Is Carrollton Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Welcome to Carrollton, Texas—a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving community.

In this article, we’ll explore the heart of Carrollton in North Dallas, exploring its attractions, dining scene, and recreational opportunities.

Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Carrollton offers diversity and entertainment for its 134,000 residents and even more visitors.

In fact, this town is where Robert Van Winkle (aka Vanilla Ice) first started breakdancing and rapping.

Carrollton brings the best of the Dallas suburbs to life, with nearly two dozen local parks and a historical downtown area perfect for shopping for unique meals that break the mold of chain restaurants.

In addition to its cultural and culinary offerings, Carrollton hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and farmer’s markets.

Whether you’re strolling through Historic Downtown Carrollton or catching a live performance at Carrollton Square, there’s always something happening in this dynamic city.

It has previously ranked as one of the safest cities in Texas, but does that still hold true?

Let’s find out!

Warnings & Dangers in Carrollton

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Carrollton has a low risk, but not as low as you'd probably prefer. There are some bigger issues the city has been facing in recent years, but it's nothing that safety steps and common sense can't overcome. Plus, you have a lot of safe places to explore here.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) services Carrollton, with at least three stops. You can also easily get a rideshare or taxi in the Metroplex. Plus, rental cars are widely available for pickup at area airports. All options come with a low risk.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

Just one pickpocket was reported in 2022, but the five-year average shows about nine pickpockets or purse snatchings annually. The risk is low, but you can keep it that way by limiting what you carry with you.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Texas gets a lot of storms throughout the various seasons, but the tornado season in the spring and early summer is the most risky. Severe thunderstorms with intense lightning, flash flooding, and gorilla hail are also possible. Extreme heat in the summer, drought, and wildfires are other concerns, all leading to the advice that there's a medium risk here which warrants checking the weather several times a day.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The robbery rate is 54% lower than the national average. In addition, just 12% of robberies were muggings in 2022. The risk is low.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

As a distribution and transportation hub, the Metroplex gets a medium risk, but it also comes with an abundant amount of security. As is the same when visiting any large city, report suspicious activity immediately.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. The local Better Business Bureau office and the state Attorney General’s office will have common scam tactics and protection advice.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

A recent serial rapist infected with HIV caused a scare in Carrollton, with at least six victims coming forward. The suspect has been arrested, but it's a reminder of how even safe cities can come with risks. Women shouldn't be overly worried about the risk here, but it's also important to stick with groups and avoid walking around at night alone.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2022 Water Quality Report for Carrollton shows full compliance.

Safest Places to Visit in Carrollton

Any major tourism website for the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex will include the suburbs, like Carrollton, but you can also use the Downtown Historic Carrollton website to find hyper-local things to do.

The Carrollton city website has a list of “Amenities,” which includes things to do.

Check for local events or theater performances downtown before your trip to make the most of a day strolling through the shops or a night on the town.

Check the Facebook page @shopsofdowntowncarrollton for updates.

This unique collection of boutiques, eateries, and outdoor spaces is a central gathering point for the community.

To learn more about the history of Carrollton, visit the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum.

The Victorian home with gingerbread trim is as inviting inside the elaborate rooms as it is outside in the gardens.

You can explore on your own or schedule a guided tour.

The Elm Fork Nature Preserve offers a wonderful outdoor experience across 40 acres.

Trails are open from sunrise to sunset throughout the year.

It’s also a great place for wildlife viewing, with armadillos, the Texas spiny lizard, and owls just a few animals calling the preserve home.

To cool off in the summer, make a splash at Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex.

Enjoy the lazy river, swim laps in the pool, or tackle one of two waterslides.

Places to Avoid in Carrollton

While there aren’t necessarily bad parts of Carrollton, the northern half is more upper-class than the southern half.

That dividing line is the county line between Denton and Dallas counties.

You can also use the Turnpike as the diving line between the two.

You will find plenty of hotels on the fringe of Carrollton, but the central parts are mostly residential.

If you want the safest area, look at the northeast side of the city.

Also, you should know that Carrollton is surrounded by toll roads on three sides.

Most rental cars will come with a toll box that adds up the charges and puts it on your final bill.

You can check the toll costs by visiting ntta.org or creating an account on the NTTA Tollmate App.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Carrollton

So... How Safe Is Carrollton Really?

Statistically, Carrollton looks like a safe suburb with violent crime rates 37% below the national average and 44% below the state average.

On top of that, 85% of all crime victims know their attacker, according to 2022 crime data.

The city averages four car thefts a week, a number down from 10 a week in 2018.

Theft rates are 15% lower than the national average, with more than half – 56% – of thefts related to car burglaries or accessory thefts.

On top of that, Carrollton is a nice area, with a diverse population and an average income of $95,000.

It has also been named one of the safest cities in Texas a few times over the past decade.

Yet, some of the headlines might make you wary of this community.

As happens in most communities, a car burglary ring was busted.

Up to 60 cars were hit in one night, a sobering reminder to lock your car and leave no personal belongings inside.

One of the biggest stories out of Carrollton in 2022 centered around teen overdoses, with at least a dozen victims, three of whom died.

The drugs they were given had lethal amounts of fentanyl inside.

Another 2022 story was the murder of a 21-year-old woman after a road rage incident.

The other driver pulled a gun and fired repeatedly at the vehicle with several people inside.

In 2024, an HIV positive man was accused of sexually assaulting at least three women.

It’s important to see some of the bigger news stories to know that crime statistics don’t always tell the whole story.

As far as the suburbs of the Metroplex go, Carrollton is about as safe as you can expect without having a much smaller community further outside the region.

It’s critical to avoid taking any pills from people here, as fentanyl-laced drugs are a big problem.

Even if the pills look like a prescription you get, never take any medication unless it’s from a licensed pharmacy.

You’ll need street smarts and common sense, but otherwise, your trip to Carrollton should be safe.

How Does Carrollton Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You’ll quickly find out which one you need. Also, keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after our trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. International airports usually have a currency exchange desk on site, while regional airports won’t. Your home bank offers the lowest fees. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges. I checked the nearby airports, and DFW does have a currency exchange, while Dallas Love Field Airport has ATMs where you can get cash.

Weather

Dallas stays mostly mild in the winter, with a few brief cold weather spells. Spring and fall are in the 70s or 70s with lows in the 50s or 60s (all temps F). Summers are hot and humid, with average highs in the mid-90s and the heat index reaching triple digits. Bring bug spray and clothing that can handle sweat. Sunscreen will be helpful, too.

Airports

Dallas Forth Worth International Airport (DFW) is 15 miles from Carrollton and Dallas Love Field Airport is 16 miles away.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance goes into effect as soon as you purchase it. Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind.

Carrollton Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Texas - Safety by City