Dallas, Fort Worth violent crime, homicides dropping

Violent crime, including homicides, has dropped so far this year compared to 2023 in Dallas and Fort Worth.

Why it matters: Most large U.S. cities are starting to see drops in violence after sharp increases during the pandemic.

• The number of homicides in 204 cities dropped 20% in the first three months this year compared to the same time last year, per an AH Datalytics report reviewed by Axios.

State of play: Dallas has gotten national recognition for drops in crime while other large metros were still seeing increases.

• Chief Eddie Garcia credits his violent crime reduction plan , which is in its third year.

By the numbers: Violent crime , including assaults and sex offenses, through March is down 9% compared to the same time last year in Dallas.

• Homicides are down more than 27% during that period.
• Fort Worth reported crimes, including robbery, assault and motor vehicle theft, dropped 21% in the first three months of the year compared to 2023, per state data .
• Fort Worth homicides are down more than 56% during that time.

Between the lines: Analyzing homicide numbers can help assess a city's safety but reductions are only meaningful if other violent crimes, including assaults and robberies, are also decreasing.

The bottom line: Dallas has received fewer 911 calls this year, compared to last. The city started directing residents last year to report non-emergencies online.

Editor's note: The chart headline has been corrected to note that it is a selection of major cities, not the most populous cities.