I know firsthand how important it is to feel safe in your own community. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer, safety is a top concern when choosing a place to call home. 

And when it comes to the West Dallas area, opinions can vary widely. Some people praise the neighborhood for its revitalization efforts and growing community, while others express concerns about crime rates and safety. 

In this article, we’ll be discussing how safe it is in West Dallas and providing a balanced perspective on what it’s like to call West Dallas home.

Overview of West Dallas 

West Dallas is a vibrant neighborhood located just across the Trinity River from downtown Dallas. Over the years, the community has made significant strides in enhancing its safety measures, making it an attractive place to visit or live. 

The local authorities and community organizations have taken proactive steps to improve safety in West Dallas. Increased police presence and community policing initiatives have contributed to a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.

Additionally, the area has benefited from revitalization efforts that have led to improved infrastructure and better lighting, creating a more secure atmosphere. 

These enhancements have made walking and exploring the neighborhood safer, particularly during the evening hours.

West Dallas is home to various community programs and initiatives aimed at promoting safety and engagement. Neighborhood watch groups have been established, fostering a strong sense of community vigilance and cooperation. 

Residents actively participate in these programs, ensuring that everyone works together to maintain a safe and secure environment.

The local businesses in West Dallas also prioritize safety. Restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues have implemented security measures to ensure the well-being of their patrons. 

This commitment to safety contributes to the overall positive experience of visiting and enjoying the various establishments in the neighborhood.

Furthermore, West Dallas benefits from its proximity to downtown Dallas, where emergency services are readily available. In case of any unforeseen situations, quick response times can be expected, providing an added layer of safety and peace of mind.

Is it safe to live in West Dallas? 

Living in West Dallas is safe, with a crime rate 30% lower than the city’s average, which is 31.5%. 

In 2022, there were 2,067 crimes reported in West Dallas, which is a rate of 206.7 crimes per 100,000 residents. The city average is 282.7 crimes per 100,000 residents.

The most common type of crime in West Dallas is property crime, which includes theft and burglary. In 2022, there were 1,882 property crimes reported in West Dallas, which is a rate of 188.2 crimes per 100,000 residents. 

In comparison, the city average for property crime is 6.1 crimes per 100,000 residents. 

Violent crime is less common in West Dallas, with 185 incidents reported in 2022. This is a rate of 18.5 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the city average of 40.7 crimes per 100,000 residents. 

Common Crimes Committed in West Dallas 

Common crimes in West Dallas are theft (43% from vehicles, 22% from homes, and 15% from businesses) and burglary (22% of reported crimes).

Assault (27.9 per 100k residents), robbery (17.5 per 100k residents), and auto theft (206.7 per 100k residents) also frequently occur.

Theft 

I’ve had the opportunity to witness firsthand the detrimental effects that crime can have on a community, particularly in West Dallas.

In this area, theft emerges as one of the most prevalent crimes, highlighting the significance of being aware of the risks involved in order to take the necessary measures to safeguard oneself and one’s personal belongings.

According to the Dallas Police Department’s crime mapping tool, in the year 2020 alone, there were a total of 1,414 reported incidents of theft in West Dallas. 

Among these cases, theft from vehicles stood out as the most common type, constituting approximately 43% of all reported thefts. 

Additionally, theft from homes accounted for around 22% of the incidents, while theft from businesses made up approximately 15%.

It’s important to note that the majority of thefts in West Dallas are nonviolent in nature. However, it is worth mentioning that a few instances of armed robbery have occurred. 

Recognizing the significance of addressing this issue, the Dallas Police Department has taken proactive steps to combat theft in West Dallas. 

They have increased patrols in areas with high crime rates, aiming to deter criminal activity and enhance public safety. 

Furthermore, they have collaborated with community leaders to develop crime prevention programs that foster a safer environment for residents.

Burglary 

A burglary is defined as the unlawful entry of a structure with the intent to commit a crime. This can include theft, vandalism, or even assault.

According to the Dallas Police Department, burglary is the second most common crime in West Dallas, accounting for 22% of all reported crimes in 2020. A total of 643 reported incidents of burglary in the area. 

There are a few things that make West Dallas a target for burglars. First, the neighborhood is home to a number of businesses and apartments, which provide plenty of potential targets. 

Second, the neighborhood is located near downtown Dallas, which is a major transportation hub. This makes it easy for burglars to escape after committing a crime.

Assault 

According to the Dallas Police Department, there were 279 reported incidents of assault in West Dallas in 2022. This is a rate of 27.9 assaults per 100,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the city average of 25.7 assaults per 100,000 residents.

The most common type of assault in West Dallas is simple assault, which is defined as intentionally causing bodily injury to another person. 

Other types of assault include aggravated assault, which involves intentionally causing serious bodily harm, and sexual assault, which encompasses non-consensual sexual contact or behavior.

Assault can happen anywhere, but there are certain areas in West Dallas that are more prone to crime. These areas include the Trinity River Corridor, the West End, the Cedars, and the Near West Side.

Robbery 

Robbery is a serious crime that can have a devastating impact on victims. It can leave people feeling scared, violated, and traumatized. 

In some cases, robbery can even lead to death.

According to the Dallas Police Department, robbery is one of the most common crimes committed in West Dallas. In 2020, there were 175 reported incidents of robbery in the area, which is a rate of 17.5 crimes per 100,000 residents.

I wanted to learn more about robbery in West Dallas, so I spoke to some people who live in the area. One woman told me that she was robbed at gunpoint while walking home from work one night. 

She said that she was terrified and still has nightmares about the experience.

Another man told me that he was robbed while working at a convenience store. According to him, the robber pointed a gun at him and demanded all of the money in the cash register. 

He said that he was scared for his life and that he thought he was going to be killed.

These stories are just a few examples of the impact that robbery can have on victims. It is a serious crime that should not be taken lightly.

Auto Theft 

In 2022, there were 2,067 reported incidents of auto theft in West Dallas, which is a rate of 206.7 crimes per 100,000 residents. The city average is 282.7 crimes per 100,000 residents.

This is a significant increase from the previous year when there were 1,414 reported incidents of auto theft.