Safest and Most Dangerous Places in Denton TX

With a strong student population and growing residential areas, Denton TX offers a mix of suburban comfort and urban energy. However, like most mid-sized U.S. cities, its crime rate presents a mixed picture, varying by neighborhood and type of crime. Here, the real question is - Is Denton safe? This guide on the safest and most dangerous places in Denton TX will help you understand where to live and what areas to avoid.

Known for its student-friendly atmosphere, strong academic presence, and live music culture, Denton is home to universities such as Texas Woman’s University and the University of North Texas. This guide breaks down the safest and most dangerous places in Denton TX, especially from a student perspective. 

Is Denton Safe for Students?

Denton is safe for students, especially compared to larger urban centers. However, safety is relative, and knowing what the safest and most dangerous places in Denton TX helps you choose the best place to live in Denton TX. 

With its rich history, the city has beautiful neighborhoods alongside modern developments. Denton’s strong sense of community is evident in its local festivals and events, making it a suitable city for students and families. 

Home to some of the most prestigious universities, like the University of North Texas, Denton has a youthful and dynamic atmosphere. Additionally, there are a lot of dining options, live music venues, and outdoor activities that provide entertainment opportunities for everyone. 

Safest Neighborhoods in Denton TX

Living in Denton is safe, all thanks to some neighborhoods. They are known for their educational environment, lower crime rate, and day-to-day life. These areas are some of the safest and most dangerous places in Denton TX, for student living.

1.Downtown Denton

• Student population: 29,794
• Crime rate: 20-35 crimes per 1,000
• Safety index: 65-74/100
• Crime pattern: Mostly property crimes such as theft, vehicle break-ins, and late-night disturbances
• Why crime is higher: Busy nightlife, restaurants, bars, and heavy foot traffic
• Student note: Safe during the day; extra caution advised at night, especially near nightlife zones.

Downtown is one of the best neighborhoods in Denton TX. The city is known for its walkable streets and historic buildings, attracting young students to live and study here. Students enjoy closeness to boutique stores, local coffee shops, live music venues like Dan’s Silverleaf, and the iconic Courthouse-on-the-Square. 

2.Southridge

• Student population: 2,054
• Crime rate: 10-20 crimes per 1,000
• Safety index: 75-84/100
• Crime pattern: Minimal property crime, very few violent incidents
• Why it’s safer: Quiet residential setup, limited commercial activity
• Ideal for: Students seeking peaceful living, families, and long-term renters
• Student note: Great for students who prefer calm, study-friendly neighborhoods

Southridge is a family-friendly area. Located south of downtown, the area has a lot of single-family homes with backyards. People living here appreciate the fact that the streets are walkable, safe, and close to parks and playgrounds. 

3.Robson Ranch

• Student population: 2,892
• Crime rate: 0-10 crimes per 1,000
• Safety index: 85-95/100
• Crime pattern: Rare
• Why it’s safer: Low population density, strong community monitoring
• Ideal for: Residents prioritizing safety
• Student note: Perfect for students who value peace and security. Although farther from campus amenities, and more suitable if you have a car.

Robson Ranch is one of the safest places to live in Denton. This luxurious neighborhood is quite expensive, as it offers resort-style amenities like pools, fitness centers, golf courses, and social clubs. 

4.Cooper Creek and Blagg Road

• Student population: 2,000
• Crime rate: 0-10 crimes per 1,000
• Safety index: 85-95/100
• Crime pattern: Rare 
• Why it’s safer: Gated-style residential sections, low population density, and strong community monitoring
• Ideal for: Families and residents who prioritise safety and a peaceful lifestyle
• Student note: Perfect for students who value peace and security.

The Cooper Creek and Blagg Road area in Denton is one of the safer residential neighborhoods in the city. With lower crime activity compared to many urban and student-heavy zones, this area has well-established neighborhoods in Denton. Students get easy access to parks, making it appealing for both long-term residents and individuals who prefer a calm setting.

5.Oakmont

• Student population: 1,893
• Crime rate: 0-10 crimes per 1,000
• Safety index: 85-95/100
• Crime pattern: Extremely limited reports of both violent and property crime
• Why it’s safer: Professional neighborhood, controlled access, and lower congestion
• Student note: Excellent for students seeking a secure, quiet living environment. However, it is further from downtown nightlife and campus life, so transportation is key.

Oakmont is known for its proximity to the Oakmont Country Club. The area offers decent living with extra amenities like tennis courts and golf courses. Students can enjoy peaceful streets with beautifully landscaped properties. Hence, it is one of the best neighborhoods in Denton.

Dangerous neighborhoods in Denton

This section highlights the most dangerous places in Denton TX, and explains why some locations report higher incidents than others.

Overall, Denton crime rate is higher than the national average, typically ranging between 25 to 31 reported crimes per 1,000 people. This includes

• Violent crime
• Property-related crime

While this figure is quite concerning, it is important to note that the crimes are not evenly distributed. Some areas report fewer incidents, while busier areas account for more crimes. 

Violent crime in Denton is relatively low. Serious offenses such as assault, robbery, and aggravated violence occur approximately 2.5 to 3 incidents per 1,000 residents. This places Denton below the national average for violent crime, indicating that people are less likely to experience serious physical harm compared to people living in many other American cities. 

Property crime is the primary contributor to the Denton crime rate. Offenses such as theft, burglary, vehicle break-ins, and package theft are very common. This is estimated to be 22 to 23 incidents per 1,000 residents annually. It means the chances of experiencing property-related crime are significantly higher than violent crime. Areas with higher foot traffic, student housing, nightlife zones, and commercial corridors tend to see more of these incidents.

Denton crime rate presents a moderate safety profile. Violent crime is comparatively low, while property crime drives most safety concerns. Choosing the best neighborhoods in Denton TX, and following basic safety practices can significantly reduce risk, making Denton safest places to live for students.

Some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Denton have a relatively higher crime rate than other neighborhoods. The most common crimes you can see here are property-related. The violent crime rates are lower all over Denton. 

Below is the list of the most dangerous places in Denton

1.Bernard Street / Scripture Street

The neighborhoods around Bernard Street and Scripture Street are among the most student-centric areas in Denton. Most reported incidents are property-related, such as bike thefts, package theft, and occasional vehicle break-ins. 

Crime is higher mainly because of the dense student population, frequent foot traffic, and active nightlife. For students, this area is ideal for daily campus life, but it’s important to secure valuables, use bike locks, and stick to well-lit routes, especially at night.

2.Fort Worth Drive corridor

The Fort Worth drive corridor is a busy, high-traffic area packed with restaurants, retail outlets, transit stops, and apartment complexes. 

The most common issues here involve opportunistic property crimes, including car break-ins and theft from parked vehicles. The higher crime activity is largely due to constant traffic movement, public parking spaces, and mixed commercial use. 

Students living near this corridor should prioritise accommodations with secure parking, good lighting, and controlled access, and avoid leaving personal belongings visible in vehicles.

3.West Denton

West Denton features a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial developments, offering affordable student housing in Denton TX. The area has a moderate crime rate, with most incidents linked to property crime rather than violent offenses. 

While West Denton remains safer than many large urban areas, students should choose well-managed housing communities with security features such as CCTV, gated access, and proper street lighting for a safer living experience.

General Safety Tips for Students

• Stay aware of your surroundings
• Choose well-lit streets
• Try to go out in groups at night
• Know your owner well
• Protect your vehicle with locks
• Carry personal safety devices, such as pepper spray
• Have an emergency contact number for security

What is it Like to Live in Denton, TX?

Safer living in Denton depends on choosing the right neighborhood. While areas like Southridge, Downtown, Cooper Creek & Blagg Road, and Oakmont have lower crime rates, busier areas around universities and west Denton report higher crime rates due to nightlife, student density, and commercial activities. 

This curated list of the safest and most dangerous places in Denton TX helps students identify where to find the safest places to live. Being aware of which neighborhoods have higher or lower crime, picking housing with good security, and staying alert in busy areas can go a long way. 

Once you understand the safest and most dangerous places in Denton TX, it becomes much easier to decide where to live confidently. With a little planning and common sense, students and residents can enjoy Denton’s universities, local culture, and everyday life comfortably and with peace of mind.

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