Is Arlington Texas Safe? Safety and Crime Insights

Home to iconic stadiums and sprawling neighborhoods, Arlington promises major-league living. But before you buy a ticket, the essential question is: Is Arlington, Texas, a safe place to live?

In this article, we will discuss how safe Arlington, Texas, is. We will share the recent crime statistics and some of the safest areas to choose. We will also share the areas to avoid and some safety tips to ensure your well-being.

Is Arlington, Texas, Safe?

According to NeighborhoodScout, Arlington's violent crime rate (VCR) is 4.81 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure is a bit higher than the national average of 4.

The property crime picture is more pronounced. The city's property crime rate (PCR) is 24.32 per 1,000 residents, which is substantially above the U.S. average of 19. This elevated rate reflects a significant, ongoing challenge with thefts, burglaries, and vehicle-related crimes across many parts of the city.

Source: Arlington, TX Crime Rates and Statistics - NeighborhoodScout

How Safe Is Arlington, Texas?

With a VCR of 4.81, the city reports a notable volume of violent crime, including approximately 17 murders, 291 rapes, 241 robberies, and over 1,392 aggravated assaults each year.

The property crime rate of 24.32 per 1,000 translates into thousands of annual incidents. This includes roughly 1,076 burglaries, over 7,000 larcenies-thefts, and more than 1,650 motor vehicle thefts. This breakdown shows that theft in its various forms is by far the most common criminal threat residents face.

Examining crime trends reveals a city making measured progress against violence but struggling with property crime. Recent police reports show a decrease in several violent crime categories, including robbery. Conversely, trends for burglary and motor vehicle theft have remained stubbornly flat, indicating these remain pervasive and unresolved challenges for the community.

5 Safest Neighborhoods in Arlington, Texas

The city features several communities with crime rates dramatically lower than the city average.

Viridian

This master-planned community is in a league of its own for safety. Its VCR is virtually non-existent, and its PCR is a fraction of the city's average. Security is engineered into the community through controlled access, a dedicated private patrol, and a vigilant homeowners' association that enforces strict standards, creating a notably insulated environment.

North Arlington (River Legacy Park Area)

Neighborhoods like Interloche,n adjacent to River Legacy Park, boast impressive safety metrics. The VCR here is well below 2 per 1,000, and the PCR is under 20. Safety is sustained by high homeownership rates, the natural buffer of the massive park, and active neighborhood watches that foster a strong culture of mutual oversight and community pride.

Southwest Arlington (Lake Arlington)

The communities around Lake Arlington report a VCR consistently below 3 per 1,000. The PCR in these areas is manageable, typically in the low 20s. The suburban, family-oriented layout with cul-de-sacs, combined with the recreational draw of the lake, which increases natural surveillance, creates a stable and secure residential atmosphere.

East Arlington (University Area - Select Neighborhoods)

Contrary to the broader area's reputation, specific neighborhoods like those in the Johnson Creek area near UT Arlington maintain respectable safety. These areas benefit from the university's security footprint and a mix of stable, long-term residents, resulting in a VCR near 3 and a PCR around 25, offering safer options within the eastern sector.

Central Arlington (Heritage District)

The historic Heritage District demonstrates that safety can exist in the urban core. Its VCR is low, and its PCR, while higher than remote suburbs, is below the city average. Safety here is actively maintained through a powerful neighborhood association, historic preservation efforts that increase property values and owner-occupancy, and a deeply engaged citizenry.

Source: Arlington, TX Crime Rates: Stats & Map

Where Not to Stay in Arlington, Texas?

These areas often see a concentration of incidents that impact both safety and quality of life.

• Sections of Southeast Arlington, particularly along the Pioneer Parkway and Matlock Road corridors with high-density, older apartment complexes, report elevated levels of both property and violent crime.
• Parts of East Arlington away from the stabilizing influence of UT Arlington, especially near the intersection of Division Street and Collins Street, face persistent challenges.
• For short-term stays, it is advisable to thoroughly vet specific addresses and avoid budget motels along the I-30 service roads between Collins Street and Cooper Street. These locations frequently appear in police reports for vehicle break-ins and other property crimes.

Key Safety Tips to Stay in Arlington, Texas

Thriving in Arlington requires adopting a strategic, layered approach to personal and property security. Move beyond basic advice with these targeted, effective practices.

• At stadiums or Six Flags, conceal valuables in your vehicle's locked glove compartment before arrival, not in the trunk in the parking lot. Thieves scout lots, watching for this behavior.
• When in commercial corridors like Pioneer Parkway at night, choose drive-thrus over parking and walking. If you must park, select spots directly under light poles and adjacent to the building's entrance.
• Use smart plugs to randomize interior lighting schedules when away. For exterior surveillance, install the Reolink Duo 3V PoE. Its 16MP UHD and 180° panorama provide forensic-grade clarity, while its IK10 vandal-proof rating withstands tampering.

• Before renting, visit the complex at night. Check for broken perimeter fencing, dark common areas, and overflowing mailroom, clear signs of lax management that correlate with higher crime.
• When near the university at night, walk along routes serviced by the UTA shuttle or well-lit paths with blue emergency phones. These corridors have increased security monitoring.
• Enroll in the city's free emergency notification system. This provides real-time police advisories for your specific neighborhood, from suspicious activity patterns to active incidents, keeping you informed.

FAQs

Is Arlington or Dallas safer?

Data shows Arlington generally has a lower violent crime rate than Dallas. However, its property crime rate is comparable, meaning the risk of theft or burglary is similar between the two cities.

Is Arlington safe to walk around?

It is safe in specific, well-defined areas like the entertainment district during events, paved trails in River Legacy Park by day, and within the secure, suburban neighborhoods. Walking in commercial corridors or less familiar areas after dark is not recommended.

Conclusion

Arlington, Texas, has an elevated violent crime and property crime rate compared to the national average. Some of its areas are extremely safe with low crime rates, while some have a higher number of crime reports. We have shared these areas along with some safety measures that you should consider to ensure your safety in the city.