10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Dallas
Go Back To Previous PageContinue reading to learn about the ten neighborhoods in Dallas with the highest crime rates.
1. South Boulevard-Park Row
The most dangerous neighborhood in Dallas is the South Boulevard-Park Row area. This historic area has a population of 26,359 people. The violent crime rate here is 3,255 incidents per 100,000
people, while the property crime rate is significantly higher at 6,492 per 100,000 people.
South Boulevard-Park Row’s crime rate is 277 percent higher than the average for Dallas. All the shopping centers closed.
Violent crime is prevalent in this neighborhood, with murders and gun violence often associated with gang activity. In 2023, the property crime rate was nearly double that of the violent crime rate. Overall, South Boulevard-Park Row is considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Dallas.
2. South Dallas
South Dallas is considered one of the most crime-ridden areas in the city of Dallas. With a population of 28,000, the neighborhood’s crime rate is 147% higher than the Statewide average in Texas. Specifically, South Dallas has a crime rate of 6,637 incidents per 100,000 people, meaning residents face a 1 in 16 chance of becoming victims of any crime.
The area is plagued by significant gang activity, and both violent crime and drug-related incidents are common. The violent crime rate in South Dallas is over 300% higher than the national average. However, recent efforts have been initiated to revitalize the neighborhood.
3. Cedar Crest
Cedar Crest is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Dallas. With a population of 63,686, its crime rate is 142% higher than the Statewide average in Texas. The total crime rate in Cedar Crest is 6,475 incidents for every 100,000 residents. This means people have a 1 in 19 chance of being a crime victim.
The most common violent crimes in the area include robberies, assaults, arson, and domestic violence. Additionally, residents report feeling unsafe when walking or using public transportation in Cedar Crest.
4. Cockrell Hill
Cockrell Hill is considered one of the most dangerous suburbs in Dallas. With a population of 4,240, the crime rate is 136% higher than the Statewide average in Texas. The crime rate in Cockrell Hill is 6,346 incidents per 100,000 residents, indicating that individuals have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming a victim of any crime. Some of the most common crimes in Cockrell Hill include murder, assault, burglary, and vehicle theft.
5. Convention Center District
Another Dallas neighborhood to steer clear of because of high crime rates is the Convention Center District. Situated in southern downtown Dallas, this area has a population of 920 residents. The violent crime rate is 1,591 incidents for every 100,000 people. The property crime rate is much higher at 4,201 per 100,000 people.
Most violent crime in the district is connected to gang activity. Murders, shootings, and assaults happen often. This violence can even affect tourists who might accidentally enter this area because it is close to downtown.
6. Northwest Dallas
Northwest Dallas is recognized as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city. With a population of 2,158, the crime rate in this area is 107% higher than the state average in Texas. Gang activity significantly contributes to this elevated crime rate.
Shootings are frequent, along with other violent crimes such as assaults and robberies. Many shops and restaurants closed.
Property crimes are also a concern, with 5,075 incidents reported in 2023. The most common types of property crime include theft and burglary.
7. Urbandale-Parkdale
Urbandale-Parkdale has a population of 25,716, and its crime rate is 90% higher than the average in the state of Texas. The area struggles with high unemployment and poverty, with a median income of only $33,974. The crime rate is 5,126 incidents per 100,000 people, meaning residents have a 1 in 20 chance of becoming victims of any crime.
Many residents report frequently experiencing burglaries and car thefts.
8. Oak Cliff
Oak Cliff is considered one of the more challenging places to live in Dallas because of its high rates of violent crime. The neighborhood has a population of 32,901 and a crime rate 88% higher than the Texas average. Oak Cliff is notable for its rich history in Dallas, having been home to many famous musicians and being linked to the assassination of John F. Kennedy.
The overall crime rate is 5,065 incidents per 100,000 residents, resulting in a 1 in 20 chance that any resident will become a victim of a crime. Despite housing several tourist attractions, Oak Cliff continues to struggle with both high violent and property crime rates.
9. Wolf Creek
Wolf Creek is considered a troubled area in Dallas because of its high crime rate. With a population of 36,321, Wolf Creek’s crime rate is 85% higher than the Statewide average in Texas. The total crime rate in Wolf Creek is 4,986 incidents per 100,000 people, meaning residents have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming victims of any crime.
Additionally, the area struggles with poverty and gang activity, which significantly contribute to its elevated crime rate.
10. Eagle Ford
Eagle Ford is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Dallas. Located in West Dallas, it has a population of 8,013. The overall crime rate in Eagle Ford is 4,729 incidents per 100,000 people, 76 percent higher than the Texas average.
Property crime is particularly high in this area, with car thefts and burglaries being common occurrences. Walking alone at night or using public transportation during late hours is not advisable.
Worst Neighborhoods in Dallas By Crime Rates: Bottom Line
Living in Dallas offers many advantages, but some neighborhoods should be avoided. These areas tend to have high poverty rates, gang activity, and elevated levels of violent and property crimes. If you are visiting or considering moving to Dallas, numerous safer neighborhoods exist throughout the city.
In Dallas, there is a housing development that many believe should be demolished. Violent crime happens often. Residents struggle to access sufficient running water and air conditioning. Children are seen tossing a half-empty water bottle because they lack balls or toys to play with. Additionally, residents face illegal evictions, forcing some to live in their vehicles parked at a nearby discount store.
This situation is just one example of the broader issues facing the city. Dallas is facing several challenges. Slumlords are helping with illegal evictions that cause homelessness.
There is also a serious lack of affordable housing. In high-crime areas, buying or selling a home can be extremely challenging.
To address these concerns, city officials and community members are working together. They are creating plans to reduce crime in local neighborhoods. Their goal is to improve the lives of the city’s underserved and neglected populations.
