Denton, TX Crime Rate & Safety

Denton, TX has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 4% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 266 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 48 chance for property crime. Denton has lower crime than 35% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Denton has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 88% of the city's 8 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Wheeler Ridge is one of the safest areas, while Texas Woman's University has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Denton is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Denton are Wheeler Ridge, Oakmont Country Club Estates, Robson Ranch, Northwood, and Southridge. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Denton include Texas Woman's University, Downtown Denton, University of North Texas, Southridge, and Northwood. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Denton is 375.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 1% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 266 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.9 per 100K (3% below average); aggravated assault at 265.3 per 100K (1% below average); robbery at 72.5 per 100K (2% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Denton is 2,082.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 14% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 48 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 303.4 per 100K (12% above average); larceny/theft at 1,469.6 per 100K (5% above average); vehicle theft at 309.9 per 100K (3% below average).

Denton's overall crime rate is 4% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is burglary (12% above average), while murder is 3% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Denton has lower crime than 35% of them.

Visitors to Denton should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 14% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Wheeler Ridge, Oakmont Country Club Estates, Robson Ranch.

Texas as a whole has crime that is 10% above the national average. Denton's crime rate is 4% below the national average, making it roughly comparable to the typical Texas city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Denton, with an estimated rate of 1,469.6 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 5% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,083 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (376 per 100K) in Denton, which is consistent with national trends.