The latest crime report from the Metroplex Civic & Business Association (MCBA) shows that Downtown Dallas remains significantly more dangerous than its Fort Worth counterpart. In August 2025, Dallas logged a crime score 9.4 times higher than Downtown Fort Worth.
Despite only a modest difference in population — 15,000 in Downtown Dallas versus approximately 10,000 in Downtown Fort Worth — the scale of crime disparity continues to suggest a deeper failure in policy and policing strategy.
According to MCBA’s August report:
- Theft/Larceny offenses: 23 times more in Dallas than in Fort Worth
- Assault offenses: 6 times more
- Drug/Narcotic violations: 17 times more
- Motor vehicle thefts: 17 times more
“The data speaks for itself — Dallas is still trying to manage crime, while Fort Worth is focused on preventing it,” said MCBA Chief Operating Officer Julie Strum. “When you’re seeing 23 times more thefts and 17 times more car thefts in one city center compared to another, it’s not just a blip — it’s a breakdown in strategy. Fort Worth is showing that a consistent, visible police presence and strong civic coordination work. Dallas has the resources — the question is whether city leadership has the will to use them effectively.”
While Fort Worth’s downtown core continues to benefit from a dedicated police unit and private security presence, Downtown Dallas struggles with persistent vagrancy, drug activity, and slow response times, according to local business owners and residents.
The August data marks another month of disparity:
- In March, Dallas’ crime score was 7 times higher
- In April, it jumped to 11 times higher
- In May, it stayed at 7X
- In June, it narrowed to 5X
- In July, increased to 9X
- And now in August, it has remained high at 9.4X
MCBA officials caution that while there have been some recent efforts by Dallas Police to address the problem, the city has yet to demonstrate meaningful and sustained improvement in downtown safety.
The full MCBA August crime comparison report is available for public review.