The crime gap between Downtown Dallas and Downtown Fort Worth remains substantial, with new data from the Metroplex Civic & Business Association (MCBA) showing that Dallas logged a crime score five times higher than Fort Worth in June 2025.

The disparity once again raises concerns about Dallas’ public safety strategy as city leaders struggle to contain crime in the urban core. Despite having only a moderately larger downtown population — estimated at 15,000 in Dallas compared to 10,000 in Fort Worth — the crime rate continues to far outpace the population difference.

According to the latest MCBA report:

  • Assault offenses: 69 in Dallas vs. 15 in Fort Worth (5X more)

  • Larceny/Theft offenses: 64 vs. 11 (6X more)

  • Drug/Narcotic violations: 18 vs. 1 (18X more)

  • Motor vehicle thefts: 24 in Dallas vs. 4 in Fort Worth

  • Weapon law violations: 5 in Dallas vs. 0 in Fort Worth

  • Prostitution offenses: 6 in Dallas vs. 0 in Fort Worth

“Month after month, the data tells the same story — Fort Worth is focused on public safety, and Dallas is still catching up,” said MCBA President and CEO Onyinye Akujuo to The Dallas Express. “We’re starting to see some movement from Dallas Police, which is encouraging, but it’s too early to know whether these changes will make a real impact on downtown crime.”

While Fort Worth’s downtown is supported by a dedicated police unit and visible private security, Downtown Dallas continues to struggle with slow police response times, persistent vagrancy, and what many stakeholders describe as a lack of strategic coordination.

In March, Downtown Dallas posted a crime score 7 times higher than Fort Worth’s. That number spiked to 11 times higher in April, remained at 7 times in May, and now stands at 5 times in June — a gradual narrowing of the gap. However, MCBA officials caution that the overall levels of crime in Downtown Dallas are still significantly elevated compared to its neighboring city.

Business leaders and residents have expressed growing concern, warning that without a serious change in public safety approach, the city’s downtown revitalization efforts may never fully take hold.