Top 10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Dallas With Highest Crime Rates (2023)

Texas has numerous cities, but few are as well-known and distinctive as Dallas. The city boasts a vibrant nightlife, a bustling music scene, and an impressive skyline. With millions of people living and working in the city, Dallas is a hub of activity. However, it’s important to note that the city’s crime rate is significantly higher than the national average. As a result, several areas in Dallas are best avoided. Keep reading to learn about the ten most dangerous neighbourhoods in the city.

10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Dallas

1. South Boulevard-Park Row

According to recent data, Dallas’s South Boulevard-Park Row neighbourhood is considered the most dangerous. With a population of 26,359, this historic area has a violent crime rate of 3,255 and a property crime rate of 6,492 per 100,000 people. Shockingly, the crime rate in South Boulevard-Park Row is 277 per cent higher than the average in Dallas. Sadly, gang activity is often linked to violent crimes, including murders and gun violence, making this neighbourhood a particularly unsafe place to live. In 2022, the property crime rate was almost twice as high as the violent crime rate, making South Boulevard-Park Row the worst neighbourhood in Dallas.

2. South Dallas

South Dallas is a neighbourhood notorious for its high crime rates, making it one of the most dangerous areas in Dallas. With a population of approximately 28,000, South Dallas has a crime rate that is 147% higher than the Texas average. Shockingly, the crime rate in this area is 6,637 per 100,000 people, meaning that residents have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming victims of any crime. Unfortunately, South Dallas is also known for its gang activity, which leads to an increase in violent crime and drug-related incidents. The violent crime rate in this area is over 300% higher than the national average. Despite these alarming statistics, recent efforts have been made to revitalize the neighborhood and improve the safety of its residents.

3. Convention Center District

If you’re planning on travelling to Dallas, knowing the city’s high crime areas is essential. One such neighbourhood to steer clear of is the Convention Center District. Nestled in southern downtown Dallas, this area has a population of 920 and alarmingly high crime rates. The violent crime rate is 1,591, and the property crime rate is 4,201 per 100,000 people. Gang activity is a significant contributor to violent crime in the region, with murders, shootings, and assaults being common, even among tourists who mistakenly wander into the area due to its proximity to downtown.

4. Cedar Crest

Cedar Crest, situated in Dallas, is notorious for being one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city. With a population of 63,686, the area has an alarming crime rate of 102 per cent higher than the Texas average. Shockingly, the total crime rate in Cedar Crest is 5,475 per 100,000, and residents have a 1 in 19 chance of falling victim to any crime. The most prevalent violent crimes in the area are robberies, assaults, arson, and domestic violence. Furthermore, locals often describe Cedar Crest as being hazardous to walk or use public transportation.

5. Cockrell Hill

Located in Dallas, Cockrell Hill is a neighbourhood that poses a significant danger to its residents. With a population of 4,240, it has a crime rate that surpasses the Texas average by 136%. Shockingly, the crime rate in this area is 6,346 per 100,000, which means that the residents have a 1 in 16 chance of becoming victims of any crime. Some of the most common offences in Cockrell Hill include murder, assault, burglary, and vehicle theft.

6. Northwest Dallas 

With a population of 2,158, Northwest Dallas has a crime rate 135% higher than the Texas state average. The presence of gang activity in the neighbourhood is a significant contributor to the high incidence of crime. Shootings, assaults, and robberies are common violent crimes frequently occurring in this area. Property crimes, including thefts and burglaries, also occur at a high rate, with 5,072 incidents reported in 2021 alone.

7. Urbandale-Parkdale

The small town of Urbandale-Parkdale, with a population of 25,716, is struggling with a high crime rate 90% higher than the Texas average. The city also grapples with high unemployment and poverty, as the median income is just $33,974. Shockingly, the total crime rate in Urbandale-Parkdale is 5,126 per 100,000 residents, meaning there is a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to any type of crime. Burglaries and car thefts are regular occurrences in this town, causing many residents to feel unsafe.

8. Oak Cliff

With a population of 32,901, Oak Cliff is a historic neighbourhood in Dallas that unfortunately earned a reputation as one of the city’s most dangerous areas. Its violent crime rates are 88% higher than the Texas average, making it an undesirable location for many. Despite being well-known for its association with the John F. Kennedy assassination and being the home of many famous Dallas musicians, Oak Cliff has a total crime rate of 5,065 per 100,000 residents, leaving individuals with a 1 in 20 chance of falling victim to any crime. Although the area boasts several popular tourist attractions, including those that showcase its rich history, it still suffers from high levels of violence and property crime.

9. Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek, a small town with a population of 36,321, is unfortunately plagued by a high crime rate of 85% higher than the Texas average. Shockingly, the total crime rate in Wolf Creek is 4,986 per 100,000 people, meaning that residents have a 1 in 21 chance of becoming victims of any type of crime. This is mainly due to poverty and gang activity, which heavily contribute to the town’s crime rate.

10. Eagle Ford

Eagle Ford, situated in West Dallas, is among the most challenging areas in the city. With a population of 8,013, the neighbourhood has an alarming overall crime rate of 4,729 per 100,000 individuals, surpassing the Texas average of 76 per cent. Property crime is rampant in this locality, with frequent car thefts and burglaries. Walking alone or taking public transportation at night in Eagle Ford is not advisable. Safety precautions must be taken seriously in this area.

Conclusion

There’s no denying many great things about living in Dallas. However, like any city, some areas are best to avoid due to high crime rates, poverty, and gang activity. Knowing which neighbourhoods to steer clear of if you’re unfamiliar with the city is essential. Fortunately, there are plenty of safer areas to explore and settle down in if you’re visiting or moving to Dallas.

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