. Greenway Parks
The safest neighborhood in Dallas is Greenway Parks. The 150-acre residential neighborhood is located about 5 miles north of downtown and situated alongside the Dallas North Tollway. It's a quiet, affluent neighborhood with a median household income of $217,250 and a median home price over $1 million. Greenway Parks is patrolled by the Dallas police department at beats 523 and 524. In 2017 and 2023, the neighborhood experienced only three aggravated assaults, 22 business burglaries, nine home invasions, 85 motor vehicle burglaries, eight auto thefts, and 0 murders.
2. University Park
University Park is one of the safest Dallas suburbs. University Park is located in Dallas County and has a population of 24,259. The violent crime rate is only 306 per 100,000 residents. University Park is an affluent residential neighborhood named after Southern Methodist University. Due to its wealth and nearby attractions, the neighborhood has a substantial police presence. With its low crime rate and excellent schools, University Park is one of the best suburbs of Dallas for families.
3. Highland Park
Highland Park is another one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas. Highland Park is another affluent neighborhood in central Dallas with a population of 8,797. Highland Park is one of the richest neighborhoods in Dallas. The crime rate in Highland Park is 1,716 per 100,000 people, which is 27% lower than the national average. The median home price in Highland Park is $1.4 million, more than 350% higher than the Texas average home price, so safety comes at a price.
4. Wilshire Heights
Wilshire Heights is also one of the safest places to live in Dallas. The small, residential neighborhood is located in east Dallas between SMU, White Rock Lake, and Lower Greenville. It's a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood with a median household income of $147,868. It's also a safer community than the rest of the city. Wilshire Heights is patrolled by Dallas police in the 142nd beat. Between 2017 and 2023, there were only eight business burglaries, 15 home burglaries, three aggravated assaults, 18 auto thefts, and 0 murders, making it much safer than the rest of Dallas.
5. Center City District
Another one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas is Center City. This neighborhood is located in north-central Dallas and has a population of 1,636. The violent crime rate is 306, and the property crime rate is 1,300 per 100,000 people, which ranks 60% below the national average. Center City is the cultural and economic heart of Dallas and contains much of the city’s nightlife. Center City caters less to families and more to young, single professionals.
6. Main Street District
Main Street District has a population of 987 and is home to mainly business and commercial properties. This neighborhood runs along Main Street and is bordered by Elm Street, Lamar Street, Commerce Street, and the US7/I-45 elevated freeway. Some of Dallas’ tallest skyscrapers are located within this neighborhood. Due to its small size and being mostly commercial, Main Street’s crime rate is very low, with a violent crime rate of 306 per 100,000 people.
7. Government District
Government District is another small and mainly non-residential neighborhood with a population of 850. Government District is home to the Dallas City Hall and many other local, state, and regional government buildings. The violent crime rate is 306, and the property crime rate is 1,300 per 100,000 people. The Government District is often described as being ideal for single people and young professionals.
8. Farmers Market District
Farmers Market District has a population of 1,688 and a crime rate of 1,716 per 100,000 people, which is 27% lower than the national average. Residents have a 1 in 59 chance of becoming the victim of any type of crime, which is quite low. As the name implies, the Dallas Farmers Market is located within the neighborhood, which is the largest open-air market in the city. In addition, this neighborhood houses the Harwood Street Historic District, a blend of architectural styles from the contemporary to the 1880s.
9. West End Historic District
The West End Historic District is one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas, as well as one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. The West Historic End has a population of 874, a violent crime rate of 479, and a property crime rate of 2,036 per 100,000 people, making it much safer than the city average. Much of this neighborhood is listed on the United States Register of Historic Places. West End gained national attention for being the location of the John F. Kennedy assassination in 1963.
10. Far North
Far North is a large area of Dallas with a population of 163,453. Although Far North is considered a part of North Dallas, it is large enough to contain many smaller neighborhoods within its borders. Far North is known for its traditional homes, upscale mansions, and for houses several large golf courses. The violent crime rate in Far North is 299 and the property crime rate is 2,277 per 100,000 people. Far North is ideal for families looking for a suburban lifestyle.
11. Bluffview
Bluffview is one of the safest places to live in the Dallas metropolitan area. Bluffview is located 10 miles from downtown Dallas and has a population of 15,000. Bluffview is an affluent neighborhood sitting on the cliffs that overlook Bachman Branch. The violent crime rate in Bluffview is 199, and the property crime rate is 2,815 per 100,000 people. The median income in Bluffview is $116,957, and the median home price is $523,810.
12. Winnetka Heights
Winnetka Heights is one of the largest historical districts in Dallas, with a population of 65,571. The violent crime rate in this neighborhood is 533, and the property crime rate is 2,484 per 100,000, which still ranks below the Dallas average. Much of the architecture in Winnetka Heights has been preserved since the early 20th century, and this area is often described as being very family-friendly. The median home price in Winnetka Heights is only $88,861, which is 52% lower than the national average.
Safest Dallas Neighborhoods Bottom Line
Dallas is a major cultural and economic hub in the heart of Texas. As with most big cities, Dallas struggles with crime in certain areas. These neighborhoods are not only the safest but offer the best options for family living and nightlife and are the most livable.