According to the 2024 Denton Police Department Crime Report, violent crimes have decreased, despite an increase of nearly 8,000 people living in the city. In 2023, violent crimes in Denton were the lowest in the last five years.
Although there is no city without crimes, Denton's crime levels, police, and community involvement result in a safe place to live. However, it is essential to note that residents considering homes for sale in Denton, TX, must understand the entire safety picture before making their decision.
Denton, TX, is fairly safe to live in, characterized by positive trends in violent crimes and an average rate of property crimes. The likelihood that you will be a victim of property crime in Denton is approximately 1 in 44, with 1 in 397 being the possibility of becoming a victim of a violent crime.
The city is quite safe compared to several cities in Texas, but there is a need to know the differences in particular neighborhoods concerning safety. Also, a real estate agent in Denton TX, will have a better understanding of areas that best suit your lifestyle and security needs.
To understand the level of safety in Denton, TX, it is crucial to analyse both violent and property crime data. NeighborhoodScout reports the overall crime rate in Denton as 25.39 crimes per 1000 residents, compared to more than 87% of the cities in Texas.
Crime Category | Denton Reports | Denton Rate per 100,000 | National Rate per 100,000 | Risk Level | 2024 Trend |
Violent Crimes Total | 445 | 289 | 370 | 22% Lower than the National Average | Decreased |
Murder | 9 | 5.8 | 6.3 | Lower than National Average | Stable |
Rape | 93 | 60.4 | 42.6 | Higher than National Average | Decreased |
Robbery | 53 | 34.4 | 66.1 | Lower than National Average | Decreased |
Assault | 244 | 158.5 | 279.7 | Lower than National Average | Decreased |
Property Crimes Total | 3,672 | 2,386 | 1,954 | 22% Higher than National Average | Decreased |
Burglary | 325 | 211.2 | 269.8 | Lower than National Average | Decreased |
Theft | 2,943 | 1,912.7 | 1,401.9 | Higher than National Average | Decreased |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 353 | 229.4 | 282.7 | Lower than National Average | Decreased |
Overall Crime Risk | 4,117 | 2,675 | 2,324 | 15% Higher than National Average | Decreasing |
Sources: AreaVibes 2024 Crime Analysis, Denton Police Department 2024 Annual Report
Key 2024 Improvements:
The good news for families and students is the fact that crime has been decreasing, especially violent crime. Latest reports released by the police indicate that 2023 recorded the lowest rate of violent crime in the last 5 years, and there are further improvements in 2024 and 2025
The rate of violent crime is below the Texas and national average in Denton. The types of crime in this category are aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder. Violent crime is on a steady decline, as it is in much of the rest of the country, in recent years.
Property crimes such as burglary, larceny-theft, and motorbike theft form a higher portion of reported cases in Denton. Although it is still lower than the state average, it is one area where locals are strongly advised to be cautious by taking some safety measures, such as locking their houses and cars.
According to the official reports of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), there are positive trends. The total number of crimes reported across Texas decreased by 22.35% in the second quarter of 24 as compared to the same period in 2023.
To get the current local crime statistics and reports, it is necessary to check the official website of the Denton Police Department to obtain the latest available data.
Since the University of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Woman's University (TWU) are located in Denton, the safety of students is critical. With campus police present, it's a good place to live for students, especially if you prefer an area where you can walk freely. No wonder Denton is called a College Town as well.
When considering homes for sale in Denton, TX, families should analyze the safety aspects of the area.
In Denton, old residents don’t have to worry about feeling unsafe. In fact, about 62% of Denton residents feel pretty safe, with 31% feeling very safe; 62% say police are very visible and responsive.
Moreover, Denton has active safety initiatives like Vision Zero focused on reducing traffic fatalities and improving community safety engagement.
Lastly, Denton has several neighborhoods targeted for seniors, such as Robson Ranch, where the elderly can feel safe and have the company of other seniors.
As the official sources sometimes do not provide area-specific crime statistics, it is highly recommended that residents who want to settle in Denton should undertake their own research when considering homes for sale in Denton, TX.
Denton is a safe place to go out at night, especially in the downtown square and Fry Street; however, it is usually safe as long as one is aware. The Denton police department has a very active presence, and their “relational policing” is supposed to prevent the problem through community engagement.
Although the given statistics on the number of crimes in these areas at night are not usually isolated in the published government reports, the general picture in Denton is characterized by a reduced rate of crime in comparison to that in the state in general.
Property crimes, such as theft, are more common compared to violent ones. A person's safety should be given the first priority at all times: travel in groups, use a ride-sharing service and keep the surrounding area in mind.
Anyone planning to relocate here can also get information regarding the safest places surrounding nightlife centers by talking to a local real estate agent in Denton TX.
Another practice that takes place on both UNT and TWU campuses is the campus police patrolling the areas where students often hang out. In general, Denton has a vibrant atmosphere with an average safety population in regard to its nightlife.
If you’re thinking of moving to Denton, TX, you need to find your dream house in a secure community. Denton provides great possibilities both to families and students, as the crime rates are getting lower, and the community has good safety initiatives.
Being professional real estate agents in Denton, TX, AY Realty has been assisting homeowners and investors in the local market. We will show you the best deals on homes for sale in Denton, TX, within your budget and safety needs.
The safest areas in Denton, Texas include Southridge, Rayzor Ranch, and Denia. Southridge offers affordability, good schools, and a strong safety record. Rayzor Ranch provides suburban comfort with parks and upscale homes. Denia is a close-knit, diverse neighborhood known for its charm, community ties, and secure environment.
Denton, TX is a car-dependent city with an average Walk Score of 34, meaning most errands require a car. The city lacks extensive bike lanes and has a Bike Score of 46. Southridge and Northwood are Denton’s most walkable neighborhoods, offering better pedestrian access than the city average.
The racial makeup of Denton, Texas is 62.81% White, 15.34% multiracial, 11.69% Black or African American, 5.36% some other race, 3.91% Asian, 0.82% American Indian and Alaska Native, and 0.06% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. These figures reflect Denton’s diverse and evolving population.
