Dallas Safety Report 2026 – Crime Rates & Key Hotspots

Dallas is seeing progress in reducing violent crime, but property crime remains a challenge. Here's what you need to know about safety in 2026:

• Violent crime has dropped for five years straight, with murders down 26% compared to 2024. The violent crime rate is now 7.3 per 1,000 residents.
• Property crime levels are still high, particularly in South Dallas, Southeast Oak Cliff, and West Dallas. Auto theft has improved, but other property crimes persist.
• High-risk neighborhoods include areas like Volara Apartments (3550 E. Overton) and Meadows at Ferguson (11760 Ferguson Road), which face issues like absentee landlords and poor infrastructure.
• Safer neighborhoods include Highland Park, University Park, Lakewood, Preston Hollow, and Uptown, known for strong community involvement and better safety measures.
• Emerging safer areas like Bishop Arts District and parts of West Dallas are improving due to revitalization efforts and infrastructure upgrades.

Key takeaway: While Dallas's safety varies widely by neighborhood, data-driven policing and community efforts are helping reduce violent crime. Understanding specific areas is crucial for making informed decisions about living or visiting Dallas.

Dallas police says crime rate down 14% from last year

Dallas Crime Statistics for 2025

Dallas's crime rate in 2025 continues to sit above the national average. While there are signs of improvement, certain areas still face ongoing challenges.

Violent Crime Data

As of October 13, 2025, Dallas recorded 111 murders - a 26% drop compared to the same timeframe in 2024. The city's violent crime rate is currently 7.3 per 1,000 residents. Although this figure is higher than the national average, the year-over-year decline highlights some progress in reducing violent crime.

On the other hand, property crimes tell a different story.

Property Crime Data

Property crime rates in Dallas remain elevated relative to national averages, with certain zip codes experiencing higher rates. While there has been some improvement in auto theft numbers, overall property crime levels have not seen the same significant decline as violent crime. These ongoing issues emphasize the importance of considering location when assessing safety in Dallas.

Dallas Crime Hotspots by Neighborhood

Neighborhoods with Highest Crime Rates

In 2025, South Dallas, Southeast Oak Cliff, and West Dallas remain the most crime-affected areas, experiencing high levels of both violent and property crimes. While Downtown Dallas is generally safe during business hours, it becomes more precarious after dark.

The Dallas Police Department's crime plan has pinpointed specific apartment complexes as recurring trouble spots. For instance, the Volara apartments at 3550 E. Overton have seen a resurgence in violence after a period of decline, marking it as a persistent concern. Similarly, the Meadows at Ferguson, located at 11760 Ferguson Road, has been identified as a high-violence area. This property has drawn attention due to absentee owners and frequent tenant turnover, prompting city attorneys to pursue legal action against the property owners.

A tragic example of the ongoing violence occurred on October 12, 2025, when a shooting outside an after-hours club in Far East Dallas, near Mesquite, left one person dead and four others injured.

These elevated crime rates are tied to a combination of complex factors, which are explored below.

Why These Areas Have Higher Crime

The high crime rates in these neighborhoods are often linked to socioeconomic challenges, poor infrastructure, and mismanagement of properties. To address these issues, the city’s crime plan includes targeted social services aimed at supporting individuals who have recently been released from incarceration. These services provide essentials like housing, clothing, transportation, and job training to help reintegrate them into society. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure, such as poor street lighting, has been cited as a contributor to crime, leading to planned improvements as part of the city’s strategy.

Mismanagement at certain apartment complexes also plays a significant role. Absentee landlords and high tenant turnover make it difficult for authorities to collaborate with property owners to reduce crime effectively. Major Andre Taylor of the Dallas Police Department, who oversees the city’s crime plan, highlighted the focused approach:

"It was designed to focus in on the high areas where crime is committed and putting our resources to those areas. And that's what we've done. So we're just gonna continue with that process. It works. There's no need to change it."

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Safest Neighborhoods in Dallas

While some parts of Dallas struggle with higher crime rates, there are neighborhoods that stand out for their safety, thanks to strong community efforts and thoughtful urban planning.

Neighborhoods with Lowest Crime Rates

Despite Dallas's overall crime statistics, areas like Highland Park, University Park, Lakewood/East Dallas, Preston Hollow, and Uptown consistently report lower crime levels. These neighborhoods are recognized for their well-kept surroundings and dedicated safety measures.

The Park Cities - Highland Park and University Park - operate independently with their own local governments and public safety departments. This allows for quicker response times and a tailored approach to safety, setting them apart from neighborhoods solely served by the Dallas Police Department.

Emerging areas such as Bachman-Northwest Highway, Redbird, and Five Mile Creek are also showing improvements in safety. These gains are rooted in infrastructure upgrades, city investments, and new commercial developments. Similarly, the Bishop Arts District and parts of West Dallas have seen positive changes due to revitalization projects and gentrification efforts.

These improvements are the result of a combination of community engagement, urban design strategies, and proactive safety measures.

Factors That Make These Areas Safer

Community involvement plays a major role in maintaining safety in these neighborhoods. Active groups like the Lakewood Civic Association, Preston Hollow East Homeowners Association, and Mockingbird Heights Neighborhood Association work closely with the Dallas Police Department. They help establish local security networks that are both effective and affordable.

Investments in public spaces, LED lighting, controlled entry points, and building-level security measures also contribute to crime prevention. Wealthier neighborhoods enforce strict zoning laws, deed restrictions, and high property upkeep standards through homeowners' associations, reducing opportunities for neglect-related crime.

Modern urban areas like Uptown take it a step further by using advanced security technologies. These include integrated CCTV systems, smart locks, video doorbells, and motion-sensor lighting. Increased police patrols and a focus on community policing further enhance safety.

These combined efforts have paid off. Dallas has seen a consistent decline in violent crime for five years running, including a 13.5% drop overall and a 33.7% reduction in homicides as reported in early 2025. This progress highlights how a blend of community action, smart planning, and proactive policing can make a real difference.

Using AdensZip for Dallas Safety Data

When it comes to making relocation decisions in Dallas, understanding safety data is a top priority. AdensZip, an AI-driven platform, combines crime statistics with other key livability factors to provide a clearer picture of neighborhood safety. This powerful tool allows users to identify safety trends and compare neighborhoods across Dallas with ease.

Safety Insights Overview

AdensZip doesn't just stop at crime data - it integrates this information with broader livability metrics. This means users can evaluate safety alongside factors like quality of life, helping them make well-rounded decisions about where to live in Dallas.

AdensZip Plans and Features

AdensZip caters to a range of users with its tiered plans:

• Basic Plan (Free): Offers essential crime statistics, livability scores, climate data, and cost analysis.
• Premium Plan ($9.99/month): Unlocks advanced analytics for deeper insights.
• Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing): Designed for bulk analysis needs, including API access.

No matter the plan, AdensZip provides instant reports that make comparing Dallas neighborhoods straightforward, equipping users with the information they need for confident relocation decisions.

Conclusion

Dallas's 2025 crime data paints a mixed picture: while violent crimes have decreased significantly - murders dropped by 26% to 111 through October, and overall violent offenses fell by 14.1% - property crimes remain a challenge in certain neighborhoods. This highlights the effectiveness of data-driven policing, with the city on track for one of its lowest homicide counts in a decade.

However, safety in Dallas varies greatly depending on the neighborhood, making broad assumptions unreliable. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux emphasized the impact of focused efforts, stating:

"The work that the officers are doing day to day is making a difference. We kept the pace on the violent crime plan."

While high-profile incidents can skew public perception, the actual statistics reveal a more nuanced reality. For example, Dallas's hotspot policing strategy reduced violent crime by 11% in targeted areas during its first year, demonstrating that concentrated efforts can yield tangible results in specific locations.

This data underscores the importance of local, detailed insights when considering safety. For those thinking about relocating to Dallas, it's crucial to dig into neighborhood-specific information. Though the city ranks low in overall safety - safer than only 3% of Texas cities - the downward trend in violent crime offers hope. Analyzing ZIP codes and understanding crime patterns are essential steps for making informed decisions.

Ultimately, whether you're a resident, visitor, or potential mover, staying informed with reliable, up-to-date crime data is key to identifying safe areas and choosing neighborhoods that align with your safety priorities.

FAQs

What causes higher property crime rates in certain neighborhoods in Dallas?

Neighborhoods in Dallas with higher property crime rates often face issues like vehicle theft, burglaries, and gang-related activities, particularly in areas such as South Dallas, Southeast Oak Cliff, and West Dallas.

These challenges are often tied to factors such as urban density, economic struggles, and a lack of community resources. Tackling these problems typically involves a mix of community involvement and focused safety programs to create safer environments.

How have revitalization efforts impacted safety in areas like the Bishop Arts District?

Revitalization efforts in places like the Bishop Arts District have played a key role in improving safety, with noticeable drops in both property and violent crime rates. These changes are often driven by upgrades to infrastructure, stronger community involvement, and a more visible local law enforcement presence.

Thanks to these initiatives, the Bishop Arts District has evolved into a livelier and more secure area, drawing in both residents and visitors. This transformation showcases how focused neighborhood revitalization can enhance both safety and overall quality of life.

How does community involvement help keep Dallas neighborhoods safe?

Community involvement is a cornerstone of ensuring safety in Dallas neighborhoods. When residents work together and build solid relationships with local law enforcement, it strengthens trust and encourages teamwork. Things like active neighborhood watch programs, open lines of communication with the police, and promptly reporting suspicious activity all play a big part in keeping crime at bay.

On top of that, fostering strong connections among neighbors creates a sense of unity and shared accountability. When people feel connected to those around them, it naturally discourages criminal behavior. Simply put, a community that sticks together tends to be a safer one.