If you’re a resident of this vibrant Texan city or just planning to visit, you’ve likely heard whispers about certain corners where caution might be your best companion. Yes, we’re talking about those neighborhoods that make even the bravest hearts skip a beat. 

In a city as diverse and sprawling as Dallas, it’s no surprise that there are areas where crime rates have earned them a reputation. 

But remember, while these neighborhoods might have their challenges, they’re also home to resilient communities and untold stories that often get overshadowed by statistics.

As someone who’s embraced the rhythm of Dallas life, I know the importance of having the scoop on the city’s various neighborhoods — the good, the bad, and everything in between. 

Whether you’re a local wanting to stay informed or a newcomer looking to get a feel for the lay of the land, we’re here to shed light on the so-called “dangerous” neighborhoods in this beloved city. 

Let’s dive in!

What part of Dallas is considered a ghetto?

The parts of Dallas that are considered ghettos are South Boulevard-Park Row, Convention Center District, South Dallas, Cedar Crest, Cockrell Hill, Urbandale-Parkdale, Oak Cliff, Wolf Creek, and Eagle Ford.

These neighborhoods suffer from high poverty rates, high crime rates, and a lack of resources.

They often have a high concentration of minority residents, and they may also be struggling with issues such as homelessness, drug addiction, and gang violence.

It is important to note that not all residents of these areas are struggling. There are many people who live in these neighborhoods who are working hard to improve their lives and the lives of their families. 

However, the challenges faced by these communities are real and significant.

9 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Dallas 

Dallas is a vibrant and exciting city with a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. Each community has its own unique character and charm. 

However, like any city, it has its share of dangerous neighborhoods. Alongside their distinct identities, these neighborhoods also grapple with varying levels of crime that significantly impact the lives of their residents. 

So, we will take a look at the nine most dangerous neighborhoods in Dallas.

South Boulevard-Park Row 

South Boulevard-Park Row, nestled in the southeastern part of Dallas near Fair Park, is a neighborhood with a distinctive character and a tight-knit community of approximately 3,500 residents. 

While it has its own unique charm and local attractions, it’s important to be aware of the safety concerns that can affect the area.

Unfortunately, South Boulevard-Park Row faces a challenge when it comes to crime rates. According to NeighborhoodScout, the neighborhood has a considerably higher crime rate compared to the national average. 

The national average violent crime rate is approximately 4.04 per 1,000 people, while property crimes occur at a rate of around 22.7 per 1,000 people. 

In South Boulevard-Park Row, the situation is notably different, with a violent crime rate of 20.2 per 1,000 people, which is five times higher than the national average.

Similarly, the property crime rate is 68.1 per 1,000 people, which is three times higher than the national average.

In 2022, there were 100 violent crimes and 400 property crimes reported in the neighborhood. The most common violent crimes are robbery, assault, and burglary, while the most common property crimes are theft, larceny, and vandalism.

Convention Center District

Located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, the Convention Center District boasts its proximity to major attractions like the Dallas Convention Center and the American Airlines Center. 

Despite its convenient location, this neighborhood has garnered a reputation for being one of the more challenging areas in the city.

With a population of just around 920 residents, the Convention Center District faces a significant issue when it comes to crime. In fact, the crime rates here are startlingly high compared to national averages. 

According to NeighborhoodScout, the violent crime rate is a staggering 1,591 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate is equally alarming at 4,201 per 100,000 people. 

To put this in perspective, the national average for violent crime sits at a significantly lower 4.04 per 100,000 people, while property crime averages 22.7 per 100,000 people nationwide.

In the year 2022 alone, the Convention Center District witnessed a troubling 135 violent crimes and 541 property crimes reported within its boundaries. 

The types of incidents that most frequently occur here include robbery, assault, and burglary in the realm of violent crimes, while theft, larceny, and vandalism tend to dominate the landscape of property crimes.

South Dallas

South Dallas, with its population of 28,000 residents, sadly grapples with some concerning safety statistics. 

The neighborhood experiences a violent crime rate of 6,637 incidents per 100,000 people, which is a staggering 147% higher than the Texas state average of 2,702 per 100,000. 

Additionally, property crime is a pressing issue, with a rate of 4,575 incidents per 100,000 people, surpassing the Texas average by 122%, which stands at 2,044 per 100,000.

In 2022, South Dallas reported 184 violent crimes and 1,282 property crimes, making it essential to address the underlying factors contributing to these distressing figures. 

The community faces common crimes such as robbery, assault, burglary, theft, larceny, and vandalism, which collectively pose challenges to the safety and well-being of its residents. 

While South Dallas has its unique character and charm, these crime statistics underscore the importance of community engagement, support, and law enforcement efforts to improve the neighborhood’s overall security and quality of life. 

It’s crucial for residents and local authorities to work together to create a safer environment and explore strategies for reducing crime in the area.

Cedar Crest 

With a population of around 12,000, this community has faced significant challenges in terms of crime rates, making it a potentially risky place to live or spend time.

One of the most concerning aspects of Cedar Crest is its violent crime rate, which stands at a staggering 5,417 incidents per 100,000 people. This figure is a striking 128% higher than the Texas state average, which rests at 2,702 per 100,000 people. 

In 2022 alone, the neighborhood recorded 65 violent crimes, including troubling offenses such as robbery and assault, which have unfortunately become all too common in the area.

Property crime is another pressing issue in Cedar Crest, with a rate of 4,125 incidents per 100,000 people. This is an alarming 110% higher than the Texas average of 2,044 per 100,000 people.

In 2022, the community witnessed a significant number of property crimes, specifically 493, ranging from burglary and theft to larceny and vandalism.

These crimes have undoubtedly left their mark on the neighborhood, impacting both residents and local businesses.

Cockrell Hill 

Cockrell Hill, a neighborhood cradled in the southern part of Dallas, Texas, is a community of roughly 7,000 residents. While this area has its own unique charm and identity, it is also associated with some concerning statistics regarding crime.

In 2022, Cockrell Hill reported a higher rate of violent crimes compared to the citywide average for Dallas. This unsettling trend saw 300 violent crimes per 100,000 people, while the citywide rate stood at 335.7 per 100,000 residents. 

These crimes encompass a range of offenses, including assault, creating an atmosphere that residents and law enforcement alike must grapple with.

Property crime rates in Cockrell Hill also raise concerns, with 900 reported cases in 2022. This equates to a staggering 12,854.5 property crimes per 100,000 people, significantly surpassing the citywide rate of 9,007.3 per 100,000 residents. 

Burglaries and thefts feature prominently among these property crimes, highlighting the need for vigilance and community awareness in this neighborhood.

Urbandale-Parkdale

Urbandale-Parkdale, situated in the southeastern part of Dallas, Texas, near the crossroads of Interstate 30 and Interstate 45, has a population of roughly 10,000 residents. 

This community has unfortunately gained notoriety due to its high crime rate, as reported in the 2022 FBI crime data.

Regrettably, Urbandale-Parkdale’s crime statistics paint a concerning picture. 

The violent crime rate in this neighborhood stands at 7.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 4.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. 

This means that residents are more than twice as likely to experience violent crimes, such as robberies and aggravated assaults, compared to the average American city.

Property crime is another issue plaguing Urbandale-Parkdale. The property crime rate here is alarmingly high, standing at 56.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 23.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. 

Common property crimes in the area include burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Oak Cliff 

Oak Cliff, situated in the southwestern part of Dallas, Texas, is a neighborhood that has garnered a reputation for its higher crime rates compared to the rest of the city. 

This community, home to approximately 100,000 residents, is defined by its geographic boundaries, which include the Trinity River to the north, the Dallas Zoo to the east, and the city of Duncanville to the south.

According to the 2020 FBI Uniform Crime Report, Oak Cliff stands out due to its elevated crime statistics. When compared to the city of Dallas as a whole, Oak Cliff reports a notably higher rate of both violent and property crimes. 

Specifically, Oak Cliff records a violent crime rate of 6.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, in contrast to the city’s overall rate of 4.5 per 1,000 residents. 

Moreover, the property crime rate in Oak Cliff is notably elevated, with 53.8 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to the city’s average of 38.2 per 1,000 residents.

Within this neighborhood, the most common types of crimes include robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, and auto theft. 

These statistics reflect the challenges faced by residents in Oak Cliff and underscore the importance of community safety measures and law enforcement efforts to address and reduce these crime rates.

Wolf Creek 

Wolf Creek, secluded in the southeastern corner of Dallas, stands out as one of the city’s most perilous neighborhoods. With a population of approximately 5,000 residents, this community grapples with crime rates that far exceed national averages.

The violent crime rate is a staggering 10 times higher than the rest of the country, with 1,037 incidents per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of just 103 per 100,000.

The situation is equally concerning when it comes to property crimes, which are five times more prevalent than the national standard. 

In Wolf Creek, the property crime rate stands at 4,922 per 100,000 residents, while the U.S. average hovers at 2,385 per 100,000.

Residents of Wolf Creek face an array of criminal activities that make their daily lives challenging. Robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, thefts, and even carjackings are all too common occurrences in this neighborhood. 

These statistics paint a stark picture of the safety concerns faced by those who call Wolf Creek home. 

The community’s high crime rates are a pressing issue that demands attention and action from both local authorities and the residents themselves as they seek ways to enhance safety and restore peace to their neighborhoods.

Eagle Ford 

Located in the southeastern part of Dallas, Texas, Eagle Ford possesses a distinctive character that stems from both its vibrant community and its concerning crime statistics. 

With a population of roughly 6,000 residents, this area is unfortunately known for its elevated crime rates, painting a complex picture of urban life.

Violent crime is notably prevalent in Eagle Ford, surpassing the national average by a significant margin. 

According to the FBI’s data, the neighborhood records a violent crime rate of 70.2 incidents per 100,000 people, a stark contrast to the national average of 37.8 per 100,000. 

The crimes that most frequently occur here include robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault, creating a sense of insecurity for its residents.

Property crime is another issue that plagues Eagle Ford, with rates exceeding the national norm. The neighborhood reports a property crime rate of 5,339 per 100,000 people, considerably higher than the national average of 2,110 per 100,000. 

Common property crimes include burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, leaving residents concerned about the safety of their homes and belongings.

In the midst of these statistics, a list of recurring crimes emerges, shedding light on some of the persistent issues that Eagle Ford faces. 

Robbery and aggravated assault pose threats to personal safety, while simple assaults further contribute to the neighborhood’s elevated violent crime rate. 

Property-related offenses, such as burglary, theft, and motor vehicle theft, infringe on the security of residents’ homes and possessions.

Moreover, the community grapples with challenges associated with drug dealing, gang activity, and prostitution, further complicating the neighborhood’s safety landscape. 

These issues contribute to the overall sense of insecurity that many residents of Eagle Ford experience in their daily lives.